How to Renew Your Florida Driver's License

How to renew your Florida driver's license online, by mail, or in person

You can renew your Florida driver's license through three routes: online at the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website, by mail, or in person at a driver's license office. Online renewal is the fastest and costs $48 for an eight-year license. You're may be able to access to renew online if your license is not suspended, you have no medical conditions on your record that require a vision test, and you're not changing your name, address, or class of license. If you don't meet those conditions, you must renew in person or by mail.

Your license expires on your birthday. Florida sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, though you can renew up to one year early. Renewing before your birthday avoids driving with an expired license, which can result in a traffic citation.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the DHSMV website takes about 10 minutes, costs $48, and is available if your license is not suspended and you're not changing your address or name.
Mail renewal requires you to submit a completed process form (HSMV 82053), your current license, and payment by check or money order, and takes two to four weeks.
In-person renewal at a driver's license office requires proof of residency, Social Security number verification, and a new photo, and you can walk out with a temporary license the same day.
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, and Florida sends renewal notices about 60 days before your birthday.
If your license is suspended, expired for more than six months, or you're changing your name or address, you must renew in person or by mail—online renewal is not available.

Online renewal through the DHSMV website

Go to the official DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov) and select the online renewal option. You'll need your current Florida driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and pull up your driving record. If everything matches and you're not flagged for suspension or medical restrictions, you can proceed to payment.

Pay the $48 renewal fee with a credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to change your address before renewing, update it on the DHSMV website first or do so during the renewal process.

Online renewal is not available if your license is suspended, if you have a medical condition code on your record requiring a vision test, if you're changing your name, or if you're upgrading your license class (for example, from a regular license to a commercial license). In those cases, you must renew in person or by mail.

Mail renewal with the HSMV 82053 form

read or request the HSMV 82053 process form from the DHSMV website or any driver's license office. Fill it out completely, including your name, date of birth, current address, and signature. Enclose your current driver's license, a check or money order for $48 made payable to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, and mail everything to the address listed on the form (typically the DHSMV office in Tallahassee).

Mail renewal takes two to four weeks from the date the DHSMV receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file. During this time, your current license remains valid for driving. Keep a copy of your mailed process or take a photo of it before sending, in case you need to track the status of your renewal.

Mail renewal is a good option if you prefer not to go online or if you're unable to visit a driver's license office. However, it takes longer than online renewal and you won't receive a temporary license. If your license expires before your new one arrives, you'll be driving with an expired license, which is a traffic violation.

In-person renewal at a driver's license office

Visit any Florida driver's license office with your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. Bring two forms of identification if your Social Security card is not available. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations allow you to reserve a time slot online to reduce wait time.

At the office, staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal. The fee is $48. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed. Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended, if you're changing your name or address, or if you have medical restrictions that require a vision test.

Wait times at driver's license offices vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less busy early in the morning on weekdays. You can find your nearest office and check current wait times on the DHSMV website.

What happens if your license expires

Driving with an expired Florida driver's license is a traffic violation. If you're stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited and fined. However, if your license expired within the last six months, you can still renew it using any of the three methods above (online, mail, or in person) without additional penalties or requirements.

If your license has been expired for more than six months, you cannot renew it—you must reapply for a new license. This requires an in-person visit to a driver's license office, a new written test, a new vision test, and a new photo. The cost is higher than a renewal. To avoid this, renew before your license expires or within six months of expiration.

Renewing a suspended or revoked license

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a driver's license office in person. Before you can renew, you must resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, a DUI conviction, or accumulating too many points on your driving record.

Contact the DHSMV or the agency that suspended your license to find out what steps you need to take. This might include paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew in person at a driver's license office. Bring proof that the suspension has been resolved, such as a receipt showing fines paid or a letter from the court.

Changing your name or address during renewal

If you're changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person or by mail. You cannot change your name during online renewal. Bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) to a driver's license office along with your current license and proof of residency.

If you're only changing your address and your license is not suspended, you can change your address during online renewal. If you're renewing by mail, include your new address on the HSMV 82053 form. If you're renewing in person, bring proof of your new residency, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. If you maintain a Florida address on file, you can renew online or by mail from anywhere. If you no longer have a Florida address, you must visit a Florida driver's license office in person to renew, or you may need to change your residency to your current state.

What if I lost my current driver's license?

You cannot renew a lost license online. You must visit a driver's license office in person to report it lost and request a replacement. Bring two forms of identification and proof of residency. The cost is $25 for a replacement license, not $48.

How long is a renewed Florida driver's license valid?

A renewed Florida driver's license is valid for eight years from the date of renewal. Your expiration date will be printed on the front of your new license.

Do I need a vision test to renew my license?

Not always. If you renew online or by mail and have no medical conditions on your record, you won't need a vision test. If you renew in person, the driver's license office may conduct a vision screening, but a full vision test is only required if you have a medical condition code on your record or if the screening shows a problem.

What if my renewal process is rejected?

If you renew online or by mail and your process is rejected, the DHSMV will mail you a notice explaining why. Common reasons include a suspended license, an address mismatch, or a medical restriction. Follow the instructions in the notice, which may require you to visit a driver's license office in person or resolve an outstanding issue 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.