The fastest way to renew in Florida

You can renew your Florida driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver License office. Online renewal is the quickest option if you're may be able to access — you'll pay the fee, upload a new photo, and receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you don't meet the online requirements, you can renew by mail or visit an office in person, though in-person visits often mean a wait.

Your renewal window opens 180 days before your license expires. You can renew anytime during this window, and your new license will be valid for eight years from the date you renew (not from your old expiration date). Florida does not issue temporary licenses, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your new card arrives.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website is available if your license is not suspended or revoked and you have no medical conditions that need review.
  • You will need your current Florida driver's license number, a valid email address, and a digital photo that meets Florida's photo requirements to renew online.
  • The renewal fee is $75 for an eight-year license, and you pay by credit or debit card during the online process.
  • If you cannot renew online, you can mail your process and fee to the DHSMV, or visit a Driver License office in person with your documents.
  • Your new license arrives by mail; there is no option to pick it up at an office or receive it when ready.

Who can renew online

Online renewal is open to most Florida drivers, but a few situations require you to renew in person or by mail instead. You cannot renew online if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have a medical condition that needs to be reviewed by the DHSMV, or if you are a commercial driver's license (CDL) holder.

You also cannot renew online if your name has changed since your last renewal. If you've been married, divorced, or legally changed your name, you'll need to renew by mail or in person and provide a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

If you're not sure whether you're may be able to access, the DHSMV website will tell you during the online process. You can start the renewal and stop at any point without paying if you find out you don't meet the requirements.

Steps to renew online

Go to the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov and select "Renew Your Driver License" from the homepage. You'll be asked to enter your current license number and date of birth to verify your identity. Have your license in front of you when you start.

Next, you'll upload a new digital photo. Florida requires a color photo taken within the last 30 days, with your face clearly visible, no sunglasses, and a plain background. If you don't have a digital photo ready, you can take one with your phone or computer camera. The system will tell you if your photo doesn't meet the requirements before you pay.

Review your personal information on the screen and make any corrections. Then select your renewal term (eight years is the standard option), agree to the terms, and pay the $75 fee with a credit or debit card. You'll receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, read the process for Florida Driver License, Identification Card, or Permit (Form HSMV 82053) from the DHSMV website, or call 1-844-33-FLHSMV to request a form by mail. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include a check or money order for $75 payable to "DHSMV."

Mail your completed form and payment to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DHSMV receives your process. Include a new photo if you want one on your renewed license; if you don't include a photo, your current photo will be used. Mail renewal is a good option if you're not comfortable with online renewal or if you need to change your name or address.

Renewing in person at a Driver License office

Visit any Florida Driver License office with your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Bring a new digital photo on your phone or printed, or let the office take one for you (there is a small additional fee if the office takes your photo). You can find your nearest office and check wait times on the DHSMV website.

In-person renewal is fastest if you need your license quickly, because you'll walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed. However, wait times at busy offices can be 30 minutes to over an hour, especially during lunch and after work hours. Going early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon often means a shorter wait.

What documents you need

For any renewal method, have your current Florida driver's license ready. If you're renewing in person, bring proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return) and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days).

If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're renewing by mail and want to include a new photo, make sure it meets Florida's requirements: color, taken within 30 days, face clearly visible, no sunglasses, plain background.

After your license arrives

Your renewed license will arrive by mail at the address on file. Check it carefully when it arrives to make sure all information is correct. If there's an error, contact the DHSMV right away to have it corrected.

Keep your old license until the new one arrives, in case you need to drive. Once your new license is in hand, you can destroy the old one. Your new license is valid for eight years from the date you renewed it, not from the date it was issued.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Florida license if it's already expired?

Yes. You can renew your license anytime after it expires, though you should not drive with an expired license. Renew as soon as possible using any of the three methods. If you were driving with an expired license and were stopped by law enforcement, you may face a citation.

What if I don't have a digital photo for online renewal?

You can take a new photo with your phone or computer camera right before you renew online. Make sure it's in color, taken within the last 30 days, shows your face clearly, has no sunglasses, and has a plain background. If your photo doesn't meet the requirements, the online system will reject it and you can try again or renew by mail or in person instead.

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

Online and in-person renewals typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewals take 4 to 6 weeks. If you renew in person, you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent card.

Can I change my address when I renew?

Yes. During online renewal, you can update your address on the screen before you pay. If you're renewing by mail or in person, you can update your address on the process form or tell the office staff. Your new license will be mailed to your updated address.

What if my license is suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew online if your license is suspended or revoked. Contact the DHSMV to find out the reason for the suspension or revocation and what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges. Once your license is restored, you can renew using any method.