How to Renew Your Florida Driver's License

Florida Driver's License Renewal: What You Need to Know

Florida allows you to renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. The method you choose depends on your license type, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your address or photograph. Most renewals take 7 to 10 business days by mail and are processed the same day if you renew online or visit an office in person.

Your Florida license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. You can renew up to one year before expiration. If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or in person, but you cannot renew online — you must visit a DHSMV office or use the mail route.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the DHSMV website is the fastest option if your license is not yet expired and you do not need a new photograph or address change.
Mail renewal requires your current license, a completed process form (HSMV 80039), and payment by check or money order; processing takes 7 to 10 business days.
In-person renewal at a DHSMV office is necessary if your license has expired, you need a new photograph, or you are changing your address.
Florida charges $48 for an eight-year renewal; the fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
You do not need to pass a written test or vision test to renew a standard driver's license unless you are over 80 years old or renewing after a suspension.

Online Renewal Through the DHSMV Website

Online renewal is available only if your license has not yet expired and you do not need to change your address, photograph, or name. You will need your current Florida driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card or credit card).

Go to the official DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov and select "Renew Your Driver License" under the Driver License section. Follow the prompts to enter your personal information and license number. Review the information for accuracy, pay the $48 renewal fee, and submit. You will receive a confirmation number when ready. Your renewed license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal does not include a new photograph — your current photograph will be used on your renewed license. If you want a new photograph, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office.

Mail Renewal Using Form HSMV 80039

Mail renewal works whether your license is current or expired. You will need your current Florida driver's license, a completed process form (HSMV 80039), and payment by check or money order made payable to "DHSMV." Do not send cash.

read form HSMV 80039 from the DHSMV website or request it by mail. Fill out the form completely, including your name, address, date of birth, and license number. Include a copy of your current license (both sides) and mail the package to the address listed on the form. Include payment of $48. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date DHSMV receives your process.

Mail renewal uses your existing photograph, so your renewed license will show the same image as your current one. If you are changing your address, write the new address clearly on the form. If you need a new photograph or are renewing after an expiration of more than six months, you must renew in person.

In-Person Renewal at a DHSMV Office

Visit a DHSMV office if your license has expired, you need a new photograph, you are changing your name, or you prefer to complete the renewal when ready. Bring your current Florida driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days).

Find your nearest DHSMV office on the DHSMV website and check the office hours before you go. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require an appointment. You can schedule an appointment online or by calling the office directly. Bring the documents listed above and payment of $48 by cash, debit card, or credit card. The renewal is processed when ready, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.

If you are over 80 years old, you will be required to pass a vision test at the office. If you are renewing after a suspension or revocation, you may be required to pass a written test and vision test; contact your local DHSMV office for details about your specific situation.

Address Changes and Name Changes

If you are moving and need to update your address on your license, you can do so during renewal. Online renewal allows address changes. For mail renewal, write your new address clearly on form HSMV 80039. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days).

If you are changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DHSMV office in person and bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The renewal fee is still $48.

What Happens If Your License Has Expired

You can still renew a license that has expired, but you cannot use online renewal. You must renew by mail or in person. If your license expired more than six months ago, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office — mail renewal is not available for licenses expired longer than six months.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Florida. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited. Renew as soon as possible by visiting a DHSMV office or mailing your process if your license expired within the last six months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Florida license if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. A valid Social Security number is required for all renewal methods. If you do not have a Social Security number, you must visit a DHSMV office in person to discuss your options with a staff member.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date DHSMV receives your process (by mail) or processes your renewal (online). If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Do I have to take a vision test or written test to renew?

No, unless you are over 80 years old or renewing after a suspension or revocation. Drivers under 80 with a valid, non-suspended license do not need to test to renew.

What if I lost my current license and cannot mail it with my process?

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office. Bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of address. You will pay the $48 renewal fee plus a $25 replacement fee for a lost or stolen license.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Florida allows renewal up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will expire eight years from the date you renew, not eight years from your original expiration date.

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.