How to Renew Your Florida Driver License

How Florida Driver License Renewal Works

Florida lets you renew your driver license online, by mail, or in person at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. Which method you can use depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people under 80 with a valid license can renew online or by mail without visiting an office.

Your Florida license is valid for eight years if you are under 80, and four years if you are 80 or older. The DHSMV sends renewal notices by mail about 90 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the DHSMV website is the fastest option and costs $47.50 for an eight-year license if you are under 80.
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than six months, if you need a new photo, or if you are over 80.
Mail renewal takes four to six weeks and requires you to send your current license and a check or money order to the DHSMV.
Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and your current license to any DHSMV office for in-person renewal, which takes about 30 minutes.
If your address has changed, you must update it during renewal; you cannot update your address online without renewing your license.

Online Renewal Through the DHSMV Website

Online renewal is available at gorenew.com, the official Florida DHSMV renewal portal. You will need your current Florida driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The process takes about 10 minutes and you can complete it from home on a computer or phone.

Online renewal costs $47.50 for an eight-year license if you are under 80, or $24.75 for a four-year license if you are 80 or older. You pay by debit card or credit card during checkout. Your new license will arrive by mail in seven to 10 business days.

You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than six months, if you need to change your photo, if you are over 80, or if you have certain medical conditions that require DHSMV review. If any of these explore, you must renew by mail or in person.

Mail Renewal and What to Send

To renew by mail, you will need to send your current Florida driver license, a check or money order for $47.50 (or $24.75 if you are 80 or older), and the renewal form. The DHSMV does not accept credit or debit cards by mail.

Mail your renewal packet to:

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Driver License Bureau Neil Rogers Building 2900 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, FL 32399

Processing takes four to six weeks from the date the DHSMV receives your packet. Your new license will arrive by mail after processing is complete. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal at a DHSMV office is faster.

In-Person Renewal at a DHSMV Office

You can walk in to any DHSMV office to renew your license without an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring your current Florida driver license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days).

In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and costs the same as online or mail renewal: $47.50 for an eight-year license if you are under 80, or $24.75 for a four-year license if you are 80 or older. You pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Your new license is printed on site and you leave with it the same day.

In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than six months, if you are over 80, if you need a new photo, or if you have a medical condition that requires DHSMV review. You must also renew in person if you are changing your name or gender marker.

Address Changes and Photo Updates

If you have moved since your license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. Online renewal allows you to change your address as part of the process. If you renew by mail or in person, your new address will be printed on your new license.

You cannot request a new photo online or by mail. If you want a new photo on your license, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office. Your photo is updated automatically during in-person renewal unless you ask the office not to take a new one.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired

If your license has been expired for six months or less, you can renew online or by mail using the same process as a current license. If your license has been expired for more than six months, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office. Bring the same documents you would bring for a regular in-person renewal.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Florida, even if you have a renewal process pending. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show proof that you have submitted a renewal process, but this does not may provide you will avoid a citation. Renew as soon as your license expires to avoid this risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You can renew online at gorenew.com or by mail from anywhere. You cannot renew in person at a DHSMV office unless you are physically in Florida. If you have moved out of state permanently, you should update your address to your new state address during online renewal, though Florida will still mail your new license to the address on file.

What if my name has changed since my license was issued?

You must renew in person at a DHSMV office and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Online and mail renewal do not allow name changes. Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address along with the name change document.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

Your new license arrives by mail in seven to 10 business days after you complete online renewal. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the date the DHSMV receives your packet. In-person renewal is the fastest option — you receive your new license the same day.

Can I renew my license if it was suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the DHSMV, which may require paying a reinstatement fee or completing a required course. Contact the DHSMV directly to find out what you need to do before you can renew.

What if I do not receive my renewed license in the mail?

If you renewed online or by mail and do not receive your license within the expected timeframe, contact the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639) or visit a DHSMV office in person. Bring proof of your renewal (your confirmation email or receipt) so the office can check the status of your process.

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.