How Florida driver's license renewal works
Florida lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver License office. Which method you use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need to update your address or photograph. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office — but some situations require you to show up in person.
Your Florida license is valid for eight years if you are between 21 and 80 years old. You can start the renewal process up to 18 months before your expiration date, which gives you plenty of time to plan. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but the process may take longer and you cannot legally drive until the new one arrives.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website if your license is not expired and you meet basic requirements.
- Online renewal costs $47.50 and takes about 7 to 10 business days; mail renewal takes longer but works if you prefer not to visit an office.
- You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than six months, if you need a new photograph, or if you are changing your name or address.
- Bring your current license, proof of Florida residency, and proof of Social Security number to any Driver License office if you must renew in person.
Renewing online through the DHSMV website
The fastest and cheapest way to renew is through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) online renewal system. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have not had any violations or suspensions, and you do not need to change your photograph or personal information.
Go to gorenew.com, which is Florida's official online renewal portal. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information and ask you to review your license details. If everything is correct, you pay $47.50 by credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal does not include a new photograph — your current photo will be used on your new license. If you want a new photo or need to update your address, you cannot use the online system.
Renewing by mail if you cannot go online
If you prefer not to renew online, you can request a renewal by mail through the DHSMV. Call 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639) or visit any Driver License office to request a mail renewal form. You will receive Form HSMV 82101 (process for Florida Driver License Renewal by Mail).
Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with a copy of your current license and a check or money order for $47.50 to the address shown on the form. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time the DHSMV receives your process. Like online renewal, you cannot change your photograph or address through the mail — your current photo and address will appear on your new license.
Renewing in person at a Driver License office
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than six months, if you need a new photograph, if you are changing your name, or if you are updating your address. You will also need to renew in person if the DHSMV notifies you that you must appear for a vision test or other reason.
Find your nearest Driver License office on the DHSMV website and check the hours before you go — many offices are open limited hours and some require an appointment. Bring your current license, proof of Florida residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return). The renewal fee is $47.50 if you are keeping your current photo, or $75 if you are getting a new photograph.
The office will take your photograph, verify your information, and issue your new license on the spot. You can drive when ready using a temporary paper license they give you, and your permanent card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
What to do if your license has already expired
If your license expired more than six months ago, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must go to a Driver License office in person. Bring the same documents you would bring for any in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
You cannot legally drive while your license is expired, even if you have started the renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you will be driving without a valid license. If your license expired within the last six months, you can still renew online or by mail, but the DHSMV may require you to take a vision test or appear in person.
Costs and timeline for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Cost | Timeline | New Photo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (gorenew.com) | $47.50 | 7–10 business days | No |
| By mail | $47.50 | 4–6 weeks | No |
| In person (no new photo) | $47.50 | when ready temporary license; 7–10 business days for permanent | No |
| In person (new photo) | $75 | when ready temporary license; 7–10 business days for permanent | Yes |
Special situations: name changes, address updates, and more
If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DHSMV will not process a name change through online or mail renewal.
If you are moving to a new address in Florida, you can update your address online or by mail during renewal — the system will ask for your new address and it will appear on your new license. If you are moving out of Florida, you will need to get a license from your new state; Florida will not renew a license for someone who no longer lives there.
If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a Driver License office. Bring the same documents as for a standard license renewal, plus your current CDL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Florida license if I live out of state?
No. Florida requires that you live in the state to hold a Florida driver's license. If you have moved out of Florida, you must get a license from your new state of residence. You can renew by mail if you are temporarily out of state but still a Florida resident, but you cannot renew if you have permanently moved.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license number. Go to a Driver License office in person with proof of residency and proof of Social Security number. The office will issue you a replacement license and can process the renewal at the same time. You will pay both the replacement fee and the renewal fee.
How long can I drive on the temporary paper license?
The temporary paper license is valid until your permanent card arrives in the mail, which usually takes 7 to 10 business days. Do not throw it away — you must carry it with you while you drive, along with proof of insurance. If your permanent license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DHSMV.
Do I have to take a vision test to renew in Florida?
Not usually. The DHSMV will only require a vision test if you are over 80 years old, if your license has been expired for more than six months, or if the DHSMV has reason to believe your vision may have changed. If you are required to take a test, you will be notified and must renew in person.
Can I renew my license early?
Yes. You can start the renewal process up to 18 months before your license expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid the rush as your expiration date approaches. Your new license will have a new expiration date eight years from the date you renew.