Renew Online, by Mail, or In Person

Florida lets you renew your driver's license three ways: online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a Driver License office. Online renewal is the fastest route — you can complete it in minutes from home, and your new license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip to an office. In-person renewal is necessary only if you cannot renew online or by mail, or if your license has been suspended or revoked.

Your renewal method depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you have had any violations or address changes. A standard Florida driver's license is valid for eight years. If your license is not yet expired or has been expired for fewer than six months, you can renew online. If it expired more than six months ago, you must renew in person at a Driver License office.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the DHSMV website takes about 10 business days and costs $48 for a standard eight-year license.
  • You can renew by mail only if your license expired within the last six months and you have no suspensions, revocations, or medical conditions on your record.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver License office is required if your license expired more than six months ago or if you have had any violations or address changes.
  • You will need your current Florida driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card) to renew online.
  • A renewed Florida driver's license is valid for eight years from the date of issue, not from your original expiration date.

Online Renewal Through the DHSMV Website

To renew online, go to the official DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov) and select the driver's license renewal option. You will need your current Florida driver's license number, your date of birth, and your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and check your driving record. If you have no suspensions, revocations, or medical holds, you can proceed to payment.

The online renewal fee is $48 for a standard eight-year license. You can pay with a credit card or debit card. After you submit payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to change your address, you must do so before you start the renewal process — the new license will be mailed to your updated address.

Online renewal is not available if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you have a medical condition flagged on your record, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). In those cases, you must renew in person.

Mail Renewal for Recently Expired Licenses

If your Florida driver's license expired fewer than six months ago, you can renew by mail without visiting an office. The DHSMV will send you a renewal notice in the mail before your license expires. This notice includes a prepaid envelope and instructions for returning your current license and the renewal fee.

To renew by mail, sign the back of your current license, place it in the prepaid envelope with the renewal fee ($48), and mail it to the address shown on the notice. Do not send cash — use a check or money order. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DHSMV receives your materials. You will receive your new license by mail at the address on file.

Mail renewal is available only if your license has not been suspended or revoked and you have no medical conditions on your record. If either of those conditions applies, you must renew in person at a Driver License office.

In-Person Renewal at a Driver License Office

If your license expired more than six months ago, or if you have a suspension, revocation, or medical hold on your record, you must renew in person. Visit any Driver License office in Florida with your current (or expired) Florida driver's license, proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease).

Bring a valid payment method — cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The renewal fee is $48. The office will verify your identity, check your driving record, and issue your new license on the spot. You can drive home with your temporary license and will receive your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Wait times at Driver License offices vary by location and time of day. You can check wait times on the DHSMV website before you go. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly.

What Happens If Your License Has Been Expired for More Than Six Months

If your Florida driver's license has been expired for more than six months, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a Driver License office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You will also need to pay the $48 renewal fee.

The office will check your driving record to make sure you have no suspensions or revocations. If your record is clear, you will receive a temporary license to drive home and your permanent license by mail. If there are any holds or violations on your record, the office will tell you what you need to do before your license can be renewed.

Address Changes and License Corrections

If you need to change your address, you can do so during online renewal before you pay the fee. The new address will appear on your renewed license. If you are renewing by mail or in person, bring proof of your new address (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). The office or mail renewal process will update your address automatically.

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, you must renew in person and bring a document proving the name change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You cannot change your name during online or mail renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than six months. You must visit a Driver License office in person with your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The office will check your driving record and issue a temporary license on the spot.

What do I do if I lost my Florida driver's license?

You cannot renew a lost license online or by mail. You must go to a Driver License office and report it lost. Bring proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You will pay a $48 replacement fee and receive a temporary license to drive home.

How long does it take to get my renewed license after I renew online?

Your renewed license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete online renewal. You can drive with your old license until the new one arrives. If you need to drive before the new license arrives, you can print a temporary license from the DHSMV website after you renew online.

Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?

No, commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must renew in person at a Driver License office. Bring your current CDL, proof of Social Security number, proof of your current address, and your medical certificate if your CDL requires one. The office will verify your record and issue your renewed CDL.

What if my Florida driver's license has been suspended?

You cannot renew a suspended license online or by mail. You must visit a Driver License office in person. The office will check your record and tell you what you need to do to lift the suspension before your license can be renewed. This may include paying a reinstatement fee, completing a driver improvement course, or providing proof of insurance (such as an SR22 form).