Florida Driver's License Renewal: The Basic Path
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 7 to 10 business days and costs $48. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and costs the same. In-person renewal at a local office is when ready but requires an appointment and a trip to the DMV.
Your may be able to access depends on your current license status, when it expires, and whether you have had any address changes or suspensions. If your license is suspended, expired for more than 6 months, or you have never held a Florida license, you cannot use the online or mail routes — you must go in person.
Florida licenses expire on your birthday, 8 years after issue for most drivers. You can renew up to 18 months before expiration, which means you have a wide window to plan ahead.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the DHSMV website costs $48 and takes 7 to 10 business days if your license is current and you have no address changes.
- Mail renewal uses the same $48 fee and takes 2 to 3 weeks; you request a renewal form from DHSMV or use the form mailed to you 6 months before expiration.
- In-person renewal at a DHSMV office is when ready but requires an appointment booked through the online system; bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment.
- You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended, expired for more than 6 months, or if you have never held a Florida license.
- Florida licenses expire on your birthday every 8 years; you can begin renewal up to 18 months before that date.
Online Renewal Through the DHSMV Website
Online renewal is available at gorenew.com, the official Florida DHSMV renewal portal. You will need your current Florida driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The process takes about 10 minutes.
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. The fee is $48 and is non-refundable.
You are not may be able to access for online renewal if any of the following explore: your license is suspended or revoked, your license expired more than 6 months ago, you have a change of address, you have never held a Florida license, or you are under 21. If any of these conditions explore, you must renew by mail or in person.
Mail Renewal: Requesting and Returning Forms
To renew by mail, you need the official Florida renewal form. If your license is current and not suspended, DHSMV mails a renewal notice and form to your address on file about 6 months before expiration. If you did not receive one, you can request a form by calling the DHSMV at 1-844-493-5749 or by visiting a local office.
Complete the form, include a check or money order for $48 payable to "DHSMV," and mail both to the address printed on the form. Do not send cash. Include your current license with the envelope if possible — DHSMV will return it to you. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date DHSMV receives your packet.
You cannot use mail renewal if your license is suspended, expired for more than 6 months, or if you have a change of address. Address changes must be handled in person or through the online system if you are renewing at the same time.
In-Person Renewal at a DHSMV Office
In-person renewal is when ready — you walk out with your new license the same day. You must book an appointment through the DHSMV website at services.flhsmv.gov or by calling 1-844-493-5749. Walk-ins are not accepted at most offices.
Bring your current Florida driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and payment ($48 cash, check, debit card, or credit card). If you have a change of address, bring the new address proof instead of the old one.
Processing times at the office vary by location and time of day. Early morning appointments and weekday visits tend to be faster. If you need a replacement license because yours was lost or stolen, you must renew in person and may pay an additional $10 replacement fee.
What Happens If Your License Is Suspended or Expired Too Long
If your Florida license is suspended, you cannot renew it through any route. You must first resolve the suspension with DHSMV. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or failure to appear in court. Contact DHSMV at 1-844-493-5749 to find out why your license is suspended and what steps are required to lift it.
If your license expired more than 6 months ago, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must go to a DHSMV office in person and may be required to pass a vision test or written exam, depending on how long it has been expired. Book an appointment and bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment.
Address Changes and License Corrections
If you have moved since your current license was issued, you must update your address. You can do this online at gorenew.com at the same time you renew, or in person at a DHSMV office. You cannot update your address by mail during renewal.
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must go in person and bring a certified copy of the document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Bring proof of residency as well. Name changes cannot be done online or by mail.
Fees, Payment Methods, and Timeline Summary
| Renewal Method | Fee | Processing Time | Payment Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (gorenew.com) | $48 | 7–10 business days | Debit or credit card |
| $48 | 2–3 weeks | Check or money order | |
| In-person (DHSMV office) | $48 | Same day | Cash, check, debit, or credit card |
The $48 fee covers an 8-year renewal. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher and the process is different — you must renew in person and may need to pass a skills test. If you need a replacement license because yours was lost or stolen, add $10 to the renewal fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
If the fine is unpaid and has resulted in a license suspension, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact DHSMV or the court that issued the ticket to find out the status. If the ticket is not yet suspended, you can renew, but the suspension may be imposed later if you do not pay.
What if I moved out of state — can I still renew my Florida license by mail?
No. If you no longer live in Florida, you should transfer to your new state's license. If you still own property in Florida or have other reasons to keep a Florida license, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office and bring proof of residency in Florida (such as a property tax bill or utility bill in your name).
How long can I drive on my expired license while waiting for the new one?
You can drive on your current license until it expires. Once it expires, you cannot legally drive. If you renewed online or by mail and your new license has not arrived yet, contact DHSMV to check the status. If there is a delay, you may need to visit an office for an when ready replacement.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
Yes. Walk-ins are not accepted at most DHSMV offices. Book your appointment online at services.flhsmv.gov or by phone at 1-844-493-5749. Appointments typically fill up 2 to 4 weeks in advance, so plan ahead.
What if I never received the renewal form that DHSMV mailed to me?
Request a new form by calling 1-844-493-5749 or visiting a local DHSMV office. You can also renew online at gorenew.com if you meet the may be able to access requirements. If you choose to wait for a mailed form, allow extra time for delivery.