Where to renew your Lee County driver's license
In Lee County, you renew your driver's license at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. The county has two full-service locations: one in Fort Myers and one in Cape Coral. Both offices handle renewals for people who live in Lee County, and both require you to show up in person — you cannot renew entirely by mail or online.
The Fort Myers office is at 2000 W. First Street, and the Cape Coral office is at 1620 Cape Coral Parkway. Each location has the same hours and the same renewal process, so you can choose whichever is closer to you. Walk-ins are accepted, but the offices get busy in the afternoon and on Fridays, so arriving early in the morning on a weekday usually means a shorter wait.
Before you go to either office, check the DHSMV website or call ahead to confirm current hours, because they can change seasonally or due to staffing. The phone number for Lee County DHSMV offices is available through the main Florida DHSMV website.
Key Takeaways
- You must renew in person at either the Fort Myers or Cape Coral DHSMV office; online and mail renewal are not available for standard driver's licenses in Florida.
- Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or ITIN.
- Standard renewals cost $75 for an eight-year license, and the new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
- You can renew up to six months before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the expiration date to visit the office.
- If you need a new photo or have changed your name, address, or other information, tell the clerk when you arrive so they can process the correct type of renewal.
What documents you need to bring
Bring your current Florida driver's license to the DHSMV office. This is your primary form of identification and speeds up the renewal process. If your license is lost or expired by more than six months, you will need to bring a different form of ID — a passport, military ID, or state ID card will work.
You also need proof that you live in Lee County. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address is acceptable. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you recently moved, bring the document that shows your new address.
Have your Social Security number or ITIN ready. You do not need to bring a card, but the clerk will ask you to state it or write it down. If you do not have a Social Security number, tell the clerk — they can process your renewal using an ITIN or other identification number.
The renewal process at the office
When you arrive, check in at the front desk or kiosk. You will be given a number and asked to wait until your number is called. The wait time varies by time of day and day of week; mornings are typically faster than afternoons.
When you reach the clerk, hand over your current license and proof of residency. The clerk will ask you to confirm your address, date of birth, and other information on your license. If anything has changed — your address, name, or physical description — tell the clerk now. If you want a new photo because your current one is outdated, you can request that too, though a new photo costs extra (usually around $10 to $15).
You will be asked to sign a form confirming the information is correct. The clerk will then take your payment. Standard eight-year renewals cost $75. If you are 65 or older, the renewal is $10. If you added a new photo, the total will be higher. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card.
After payment, the clerk will tell you when to expect your new license in the mail. Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days. You will receive it at the address you provided. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to drive and use it as ID.
When to renew and how long it takes
Your Florida driver's license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. You can renew it anytime during the six months before it expires. For example, if your license expires on December 15, you can renew starting June 15. Renewing early means you do not have to rush if you forget the expiration date.
The new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days of your visit to the office. During that time, your old license is still valid, so you can drive and use it for identification. Once the new license arrives, keep it in a safe place and destroy the old one.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it at the DHSMV office using the same process. However, if it has been expired for more than six months, you may need to take a written test or vision test, depending on your age and how long it has been expired. Call the Lee County DHSMV office to ask whether a test is required before you go.
Renewing with a name change or address change
If you have changed your name since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring a document that shows the change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change will work. The clerk will update your name on the new license at no extra cost.
If you have moved to a new address within Lee County, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). The clerk will update your address during the renewal. If you have moved out of Lee County, you will need to transfer your license to your new county of residence instead of renewing it here.
If you have changed your physical description significantly — for example, you now wear glasses, have a different hair color, or have gained or lost a substantial amount of weight — you can request a new photo. This costs extra but ensures your license photo matches your current appearance.
What happens if you cannot visit in person
Florida does not offer mail-in renewal or online renewal for standard driver's licenses, so you must visit a DHSMV office in person. However, if you are unable to travel to Fort Myers or Cape Coral, you have a few options.
If you live in a different part of Florida, you can renew at any DHSMV office in the state, not just in Lee County. Find the office nearest to you on the DHSMV website and visit that location instead. The process and cost are the same.
If you are temporarily out of state or unable to visit an office before your license expires, you can renew by mail only if your license is not yet expired and you meet specific conditions. Call the Lee County DHSMV office to ask whether you may have access to for mail renewal. Most people do not, but it is worth asking if you are in a difficult situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it is already expired?
Yes, you can renew an expired license at the DHSMV office. However, if it has been expired for more than six months, the clerk may require you to take a vision test or written test before issuing the new license. Call ahead to confirm what you need to bring.
How much does a renewal cost in Lee County?
A standard eight-year renewal costs $75. If you are 65 or older, the cost is $10. If you request a new photo, add $10 to $15. Payment is accepted in cash, debit, or credit card at both offices.
Can I get my new license the same day I renew?
No. The new license is mailed to you and arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid during that time, so you can continue to drive and use it as ID until the new one arrives.
What if I have moved out of Lee County?
If you have moved to a different Florida county, you need to transfer your license to your new county of residence rather than renew it in Lee County. Visit a DHSMV office in your new county and bring proof of your new address. If you have moved out of Florida, follow the renewal process for your new state.
Do I need an appointment to renew at the DHSMV office?
Walk-ins are accepted at both Lee County offices, but you can also schedule an appointment online through the DHSMV website to reduce wait time. Appointments are recommended during busy seasons, but morning walk-ins typically have short waits.