Renew your Florida driver license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office
Florida lets you renew your driver license through three routes: online at the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at any Florida DMV office. Which route you can use depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you need a new photo. Most people under 80 with a valid or recently expired license can renew online in minutes without visiting an office.
Your current license must not be suspended or revoked, and you cannot have any open traffic violations or unpaid fines. If either applies to you, you must handle those issues before renewing. Florida does not require you to pass a written or driving test to renew unless your license has been expired for more than six years, you are over 79, or the DMV has flagged your record for a retest.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $47.50 for a four-year license or $67.50 for an eight-year license, and you can do it from home if your license is not expired or expired less than six months.
- You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, driver license number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to renew online.
- Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired or expired less than six months, and you must include a check or money order with your process.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office takes about 30 minutes to an hour and is required if your license has been expired more than six months or if you need a new photo.
- Florida does not mail renewal notices, so you are responsible for tracking your expiration date and renewing before or shortly after it passes.
Online renewal: fastest option for most people
Go to the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov and select "Renew Your Driver License" from the homepage. You will be asked to enter your driver license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and confirm your current address. If your address has changed, you can update it during this step.
You then choose your license term: four years ($47.50) or eight years ($67.50). Pay with a debit or credit card. Once your payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired or expired less than six months, and you do not need a new photo. If your license photo is more than 10 years old, the system will not let you renew online and will direct you to renew in person instead.
Mail renewal: option if you cannot visit an office
read the process form (HSMV 82053) from the DHSMV website or request one by calling 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639). Fill out the form completely, including your name, date of birth, address, and driver license number. Sign and date the form.
Include a check or money order for $47.50 (four-year license) or $67.50 (eight-year license) made payable to "DHSMV". Do not send cash. Mail the form and payment to the address listed on the process form. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the DHSMV receives your envelope.
Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired or expired less than six months. You cannot use mail renewal if you need a new photo or if your address has changed since your last renewal. If either applies, you must renew in person.
In-person renewal at a DMV office
Visit any Florida DMV office with your current driver license and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). Bring proof of your current address if it has changed since your last renewal (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). Bring a payment method: cash, debit card, or credit card.
Check in at the office and take a number. Wait times vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the week or early in the morning usually means shorter waits. When called, hand your documents to the clerk. You will have your photo taken, answer a few questions to confirm your information, and pay the renewal fee. The entire process takes 30 minutes to an hour in most offices.
You must renew in person if your license has been expired more than six months, if you need a new photo, if your address has changed, or if the DMV has flagged your record for a retest. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license expired less than six months ago, you can renew online or by mail using the same process as above. If your license expired more than six months ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring the same documents listed above.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Florida, even if you have already submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show your confirmation number from online renewal or your temporary paper license from an in-person visit, but the officer may still issue a citation. Renew as soon as you notice your license has expired.
Renewing if your license is suspended or revoked
You cannot renew your driver license if it is suspended or revoked. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the DHSMV. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations.
Call the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take. You may need to pay fines, complete a defensive driving course, or appear in court. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew your license using any of the three methods above.
Renewing with a new address
If you have moved since your last renewal, update your address during the renewal process. Online renewal lets you change your address on the same screen where you enter your personal information. Mail renewal does not allow address changes; you must renew in person if your address has changed.
When you renew in person, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days). The clerk will update your address in the system and print it on your new license. Your license will be mailed to your new address.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when my Florida driver license expires?
Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license in the bottom right corner. Florida does not send renewal reminders by mail or email, so write down your expiration date or set a phone reminder. Renew at least two weeks before your license expires to avoid driving with an expired license.
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic fines?
No. The DHSMV will not process your renewal if you have outstanding fines or a failure-to-appear warrant. You must pay the fines or resolve the warrant first. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out the balance owed and how to pay.
What if I need a new photo but want to renew online?
You cannot renew online if your photo is more than 10 years old. The online system will reject your process and direct you to an office. You must renew in person to have a new photo taken. Bring your current license and payment method.
How long does it take to receive my renewed license by mail?
The DHSMV processes renewals within 7 to 10 business days and mails your license to the address on file. Delivery by the postal service usually takes 3 to 5 additional days. You can drive on your current license or temporary paper license until your new one arrives.
Can I renew my Florida license if I live out of state?
Yes, if you are a Florida resident, you can renew by mail or online even if you live elsewhere. You cannot renew in person at a Florida DMV office unless you are physically present. If your license has been expired more than six months, you must visit a Florida office or contact the DHSMV to discuss your options.