How to Renew Your Florida Driver's License

Renewing Your Florida License Online, by Mail, or In Person

You can renew your Florida driver's license in three ways: online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website, by mail, or in person at a driver license office. Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient 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. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip. In-person renewal is necessary only if you cannot renew online or by mail, or if your license has been suspended or expired for more than 5 years.

Your renewal method depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most standard licenses can be renewed online or by mail without visiting an office. Commercial licenses and licenses with medical restrictions usually require an in-person visit.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the DHSMV website is available for most standard driver's licenses and takes about 10 minutes, with your new license arriving in 7 to 10 business days.
You can renew by mail if you prefer not to go online, but the process takes 2 to 3 weeks and requires you to mail in your current license and a renewal form.
In-person renewal at a driver license office is required for commercial licenses, licenses with medical restrictions, and licenses expired for more than 5 years.
Your license can be renewed up to 18 months before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.
Florida licenses are valid for 8 years for drivers 21 and older, and 6 years for drivers under 21.

Renewing Online Through the DHSMV Website

Online renewal is the quickest option for most drivers. Go to the official DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov), select "Renew Your License," and follow the prompts. You will need your current Florida driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or electronic check). The renewal fee is $47.50 for an 8-year license or $30 for a 6-year license, depending on your age.

You are may be able to access for online renewal if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not had any address changes you have not yet reported to the DHSMV, and your license has not been expired for more than 5 years. If you need to change your address, you must do that before you renew online, or you can change it during the in-person renewal process.

After you complete the online renewal, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal works if your license is not suspended or revoked and has not been expired for more than 5 years. Request a renewal form (Form HSMV 82053) from the DHSMV website or call 1-888-769-2778. Fill out the form, include your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee ($47.50 for 8 years or $30 for 6 years), and mail everything to the address listed on the form.

Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DHSMV receives your packet. Do not mail your original license until you are certain you will not need it for identification during the renewal period. If you need to change your address, include a note with your renewal packet or update your address online before you mail in your renewal.

Keep your confirmation number or receipt in case you need to track your renewal. The DHSMV will mail your new license to the address on file once your renewal is processed.

Renewing In Person at a Driver License Office

Visit a driver license office if you hold a commercial license, have medical restrictions on your license, your license has been expired for more than 5 years, or you cannot renew online or by mail. Bring your current Florida driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days). If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

You can find your nearest driver license office and check wait times on the DHSMV website. Many offices allow you to make an appointment online, which can save you time. Bring the renewal fee in cash, check, or debit card — not all offices accept credit cards. The fee is $47.50 for an 8-year license or $30 for a 6-year license.

At the office, you will complete a renewal process, have your photo taken, and pay the fee. Your new license will be issued on the spot, or mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days depending on the office's procedures. Ask the staff before you leave whether you will receive your license when ready or by mail.

When Your License Is Expired or Suspended

If your license has been expired for 5 years or less, you can renew it using any of the three methods above. If it has been expired for more than 5 years, you must renew in person at a driver license office and may need to retake the written test and vision test, depending on how long it has been expired and your age.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the DHSMV to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it. Suspensions are often due to unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or failure to maintain insurance. Once the issue is resolved, you can renew your license.

Changing Your Address During Renewal

If you have moved, you must update your address with the DHSMV. If you are renewing online, you can update your address before you start the renewal process on the DHSMV website. If you are renewing by mail, include a note with your renewal packet stating your new address, or update your address online first. If you are renewing in person, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days) and the staff will update it for you.

Do not delay updating your address. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, so if you move without updating your address, your license may be mailed to your old home.

Timeline and Expiration Dates

Florida driver's licenses are valid for 8 years if you are 21 or older, and 6 years if you are under 21. You can renew your license up to 18 months before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license.

If you renew online or by mail, your new license will arrive before your current one expires in most cases. If you are renewing in person, your new license is usually issued when ready. You can drive on your current license until your new one arrives or is issued.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?

You can renew your license online or by mail even if you have an unpaid traffic ticket, as long as your license is not suspended. However, if your license is suspended due to an unpaid fine, you must resolve the ticket before you can renew. Contact the court or the DHSMV to find out the status of any suspensions.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

If you are renewing in person, bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you are renewing online or by mail, you may need to visit a driver license office in person to update your name. Check the DHSMV website or call 1-888-769-2778 to confirm the process for your situation.

How long does it take to receive my new license after I renew online?

Your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your online renewal. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you do not receive your license within 10 business days, contact the DHSMV to track your renewal.

Can I renew my license if I am out of state?

Yes, you can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal is the fastest option. If you need to renew in person and are out of state, you will need to visit a Florida driver license office when you return to Florida, or contact the DHSMV to discuss other options.

What if my license was lost or stolen?

If your license was lost or stolen, you cannot renew it — you must request a replacement. Visit a driver license office in person with proof of your identity and address, and pay the replacement fee. The DHSMV will issue you a new license with the same expiration date as your original license.

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.