How to renew your Florida driver license
You can renew your Florida driver license by mail, online, or in person at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. The method you use depends on your license type, how much time is left before expiration, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office.
Your Florida license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 90 days before your license expires. That notice includes a renewal code you will need if you choose to renew online or by mail.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Florida DHSMV website is the fastest method and takes about 10 minutes if your license is not suspended and you have not changed your address.
- Mail renewal requires sending your renewal notice, a check or money order, and a new photo to the DHSMV; processing takes two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal at a DHSMV office is necessary if your license is suspended, you need to change your address, or you want to update your photo without waiting.
- The renewal fee is $75 for an eight-year license, though you may pay less if your current license has more than four years remaining.
- You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled, or if you have unpaid traffic violations or child support obligations.
Online renewal through the DHSMV website
Online renewal is available at gorenew.com, the official Florida DHSMV renewal portal. You will need your renewal code (from the notice mailed to you), your driver license number, and your date of birth. The process takes about 10 minutes and you will receive a temporary digital license when ready that you can use while your physical card is in the mail.
Your new license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot renew online if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled; if you have unpaid traffic violations; if you owe child support; or if you need to change your address. If any of these explore, you must renew in person.
Online renewal costs $75 for an eight-year license. If your current license has more than four years remaining, you will pay a prorated amount instead. You will pay by debit card or credit card during the online transaction.
Mail renewal with a new photo
If you want to renew by mail, you will need to send your renewal notice, a new color photo (4 inches by 5 inches), a check or money order for $75, and a completed process form. The DHSMV mails you the process form with your renewal notice, or you can read it from the DHSMV website before your notice arrives.
Mail your materials to the address printed on your renewal notice. Processing takes two to three weeks after the DHSMV receives your envelope. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time. Your new license will arrive by mail once processing is complete.
Mail renewal is useful if you want a new photo but do not want to visit an office, or if you prefer not to use the online system. However, it is slower than online renewal and you cannot use a digital license while you wait.
In-person renewal at a DHSMV office
Visit a DHSMV office if your license is suspended or revoked, if you need to change your address, if you want a new photo without waiting, or if you are uncomfortable renewing online or by mail. Bring your current driver license, proof of residency (a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and payment of $75.
You can schedule an appointment online through the DHSMV website to reduce wait times, or you can walk in. Walk-in service is available but may involve a longer wait, especially during peak hours (late morning and early afternoon on weekdays). Processing at the office usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
You will receive your new license on the spot if you renew in person. The office will take a new photo as part of the renewal process, so you do not need to bring one. If you are renewing because your license is suspended, the office staff will explain the reason and what you must do to clear the suspension before you can drive legally again.
What happens if your license is suspended or revoked
You cannot renew your license online or by mail if it is suspended, revoked, or cancelled. A suspension is temporary; a revocation is permanent unless you go through a formal reinstatement process. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, a DUI conviction, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations.
To find out why your license is suspended, visit the DHSMV website and use the license status check tool, or call the DHSMV at 1-844-353-3362. Once you know the reason, you will need to resolve it (pay fines, resolve child support, complete a DUI course, or wait out the suspension period) before you can renew. In-person renewal at a DHSMV office is your only option, and the office staff can tell you what steps to take next.
Address changes and license updates
If you have moved since your license was issued, you must update your address before or during renewal. You cannot change your address online through gorenew.com; you must renew in person at a DHSMV office or by mail.
For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). For mail renewal, include a letter explaining your address change along with your renewal notice and photo. Processing by mail takes longer because the DHSMV must verify your new address before issuing your license.
If you move after renewing your license, you can update your address without renewing by visiting a DHSMV office or by mail, but it is often easier to wait and update during your next renewal.
Timeline and what to expect
Your renewal notice arrives about 90 days before your license expires. You can renew at any point after receiving the notice, even if your license has not yet expired. Renewing early means your new license will arrive before the old one expires, so you will not have a gap in valid identification.
If you miss the renewal important date and your license expires, you can still renew using the same methods, but you will not be able to drive legally until your new license arrives. Expired licenses cannot be used for identification or driving. If your license has been expired for more than six months, you may need to retake the written test and vision test in addition to renewing.
| Renewal Method | Time to Receive License | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (gorenew.com) | 7–10 business days | $75 | Fast renewal with no office visit; digital license available when ready |
| 2–3 weeks | $75 | New photo without visiting an office | |
| In-person at DHSMV office | Same day | $75 | Suspended license, address change, or need when ready renewal |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Florida license if I live out of state?
Yes. If you are a Florida resident living temporarily out of state, you can renew online through gorenew.com or by mail. You cannot renew in person at a DHSMV office unless you are physically in Florida. If your license is suspended or you need to change your address, you will need to visit a Florida DHSMV office or contact them by phone to resolve the issue before renewing by mail.
What if I did not receive my renewal notice in the mail?
Contact the DHSMV at 1-844-353-3362 to request a replacement notice or to get your renewal code. You can also visit a DHSMV office in person. If you have lost your renewal code, you will need to renew in person or by mail instead of online.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket?
No. You cannot renew online if you have unpaid traffic violations. You must pay the ticket or resolve it through the court before you can renew. Once the violation is cleared from your record, you can renew online, by mail, or in person. If you are unsure whether you have outstanding violations, call the DHSMV or check your status on the DHSMV website.
How much does it cost to renew if my license expires soon?
The renewal fee is $75 for a full eight-year license. If your current license has more than four years remaining when you renew, you will pay a prorated amount based on how much time is left. The exact amount will be shown when you begin the online renewal process or when you visit a DHSMV office.
What if my name has changed since I got my license?
You must renew in person at a DHSMV office and bring legal proof of your name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The office will update your name during the renewal process. You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed.