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 without visiting a DMV office if you meet certain conditions. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) lets you renew online or by mail if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your license is not expired by more than five years. If you do not meet those conditions, or if you want to renew in person, you can visit any Florida driver's license office.

Your renewal notice will arrive in the mail about 45 days before your license expires. That notice tells you which method you can use. If you have not received a notice and your license is within 90 days of expiration, you can check your renewal status on the DHSMV website using your driver's license number and date of birth.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the DHSMV website is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes if you have a valid email address and a credit or debit card.
Mail renewal requires you to send your renewal notice, a check or money order, and a new photo to the DHSMV; processing takes two to three weeks after they receive it.
In-person renewal at a driver's license office takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of residency, and payment by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
Your new license will be mailed to you after any renewal method; you cannot pick it up at the office the same day.
Florida licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew up to 18 months before expiration or up to five years after expiration.

Online renewal through the DHSMV website

Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if your license meets the requirements. Go to the official DHSMV website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will confirm your may be able to access and show you the renewal fee, which is currently $75 for an eight-year license.

You will need to upload a new digital photo or use an existing one from your DHSMV records. The photo must meet Florida's requirements: a clear, color headshot taken within the last 30 days, with a plain background and no sunglasses or hats. If you do not have a suitable photo, you can take one using your phone or computer camera during the renewal process.

After you submit your information and pay the fee with a credit or debit card, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your old license until the new one arrives.

Mail renewal with a new photo

If you prefer to renew by mail, use the renewal notice you received from the DHSMV. Fill out the form, include a new photo that meets Florida's requirements, and mail it with a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address shown on the notice. Do not send cash through the mail.

The DHSMV processes mail renewals in the order they are received. After they receive your envelope, processing typically takes two to three weeks. You will receive your new license by mail at the address you provided. Keep your old license until the new one arrives, since you may need it for identification.

If your renewal notice was lost or you did not receive one, you can request a renewal form by calling the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639) or by visiting a driver's license office in person.

In-person renewal at a driver's license office

You must renew in person if your license is suspended, if you have medical restrictions that need to be reviewed, or if your license expired more than five years ago. You can also choose in-person renewal even if you are not required to. Visit any Florida driver's license office during business hours; no appointment is needed, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current Florida address (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and payment for the renewal fee. You will have a new photo taken at the office. The entire process usually takes 30 minutes or less.

After you complete the renewal, you will receive a temporary driving permit valid for 30 days while your new license is being mailed. Your permanent license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You can find the nearest driver's license office and current wait times on the DHSMV website.

What happens if your license is suspended or has restrictions

If your Florida driver's license is suspended, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a driver's license office in person. The office staff will check your driving record and tell you what must be resolved before you can renew. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or failure to maintain insurance.

If your suspension is due to unpaid fines or child support, you will need to resolve those issues before the DHSMV can process your renewal. If it is due to a lapsed insurance policy, you will need to provide proof of current coverage. The driver's license office can direct you to the right agency or explain what steps to take next.

If your license has medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only), you must renew in person so the office can verify that those restrictions are still necessary. Bring any medical documentation your doctor has provided.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The standard renewal fee for an eight-year Florida driver's license is $75. If you renew online or by mail, you must pay by credit card or debit card (online) or check or money order (by mail). If you renew in person at a driver's license office, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

Some driver's license offices may charge an additional service fee if you renew in person, though the base renewal fee remains $75. Check the DHSMV website or call ahead to confirm the total cost at your local office.

If you are a Florida resident over 65 years old, you may be may have access to to a reduced renewal fee. Ask the staff at the driver's license office or check the DHSMV website for current senior discounts.

Timeline: when to renew and how long it takes

You can renew your Florida driver's license up to 18 months before it expires. Renewing early is useful if you travel or need a new license for identification purposes. You can also renew up to five years after your license expires, though an expired license cannot be used for identification or driving.

The DHSMV sends renewal notices about 45 days before your license expires. If you renew online, your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, allow two to three weeks for processing plus mailing time. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary permit when ready and your permanent license within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license has already expired and you need to drive, you can renew when ready using any of the three methods. However, driving with an expired license is illegal, so renew as soon as you realize your license has lapsed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Florida driver's license if I moved out of state?

No. Florida driver's licenses are only for Florida residents. If you have moved out of state, you must obtain a driver's license from your new state of residence. You can surrender your Florida license by mail or in person at any driver's license office, though you are not required to do so.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can still renew without the notice. For online renewal, go to the DHSMV website and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. For mail renewal, call 1-844-DL-RENEW to request a renewal form. For in-person renewal, visit any driver's license office with your current license and proof of residency.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?

It depends on the ticket. If you have an unpaid fine, your license may be suspended and you will need to resolve it before renewing. Contact the court that issued the ticket or call the DHSMV to check your driving record. If your license is not suspended, you can renew online or by mail.

How do I know if my new photo was accepted during online renewal?

The online renewal system will tell you when ready if your photo does not meet Florida's requirements. If it is rejected, you can retake it or use an existing photo from your DHSMV records. You will not be charged again if you need to resubmit your photo.

What if my address changed since my last license?

Update your address before you renew. You can change your address online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a driver's license office. If you renew online or by mail, your new license will be sent to the address on file, so make sure it is current first.

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.