How to renew your Florida driver's license online, by mail, or in person
Florida lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online at the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a local driver's license office. Most people can renew online without visiting an office, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $48 for a four-year license or $75 for an eight-year license. You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method.
The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how soon you need it, and whether you've had recent changes to your name or address. If your license has already expired, you can still renew online as long as it expired less than six months ago. If it expired more than six months ago, you'll need to renew in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the DHSMV website takes about 10 minutes and works if your current license is valid or expired less than six months ago.
- Mail renewal is available only if you have a valid, unexpired license and don't need to change your address or name.
- In-person renewal at a driver's license office is required if your license expired more than six months ago or if you need to update your address, name, or photo.
- A four-year Florida license costs $48 online; an eight-year license costs $75; prices are slightly higher in person.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the renewal, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
Renewing online through the DHSMV website
Online renewal is the fastest and most common route. Go to the official DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov), click the "Renew Your License" button, and follow the prompts. You'll enter your current license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will pull up your current information and ask you to confirm or update it.
You can renew online if your license is currently valid or expired less than six months ago. You cannot renew online if you need to change your address, name, or photo, or if your license has been suspended or revoked. If any of those explore, you must renew in person.
After you confirm your information and choose your license type (four-year or eight-year), you'll pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. The fee is $48 for a four-year license or $75 for an eight-year license. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal is an option only if your license is valid (not expired) and you don't need to change your address or name. To renew by mail, call the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639) and request a mail renewal form. You can also visit a driver's license office in person and ask for the form.
Once you receive the form, fill it out completely, include a check or money order for the renewal fee ($48 for four-year, $75 for eight-year), and mail it to the address printed on the form. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DHSMV receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail after processing is complete.
Mail renewal is slower than online renewal and requires you to write a check or money order, so most people choose to renew online instead. Use mail renewal only if you have no internet access or strongly prefer not to use a credit or debit card.
Renewing in person at a driver's license office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than six months ago, if you need to change your address or name, if you want to update your photo, or if your license has been suspended or revoked. You'll also renew in person if you want to change your license class (for example, adding a motorcycle endorsement).
Find your nearest driver's license office on the DHSMV website and check its hours before you go. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you're changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You'll pay $48 for a four-year license or $75 for an eight-year license, plus a $7 office fee (total $55 or $82). Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can request a temporary paper license to drive while you wait for the new one to arrive.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than six months
If your Florida license expired more than six months ago, you cannot renew it—you must explore for a new license. This means you'll need to visit a driver's license office in person, bring the same documents you would for an in-person renewal (current ID, proof of Social Security number, proof of address), and pay the full fee for a new license rather than a renewal fee.
The process is similar to an in-person renewal: the office will take a new photo, verify your information, and mail your new license within 7 to 10 business days. You can request a temporary paper license to drive while you wait. If you're unsure whether your license qualifies as expired or lapsed, call the DHSMV at 1-844-357-3639 to confirm before you visit an office.
Choosing between a four-year and eight-year license
When you renew, you'll choose between a four-year license ($48) and an eight-year license ($75). The only difference is how long it lasts before you need to renew again. A four-year license is cheaper upfront but requires you to renew more often. An eight-year license costs more but lasts twice as long, so you renew less frequently.
Most people choose based on their situation: if you expect to move, change your name, or update your photo soon, a four-year license may make sense. If you plan to stay in the same place with the same name and photo for the next eight years, an eight-year license saves you money and time in the long run. The choice is yours each time you renew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Florida license if I don't live in Florida anymore?
No. You must renew your license in the state where you currently live. If you've moved out of Florida, you need to get a driver's license from your new state. You can surrender your Florida license to the new state's licensing office, or you can keep it as a non-driver ID if you no longer drive.
What if I lost my current license and can't find my license number?
Call the DHSMV at 1-844-357-3639 and provide your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. They can look up your license number and help you renew. You can also visit a driver's license office in person with your proof of identity and address, and staff will help you locate your information.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online renewal. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to drive before it arrives and your current license is expired, you can visit a driver's license office and request a temporary paper license.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person at a driver's license office?
Most Florida driver's license offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis and do not require appointments. However, some offices offer online appointment scheduling. Check the DHSMV website for your local office to see if appointments are available. Arriving early in the morning usually means shorter wait times.
Can I renew my license if it's been suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the DHSMV. Call 1-844-357-3639 to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. Once it's restored, you can renew normally.