What to do if your Florida driver license has expired
If your Florida driver license has expired, you can renew it by mail, online, or in person at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. The method you choose depends on how long ago it expired and whether you need to update your information or photo.
Florida allows you to renew online or by mail if your license expired within the last five years and you have no medical suspensions or restrictions that changed. If your license expired more than five years ago, or if you need a new photo, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office.
The renewal process itself is straightforward, but the rules about what you can do online versus in person matter — choosing the wrong method means a delay or a wasted trip.
Key Takeaways
- If your license expired within the last five years and nothing about your medical status or restrictions changed, you can renew online through the Florida DHSMV website or by mail.
- If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office and bring a new photo ID and proof of residency.
- Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes about one week; mail renewal takes two to three weeks.
- You can drive legally while your renewal is being processed if you have proof you submitted it, such as a confirmation email or receipt.
Renewing online through the Florida DHSMV website
Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option if you are may be able to access. Go to the official Florida DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov), select "Renew Your Driver License," and follow the prompts. You will need your current or expired license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method.
The online system will ask you to confirm your personal information, your address, and any medical conditions or restrictions. If any of this information has changed, you cannot complete the renewal online — you must go to a DHSMV office instead. The fee for online renewal is typically lower than the in-person fee.
After you submit your renewal online, you will receive a confirmation email. Your new license will arrive by mail within about one week. You can legally drive during this time as long as you have your confirmation email or receipt with you.
Renewing by mail if you prefer not to go online
Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but requires no visit to an office. You will need to request a renewal form from the DHSMV by calling 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639) or visiting a DHSMV office in person to pick one up.
Complete the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address printed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current or expired license if possible, though it is not always required.
Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time the DHSMV receives your form. Keep a copy of what you mailed and note the date you sent it. If your renewal does not arrive within four weeks, contact the DHSMV to confirm they received your form.
Renewing in person at a DHSMV office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need a new photo, or if your medical status or restrictions have changed. Bring your expired license, a valid photo ID (such as a passport), and proof of your current Florida address (such as a recent utility bill or lease).
Visit any DHSMV office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, though some have Saturday hours. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the DHSMV website. Bring all required documents with you — missing even one can mean you have to return another day.
The renewal process at an office usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You will have your photo taken, confirm your information, and pay the renewal fee. Your new license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks.
What documents you need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Online | License number, Social Security number, payment method | About 1 week |
| By Mail | Completed form, check or money order, copy of license (optional) | 2 to 3 weeks |
| In Person | Expired license, valid photo ID, proof of Florida address | 1 to 2 weeks for mailed license |
Driving legally while your renewal is being processed
You can legally drive in Florida while your renewal process is being processed. If you renewed online or by mail, keep your confirmation email, receipt, or a copy of the form you mailed. If you renewed in person, keep your receipt from the DHSMV office.
If a law enforcement officer stops you, show them your expired license and your proof of renewal. Most officers will accept this as evidence that you have a valid process pending. However, it is a good idea to carry your proof with you at all times during the processing period.
Renewal fees and payment methods
Florida renewal fees vary depending on the type of license and how long the new license will be valid. A standard eight-year renewal typically costs less than an in-person renewal. Online renewal is usually the least expensive option.
For online renewal, you can pay with a credit card or debit card. For mail renewal, send a check or money order — do not send cash. For in-person renewal, most DHSMV offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card, though payment methods can vary by location.
Contact the DHSMV or check their website for the exact current fee, as renewal costs can change. The fee is the same whether your license expired one year ago or five years ago.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than five years
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot use the online or mail renewal process. You must renew in person at a DHSMV office and bring a valid photo ID, proof of Florida residency, and your expired license if you still have it.
The in-person process is the same as a standard renewal — you will have your photo taken, confirm your information, and pay the fee. Your new license will be mailed to you. There is no additional penalty or fee for renewing after five years, but you do have to make the trip to an office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired Florida license while waiting for my renewal?
Yes, you can drive legally while your renewal is being processed if you have proof that you submitted it — such as a confirmation email from online renewal, a receipt from in-person renewal, or a copy of the form you mailed. Keep this proof with you while driving.
What if I moved to a different address in Florida?
If you moved within Florida, you can still renew online or by mail as long as your license expired within five years. The renewal system will ask you to confirm your new address. If you moved out of Florida, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must renew in person and bring proof of your new address.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online renewal typically takes about one week. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from when the DHSMV receives your form. In-person renewal takes one to two weeks after you visit the office. These times can vary depending on mail delivery and DHSMV processing volume.
What if my name changed since my license was issued?
If your name changed due to marriage, divorce, or another legal reason, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DHSMV office and bring legal proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order, along with your other required documents.
Can I renew my license if I have a medical suspension?
No. If your license has a medical suspension or restriction, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DHSMV office in person. The office staff will help you understand what is required to lift the suspension before you can complete your renewal.