How to Renew Your Florida Driver's License

Florida Renewal: Online, by Mail, or In Person

You can renew your Florida driver's license in three ways: online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website, by mail, or in person at a driver license office. Most people renew online because it takes minutes and costs less than the other methods. You are may be able to access to renew online if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have a valid Social Security number on file, and your address is current with the DHSMV.

If you cannot renew online—because your license is suspended, you need to change your address, or you want to renew early—you will need to visit a driver license office or mail in your renewal. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes once you arrive, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip to an office.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the DHSMV website is the fastest and cheapest option if your license is valid and your address is current.
Your Florida driver's license is valid for eight years, and you can renew it up to 18 months before it expires.
The renewal fee is $75 for an eight-year license renewed online, $80 if you renew by mail, or $87.50 if you renew in person.
You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew until the suspension or revocation is lifted.

Renewing Online Through the DHSMV Website

Go to the DHSMV online services portal at gorenew.com. You will enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and confirm your address. If everything is correct, you can proceed to payment.

Payment is by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. Once you pay the $75 renewal fee, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to take a new photo or pass a vision test unless your license has been expired for more than five years.

Online renewal is not available if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired for more than five years. It is also not available if you need to change your address, name, or other information on your license. In those cases, you must renew in person or by mail.

Renewing by Mail

Request a mail renewal form by calling the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639) or visiting a driver license office in person. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $80 payable to the DHSMV, and mail it to the address on the form. Do not send cash.

Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time the DHSMV receives your form. Your new license will arrive separately. Keep your current license until the new one arrives. If your current license expires before the new one arrives, you can show your confirmation letter from the DHSMV as proof of renewal if you are stopped by law enforcement.

Mail renewal is a good option if you cannot visit an office or access the internet, or if you are renewing from outside Florida. You do not need a new photo or vision test unless your license has been expired for more than five years.

Renewing In Person at a Driver License Office

Find your nearest driver license office on the DHSMV website and check its hours. Bring your current Florida driver's license, proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of current address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). Payment is $87.50 by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

You will have your photo taken and pass a vision screening. The entire process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, though wait times can be longer during peak hours. Your new license will be issued on the spot, and you can drive home with it when ready.

In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended or revoked, if you need to change your address or name, if your license has been expired for more than five years, or if you prefer to walk out with your new license the same day. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce wait time.

When Your License Is Suspended or Revoked

If your Florida driver's license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Suspensions are usually temporary and result from unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or failure to pay child support. Revocations are more serious and result from serious violations like DUI convictions.

To find out why your license is suspended or revoked, call the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW or visit a driver license office. Once you have resolved the issue—paid the fine, appeared in court, or completed a required program—you can renew your license. The DHSMV will tell you what steps you need to take and what documents to bring.

Renewing Early and License Validity

Your Florida driver's license is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. You can renew your license up to 18 months before it expires. Renewing early does not extend your license expiration date; your new license will expire eight years from the date you renew, not eight years from the date your old license would have expired.

If you renew early, your old license becomes invalid once your new license arrives. Destroy your old license by cutting it in half or shredding it. Do not throw it away whole, as it contains personal information.

What to Do If Your License Expires

If your Florida driver's license expires, you cannot legally drive. You must renew it before you get behind the wheel. If you are stopped by law enforcement while driving with an expired license, you can be cited and fined.

If your license has been expired for less than six months, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person using the same process as a regular renewal. If your license has been expired for more than six months, you must renew in person at a driver license office. You will need to take a new photo and pass a vision screening. Bring your current (expired) license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Florida license if I live out of state?

Yes. You can renew online if you meet the standard requirements, or by mail. Mail renewal is often the easiest option for people living outside Florida. Call 1-844-DL-RENEW to request a mail renewal form, or visit the DHSMV website to read one.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

If you are renewing online, you can update your address during the renewal process if it is current with the DHSMV. If your address is not in the system, you must renew in person at a driver license office. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

No, unless your license has been expired for more than five years. If you are renewing online or by mail and your license is current, your photo will be carried over to your new license. If you renew in person, a new photo is taken automatically.

How long does it take to get my renewed license?

Online renewal: 7 to 10 business days by mail. Mail renewal: 4 to 6 weeks. In-person renewal: same day. Times may vary depending on mail delivery and DHSMV processing volume.

What if I lose my license before the new one arrives?

If you renewed online or by mail and your new license has not arrived, contact the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW with your confirmation number. They can tell you the status of your renewal. If your license is truly lost, you may need to visit a driver license office to request a replacement.

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.