How to Renew Your Florida Driver's License

Florida Driver's License Renewal: What You Need to Know

Florida allows you to renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. Which method you can use depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you need to update your address or photograph. Most people under 80 with a valid or recently expired license can renew online or by mail without visiting an office.

The renewal process in Florida is straightforward if you meet the requirements for your chosen method. You will need your current or expired license number, a valid Social Security number, and a payment method. Processing times vary: online renewals are typically completed within one to two business days, mail renewals take two to three weeks, and in-person renewals are usually finished the same day.

Key Takeaways

Florida residents under 80 with a valid or recently expired license can renew online at GoRenew.com or by mail without visiting a DHSMV office.
Online renewal costs $47.50 for a four-year license and $67.50 for an eight-year license; mail renewal costs the same plus postage.
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than six months, you are 80 or older, or you need to update your photograph or address.
Florida sends renewal notices by mail about 90 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for the notice to renew.
Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after approval if you renew online or by mail.

Online Renewal Through GoRenew.com

The fastest way to renew a Florida driver's license is online through the official DHSMV portal at GoRenew.com. You can renew online if your license is currently valid or expired no more than six months ago, you are under 80 years old, and you do not need to change your address or photograph. The entire process takes about 10 minutes.

To renew online, you will need your current or expired Florida driver's license number, your date of birth, your Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card. You will also confirm your address and answer a few security questions. After you submit payment, the DHSMV will process your renewal and mail your new license to the address on file. You do not receive a temporary license, so plan accordingly if your current license is already expired.

Online renewal costs $47.50 for a four-year license or $67.50 for an eight-year license. The DHSMV charges an additional $2.50 convenience fee for online transactions. Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval, which typically happens within one to two business days of your submission.

Mail Renewal by Sending Your License and Payment

You can renew by mail if you meet the same requirements as online renewal: your license is valid or expired no more than six months ago, you are under 80, and you do not need to update your address or photograph. Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but requires no computer access and no convenience fee.

To renew by mail, print the renewal form from the DHSMV website (Form HSMV 82101) or request one by calling 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639). Include your current or expired driver's license, a check or money order for $47.50 (four-year) or $67.50 (eight-year), and the completed form. Mail the packet to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DHSMV receives your packet, plus mail transit time in both directions. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after approval. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal is faster.

In-Person Renewal at a DHSMV Office

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than six months, you are 80 or older, you need to update your photograph, or you need to change your address. In-person renewal also applies if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a license with a motorcycle endorsement. Bring your current or expired license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days).

Visit any DHSMV office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though some have extended hours. You can find your nearest office and check wait times on the DHSMV website. In-person renewal usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your new license is mailed to you. Your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

In-person renewal costs $47.50 for a four-year license or $67.50 for an eight-year license. The DHSMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you are 80 or older, you may be required to pass a vision test or medical examination depending on your circumstances.

When Your License Is Expired More Than Six Months

If your Florida driver's license has been expired for more than six months, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must visit a DHSMV office in person. Bring the same documents as any in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

The DHSMV may require you to retake the written knowledge test or vision test if your license has been expired for a long time, though this is not automatic. Call your local DHSMV office before you visit to ask whether you will need to test. If you do test, you will need to bring proof of your Social Security number and two forms of identification. The office will tell you the specific requirements when you call.

Renewal Fees and Payment Methods

Florida driver's license renewal costs depend on the license type and term you choose. A standard four-year license costs $47.50, and an eight-year license costs $67.50. If you renew online, add a $2.50 convenience fee. These are the only fees; there are no additional charges for address changes or photograph updates during in-person renewal.

The DHSMV accepts payment by credit card, debit card, check, or cash. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. Mail renewal requires a check or money order; do not send cash through the mail. In-person renewal at a DHSMV office accepts all payment methods.

What to Do If You Lose Your License Before Renewal

If your license is lost or stolen before you renew it, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must visit a DHSMV office in person to report the loss and renew at the same time. Bring proof of your Social Security number and two forms of identification. The office will issue you a replacement license with a new number and photograph.

You do not need a police report to replace a lost license in Florida, though having one does not hurt. The replacement and renewal process takes about 30 minutes in person, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Florida license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before the expiration date using any method: online, by mail, or in person. The DHSMV will mail your new license, and it will be valid for four or eight years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expired.

What if I moved and need to update my address?

If you moved within Florida, you can update your address online at GoRenew.com during renewal. If you moved out of state or need to update your address without renewing, visit a DHSMV office in person. Address changes alone do not require a new photograph.

Do I need a new photograph when I renew?

No, unless your current photograph is more than 10 years old or you choose to update it. If you renew online or by mail, your old photograph will be used. If you want a new photograph, renew in person at a DHSMV office.

How long is my new license valid after I renew?

Your new license is valid for four or eight years from the date you renew, depending on which term you choose. Florida does not offer one-year or two-year licenses for standard renewals. The expiration date will be printed on your new license.

What if I have a commercial driver's license or motorcycle endorsement?

You must renew in person at a DHSMV office. Online and mail renewal are not available for CDL or motorcycle endorsements. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address, and plan for a longer appointment than standard renewal.

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.