How to Renew Your Florida Driver's License

How to renew your Florida driver's license online, by mail, or in person

You can renew your Florida driver's license through three routes: online at the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website, by mail, or in person at a Driver License office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access — it takes about 7 to 10 business days and costs $48 for a four-year license or $75 for an eight-year license. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal is when ready if you need your license the same day, though you may wait at the office.

Your renewal method depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you have changed your name or address, and whether you need a Real ID-compliant license. If your license has been expired for more than six months, you cannot renew online — you must go to a Driver License office in person. If you have a suspension, revocation, or other restriction on your driving record, you also cannot renew online.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal works only if your current license is valid (not expired more than six months ago) and you have no suspensions or restrictions on your record.
A standard four-year Florida license costs $48 to renew online; an eight-year license costs $75; mail renewal costs the same but takes longer.
If you need a Real ID-compliant license, you must renew in person and bring an original or certified birth certificate, passport, or other federal ID document.
You can renew online at gorenew.dhsmv.fl.gov using your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
If your license expired more than six months ago or you have a suspension, you must visit a Driver License office in person to renew.

Online renewal: fastest option for current, valid licenses

Online renewal through the DHSMV website is available if your license is currently valid and will not expire within 30 days. You do not need to make an appointment. Go to gorenew.dhsmv.fl.gov, enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number, then follow the prompts to review your information and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card.

After you submit your payment, the DHSMV mails your new license to the address on file. The process takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you submit. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait. If you need to change your address or name before renewing, you must do that in person at a Driver License office first — you cannot make those changes online during renewal.

Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than six months, if you have a suspension or revocation on your record, if you are under 21, or if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL). In any of those cases, you must renew in person.

Mail renewal: slower but no office visit required

Mail renewal is available under the same conditions as online renewal — your license must be valid and not expired more than six months ago. Request a renewal process by calling the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639) or by visiting any Driver License office. You can also read the process from the DHSMV website.

Complete the process, include a check or money order for the renewal fee ($48 for four years or $75 for eight years), and mail it to the address listed on the form. The DHSMV processes mail applications in the order received. Your new license arrives in 2 to 3 weeks. Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal and offers no speed advantage over in-person renewal if you are already going to an office, so most people choose online or in-person instead.

In-person renewal: required for expired licenses, suspensions, and Real ID

You must renew in person at a Driver License office if your license has been expired for more than six months, if you have a suspension or revocation on your record, if you are under 21, or if you hold a commercial driver's license. You also must renew in person if you want to upgrade to a Real ID-compliant license, which is required for federal travel and entry to federal buildings starting May 7, 2025.

To renew in person, visit any Driver License office with proof of identity (your current license, passport, or other government-issued ID), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of Florida residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days). If you are upgrading to Real ID, bring an original or certified birth certificate, U.S. passport, or other federal ID document as well.

You do not need an appointment at most offices, but wait times vary. Some offices use an online reservation system — check the DHSMV website to see if your local office offers reservations. In-person renewal is when ready: you receive your new license photo and temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if your license expired more than six months ago

If your Florida license has been expired for more than six months, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a Driver License office in person. Bring the same documents you would bring for any in-person renewal: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency.

The renewal fee is the same ($48 for four years or $75 for eight years), and the process is the same as any other in-person renewal. However, if your license has been expired for more than three years, the DHSMV may require you to retake the written driving test and vision test before issuing a new license. Call your local Driver License office before you go to ask whether you will need to test.

Real ID compliance and what you need to bring

Florida's Real ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Starting May 7, 2025, a standard Florida driver's license will not be accepted for those purposes — you will need a Real ID or a passport.

To renew as Real ID, you must go in person to a Driver License office. Bring your current driver's license or other government-issued photo ID, your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, proof of Florida residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement from the last 60 days), and an original or certified birth certificate, U.S. passport, or other federal ID document. The renewal fee is the same as a standard license ($48 for four years or $75 for eight years).

If you already have a Real ID license and are renewing before it expires, you can renew online or by mail without bringing additional documents. You only need to bring the extra documents if you are upgrading from a standard license to Real ID for the first time.

Renewal fees and license validity periods

Florida driver's licenses are valid for four or eight years. A four-year license costs $48 to renew. An eight-year license costs $75 to renew. You choose the length when you renew — there is no requirement to pick one or the other. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

If you renew online or by mail, you pay by credit card or check at the time you submit your process. If you renew in person, you pay at the Driver License office by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Some offices also accept money orders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have a suspension on my record?

No. You cannot renew online, by mail, or in person if you have an active suspension, revocation, or other restriction. You must first resolve the suspension by paying any fines, completing required courses, or meeting other conditions set by the court or DHSMV. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew in person at a Driver License office.

What if I changed my name or address since my last license?

If you changed your address, you can renew online or by mail — the DHSMV will update your address during renewal. If you changed your name, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. You cannot change your name online or by mail.

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

The DHSMV mails your new license 7 to 10 business days after you submit your online renewal. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait. If you need your license sooner, you must renew in person at a Driver License office to get a temporary paper license when ready.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Most Driver License offices do not require appointments, but some use an online reservation system. Check the DHSMV website to see if your local office offers reservations. If it does, you can book a time slot online to reduce your wait. If it does not, you can walk in during business hours, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

What if my license was lost or stolen?

If your license was lost or stolen, you cannot renew — you must request a replacement. Go in person to a Driver License office with proof of identity and residency. The replacement fee is $25, and you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

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.