How to Renew Your Florida Driver's License

Renewing Your Florida Driver's License Online, by Mail, or In Person

You can renew your Florida driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. By mail takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at a local office is when ready if you need your license the same day, but you will wait in line.

Not everyone can renew online. You must be a Florida resident, your license must not be suspended or revoked, you cannot have certain medical conditions that require a vision test, and your license cannot be more than 5 years expired. If any of those explore to you, you must renew in person or by mail.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 6 weeks before your license expires. It contains your renewal number, which you will need for any method. If you lost the notice, you can still renew — you just need your driver's license number and Social Security number instead.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the DHSMV website takes 10 minutes and costs $75.25 for an 8-year license, but you must be a current Florida resident with a valid, non-suspended license.
By-mail renewal requires you to mail a completed form and payment to the DHSMV; processing takes 2 to 3 weeks and costs the same as online renewal.
In-person renewal at a DHSMV office is the only option if your license is suspended, revoked, or more than 5 years expired, or if you need it the same day.
You will need either your renewal notice or your driver's license number and Social Security number to start any renewal method.
Florida licenses are valid for 8 years; your renewal notice arrives about 6 weeks before expiration.

Online Renewal Through the DHSMV Website

Go to flhsmv.gov and select "Renew Your Driver License" under the Driver License section. You will need your renewal notice number or your driver's license number and Social Security number. The system will ask you to confirm your address, choose whether you want a standard or REAL ID-compliant license, and pay $75.25 by debit or credit card.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you moved recently and updated your address with the DHSMV, the license goes to your new address. If you have not updated your address yet, the license goes to your old address — you can update your address during the renewal process, and the license will follow.

Online renewal is not available if your license is suspended or revoked, if you are over 79 years old, if you have certain medical conditions that require a vision test, or if your license has been expired for more than 5 years. If any of those explore, you must renew by mail or in person.

By-Mail Renewal

Request a renewal form by calling the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639) or by visiting a DHSMV office in person. You can also read the form from flhsmv.gov. Complete the form, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $75.25 to the address listed on the form.

Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DHSMV receives your form. Mail your renewal at least 3 weeks before your license expires to avoid driving with an expired license. If you are renewing more than 5 years after expiration, you cannot use the mail method — you must renew in person.

By-mail renewal works for most people, including those with suspended or revoked licenses, because the DHSMV will process the renewal and then notify you if there is a suspension or revocation that prevents you from receiving the license. You will be told what to do next.

In-Person Renewal at a DHSMV Office

Find your nearest DHSMV office on flhsmv.gov and check the office hours before you go. Bring your current driver's license or renewal notice, proof of Florida residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment of $75.25 by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

You will take a new photo and sign a new license process. If you are renewing a standard license and your vision is good, the process takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is. If you are renewing a REAL ID-compliant license, bring proof of citizenship (a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate) and proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card or W-2 form) — REAL ID renewal takes longer because the DHSMV must verify these documents.

In-person renewal is the only option if your license is suspended or revoked, if you are over 79 years old, if you have a medical condition that requires a vision test, or if your license has been expired for more than 5 years. You will receive your new license on the spot, though the DHSMV may place a hold on it if there is a suspension or revocation on your record.

Standard License Versus REAL ID-Compliant License

A standard Florida driver's license works for driving and everyday identification. A REAL ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. You will need a REAL ID license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025.

Renewing a standard license costs $75.25 and requires only your current license or renewal notice. Renewing a REAL ID license also costs $75.25 but requires proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate) and proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). REAL ID renewal takes longer because the DHSMV must verify these documents.

If you are renewing online or by mail and want to switch from a standard license to REAL ID, you must renew in person because the DHSMV needs to see your citizenship and Social Security documents. If you already have a REAL ID license, you can renew it online or by mail without bringing those documents again.

What to Do If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a DHSMV office or by mail. The DHSMV will process your renewal, but you will not receive your license until the suspension or revocation is lifted.

A suspension is usually temporary and results from unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, or a conviction for driving under the influence. A revocation is permanent and results from serious violations like multiple DUIs or habitual traffic offender status. You can check your license status on flhsmv.gov by entering your driver's license number and date of birth.

If your license is suspended, contact the agency that suspended it — usually the Florida Department of Revenue (for unpaid fines) or the Department of Children and Family Services (for unpaid child support) — to find out what you owe and how to resolve it. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew your license. If your license is revoked, you will need to contact the DHSMV directly to understand your options for reinstatement.

Renewing an Expired License

If your license expired fewer than 5 years ago, you can renew it using any method: online, by mail, or in person. The cost is the same ($75.25), and the process is the same. You do not need to take a new written test or vision test unless the DHSMV requires one based on your age or medical history.

If your license expired more than 5 years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DHSMV office. You will take a new photo, sign a new process, and pass a vision test. You may also be asked to take a written test on traffic laws, depending on how long your license has been expired and your age.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Florida, even if you have applied for renewal. If you are pulled over, you can show the officer your renewal notice or proof that you have submitted a renewal process, but this does not may provide you will not be cited. Renew before your license expires to avoid this risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to renew a Florida driver's license?

A standard or REAL ID-compliant 8-year license costs $75.25 to renew, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Payment methods vary by renewal method: online and in-person renewals accept cash, check, debit card, or credit card; by-mail renewal requires a check or money order.

Can I renew my license if I moved out of Florida?

No. Florida driver's licenses are only for Florida residents. If you moved to another state, you must get a driver's license from that state. If you moved to Florida from another state, you must get a Florida license within 30 days of establishing residency.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You do not need the renewal notice to renew. You can use your driver's license number and Social Security number instead. If you are renewing in person, bring your current driver's license. If you are renewing online or by mail, enter your license number and Social Security number on the form or website.

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

Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you submit your process. By-mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DHSMV receives your form. In-person renewal is when ready — you receive your license the same day.

Do I need a REAL ID license to drive in Florida?

No. A standard Florida driver's license is valid for driving in Florida and all other states. You only need a REAL ID license if you plan to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025. A standard license is still valid for driving.

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.