How to Renew Your Florida Driver's License

The fastest way to renew in Florida

You can renew your Florida driver's license online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website, by mail, or in person at a driver license office. Online renewal is the quickest option if you meet the requirements — most people get their new license within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to take a new photo or pass a test unless your license has been expired for more than 6 months or you have certain medical conditions.

Your license is valid for 8 years in Florida. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 6 months before your license expires, but you can renew up to 6 months early if you want to. The cost is $75 for a standard 8-year renewal, though the price may vary if you are renewing a commercial license or a license with special endorsements.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the DHSMV website is available if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not had a name change since your last license.
You will need your current Florida driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail by sending your current license and a check or money order to the DHSMV, or visit a driver license office in person.
Florida driver licenses are valid for 8 years, and you can renew up to 6 months before your license expires.
If your license has been expired for more than 6 months, you will need to take a new photo and may need to pass a written test at a driver license office.

Renewing online through the DHSMV website

To renew online, go to the official DHSMV website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current Florida driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The system will ask you to verify your identity and confirm your current address. If your address has changed, you can update it during the renewal process.

Online renewal is not available if your license is already expired, if you have medical restrictions on your license, if you have changed your name since your last license was issued, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license. You also cannot renew online if you need to add or remove endorsements such as a motorcycle endorsement. In those cases, you will need to renew in person or by mail.

Once you complete the online form and pay the $75 renewal fee with a credit or debit card, you will receive a confirmation email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, usually within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, send your current Florida driver's license along with a check or money order for $75 to the DHSMV address listed on your renewal notice. Do not send cash. Include a note with your name and current address if your address has changed since your last license was issued.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — typically 2 to 3 weeks for processing, plus mailing time in both directions. This option works well if you prefer not to visit an office or if you do not have internet access. Like online renewal, mail renewal is not available if your license is expired, if you have medical restrictions, or if you need to change your name or add endorsements.

Renewing in person at a driver license office

You can renew your license in person at any Florida driver license office. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment of $75. You do not need an appointment for a standard renewal, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning or on weekdays typically means shorter lines.

In-person renewal is required if your license is expired, if you have medical restrictions, if you have changed your name, or if you need to add or remove endorsements. You will have a new photo taken during the renewal process. If your license has been expired for more than 6 months, you may also need to pass a written test on Florida traffic laws.

The DHSMV website has a list of all driver license offices in Florida with their hours and locations. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead to ask about wait times can help you plan your visit.

What happens if your license has expired

If your license has been expired for 6 months or less, you can still renew it using any of the three methods — online, by mail, or in person. However, you cannot drive legally on an expired license, so renew as soon as possible.

If your license has been expired for more than 6 months, you must renew in person at a driver license office. You will need to have a new photo taken and pass a written test on Florida traffic laws. Bring your current (expired) license, proof of residency, and payment of $75. The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Florida Driver's Handbook, which is available free on the DHSMV website.

Renewing a commercial driver's license

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a driver license office. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and payment of $75. You will have a new photo taken.

Depending on your CDL class and endorsements, you may need to pass a written test or a skills test. The DHSMV website lists the specific requirements for each CDL class. If you need to add or remove endorsements, you will also need to pass the relevant endorsement test. Plan extra time for a CDL renewal appointment, as the process takes longer than a standard license renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Florida license if I live out of state?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you meet all other requirements. If you cannot renew online, mail your current license and payment to the DHSMV address on your renewal notice.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. You must visit a driver license office in person and bring proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will also need your current license and proof of residency.

How long does a renewed Florida license take to arrive?

Online and mail renewals typically take 7 to 10 business days for processing, plus mailing time. In-person renewals are faster — you receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license when ready, renewing in person is your best option.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

If you renew online or by mail, your current photo is used. If you renew in person, a new photo is taken. If your license has been expired for more than 6 months, you must renew in person and will have a new photo taken.

What if I lost my license before it expired?

If your license is lost or stolen, you need to replace it rather than renew it. Visit a driver license office in person with proof of residency and payment of $25 for a replacement. You can renew at the same time if your license is close to expiration, which costs an additional $75.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.