How to Renew Your Florida Driver's License

The fastest way to renew in Florida

You can renew your Florida driver's license online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website if you meet a few basic conditions: your license must not be suspended or revoked, you must be a U.S. citizen, and your license cannot have expired more than five years ago. If you meet these requirements, the online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $47.50. You'll receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If you don't meet the online requirements—or prefer to renew in person—you can visit any Florida Driver License office. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and costs the same $47.50. You'll walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the DHSMV website is available if your license is valid, you're a U.S. citizen, and it hasn't been expired for more than five years.
In-person renewal at any Florida Driver License office requires a current proof of residency document and takes about 30 minutes.
Your license is valid for eight years in Florida, and you can renew it up to 18 months before it expires.
If your address has changed, you must renew in person or update your address online before renewing by mail.
A replacement license costs $20 if you've lost or damaged your current one, separate from the renewal fee.

When you can renew your Florida license

Florida licenses are valid for eight years from the date of issue. You can begin the renewal process up to 18 months before your license expires, which gives you a wide window to plan ahead. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license in the bottom right corner.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it as long as it expired fewer than five years ago. If it's been expired longer than five years, you'll need to explore for a new license instead, which involves taking the written test and road test again.

Renewing online through the DHSMV website

To renew online, go to the official DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov) and select the online renewal option. You'll need your current Florida driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card or credit card). The system will verify your information against state records.

Online renewal is not available if your license is suspended, revoked, or marked for medical review. It's also not available if you're not a U.S. citizen, if you need to change your name or address, or if your license has been expired for more than five years. In any of these cases, you must renew in person at a Driver License office.

After you complete the online renewal, you'll 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 update your address before renewing, you can do that online separately before starting the renewal process.

Renewing in person at a Driver License office

To renew in person, visit any Florida Driver License office with your current license and proof of residency. Acceptable proof of residency includes a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your current address. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot.

You'll pay the $47.50 renewal fee and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to change your name or address, in-person renewal is the way to do it—bring the supporting documents (such as a marriage certificate or deed) along with your proof of residency.

Driver License offices are open Monday through Friday, typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location. You can find your nearest office and check its hours on the DHSMV website. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others operate by appointment only. During busy times, wait times can exceed an hour, so arriving early or scheduling an appointment ahead of time is wise.

What to bring and what it costs

For online renewal: You need your current Florida driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid debit or credit card. The cost is $47.50.

For in-person renewal: Bring your current Florida driver's license and one document proving your current address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail). The cost is $47.50. If you're changing your name, also bring a certified copy of the document that supports the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

If your license has been lost, stolen, or damaged, a replacement costs $20 in addition to any renewal fee. You can order a replacement online or in person.

If your license is suspended or revoked

You cannot renew your license while it is suspended or revoked. You must first resolve the issue that caused the suspension or revocation—this might mean paying a fine, completing a traffic safety course, or satisfying a court order. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew normally.

To find out why your license is suspended or revoked, contact the DHSMV directly at 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639) or check your status on the DHSMV website. The office can tell you what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges.

Renewing by mail (limited availability)

Florida does not offer standard mail-in renewal. However, if you are a Florida resident living overseas or in the military stationed outside Florida, you may be able to renew by mail. Contact the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW to request a mail renewal packet and confirm your may be able to access.

For all other residents, online renewal or in-person renewal at a Driver License office are your only options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I've moved to a different address?

If you're renewing online, you must update your address separately on the DHSMV website before starting the renewal process. If you're renewing in person, bring your current license and proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and the office will update your address during renewal.

What if my name has changed since I got my license?

You must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and a certified copy of the document that supports your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The office will process the name change and renewal together.

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

Whether you renew online or in person, your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person, you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready that's valid for 30 days while you wait for the permanent card.

What if my license expired more than five years ago?

You cannot renew; you must explore for a new license. This means taking the written test and road test again. Contact your local Driver License office or the DHSMV for information about the testing process.

Can I renew my license if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

You cannot renew online, but you can renew in person at a Driver License office. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your valid immigration document. The office will process your renewal and issue a new 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.