How to Renew Your Florida Driver License

Where and how to renew in Florida

You can renew your Florida driver license through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) in three ways: online, by mail, or in person at a local driver license office. Which method works for you depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need a new photo.

The online renewal option is the fastest and most convenient if you meet the requirements. You go to the DHSMV website, create or log into your account, and complete the renewal process from home. The fee is paid by credit or debit card, and your renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than 6 months, if you need a corrected address, or if you are changing your name.

Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip to an office. You request a renewal process from the DHSMV, fill it out, and mail it back with your current license and the renewal fee. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks. In-person renewal at a driver license office is the option to choose if you need a new photo, have an expired license, or want your renewal completed the same day.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the DHSMV website is available if your license is current and you have not changed your address or name in the last 6 months.
You must renew before your license expires, or you will need to pass a written test and pay a late fee when you renew in person.
A standard Florida driver license is valid for 8 years, and the DHSMV mails you a renewal notice 6 months before your expiration date.
In-person renewal at a driver license office takes about 30 minutes and costs less than online renewal if you pay by check or cash.
If you are over 79 years old, you must renew in person and pass a vision test every time your license expires.

Renewal timelines and expiration dates

Your Florida driver license expires 8 years from the date it was issued. The DHSMV sends you a renewal notice in the mail about 6 months before that date. You can renew anytime during that 6-month window without penalty. If you wait until after your license expires, you will have to pay a late fee and may need to pass a written test when you renew in person.

If your license has been expired for more than 6 months, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a driver license office in person, bring your documents, and pass a written test. The office will issue you a new license the same day if you pass. This process takes longer than a standard renewal and costs more.

Drivers over 79 years old have a shorter renewal cycle. Your license expires every 6 years instead of 8, and you must renew in person at a driver license office. You will need to pass a vision test each time you renew. There is no online or mail renewal option for drivers in this age group.

Documents you need to bring

For in-person renewal, bring your current Florida driver license and proof of your Social Security number. Proof of Social Security can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number on it. You do not need to bring anything else unless you are changing your address or name.

If you are changing your address, bring a document that shows your new address and your name. This can be a utility bill, a lease, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government document issued within the last 60 days. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

For online renewal, you do not bring documents in person. Instead, you enter your information into the DHSMV website, and the system verifies your identity using data from your current license and other state records. If the system cannot verify you, you will be told to renew in person or by mail instead.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The standard renewal fee for a Florida driver license is $75. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If your license has been expired for more than 6 months, you will pay an additional late fee of $25 on top of the renewal fee.

Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. By mail, you can pay by check or money order — make it payable to the DHSMV. In person at a driver license office, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Some offices also accept electronic payment through their kiosks.

If you are renewing a commercial driver license (CDL), the fee is higher. A CDL renewal costs $75 for a standard renewal, but if you need a new medical certificate or are renewing after an expired period, costs may vary. Check the DHSMV website or call your local office for the exact fee before you go in.

What happens after you renew

If you renew online or by mail, your new license will arrive at the address on file within 7 to 10 business days for online renewal or 4 to 6 weeks for mail renewal. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives. Once the new license arrives, destroy your old one — you do not need to return it to the DHSMV.

If you renew in person at a driver license office, you receive your new license the same day. The office prints it on the spot and hands it to you before you leave. Your old license is returned to you, and you can destroy it at home.

Your new license will have the same number as your old one unless you requested a change. The expiration date will be 8 years from the date you renewed (or 6 years if you are over 79). Your photo will be the same as on your old license unless you renewed in person and requested a new photo, which costs an additional $10.

Renewing if your license is suspended or revoked

You cannot renew your Florida driver license if it is currently suspended or revoked. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the DHSMV or the court that issued it. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a DUI conviction. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew normally.

To learn about your license is suspended, visit the DHSMV website and check your driving record, or call your local driver license office. If your license is suspended, the office can tell you what you need to do to have it reinstated. Some suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee before you can renew.

Renewing a commercial driver license (CDL) in Florida

A commercial driver license renewal follows the same basic process as a standard license renewal, but with additional requirements. You must renew in person at a driver license office — there is no online or mail renewal for a CDL. You will need to bring your current CDL, proof of your Social Security number, and a valid medical certificate from a certified medical examiner.

The medical certificate must be dated within the last 12 months. If your certificate has expired, you must get a new one from a medical examiner before you can renew your CDL. The DHSMV website has a list of certified medical examiners in your area. The renewal fee for a CDL is $75, the same as a standard license, but the medical certificate itself is not free and must be paid to the medical examiner separately.

If you have a CDL with hazmat endorsement, you will also need to pass a background check. The background check is part of the renewal process and is done at the driver license office. There is no additional fee for the background check beyond the standard renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Florida driver license if it has been expired for more than a year?

No. If your license has been expired for more than 6 months, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a driver license office in person, bring your documents, and pass a written test. You will also pay a $25 late fee in addition to the $75 renewal fee.

Do I need a new photo when I renew my Florida driver license?

Not automatically. If you renew online or by mail, your new license will use the photo from your current license. If you renew in person at a driver license office, you can request a new photo for an additional $10 fee. Drivers over 79 must renew in person and will receive a new photo as part of the renewal.

How long does it take to renew my Florida driver license online?

The online renewal process itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid and you can use it to drive until the new one arrives.

What if I move out of Florida before my license expires?

You do not have to renew your Florida license if you move to another state. You can straightforward get a driver license from your new state. If you want to keep your Florida license active, you can renew it by mail or online before you move, as long as your current address is still on file.

Can I renew my Florida driver license if I have unpaid traffic tickets?

Unpaid traffic tickets do not automatically prevent renewal, but they can lead to a license suspension. Check your driving record on the DHSMV website to see if your license is suspended. If it is, you must resolve the tickets and have the suspension lifted before you can renew.

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.