Florida driver licenses expire every six years, and you can renew yours online, by mail, or in person at a Florida DMV office

Florida's renewal process depends on which type of license you hold and whether you need to renew in person or can handle it remotely. Most Florida drivers can renew online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website without visiting an office. If you cannot renew online — because your license is suspended, you need to change your address, or you are renewing a commercial license — you will need to visit a local DMV office or use the mail option.

The key is knowing your renewal important date and which method works for your situation. Florida sends renewal notices by mail about 90 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for that notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida driver licenses are valid for six years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your license type and circumstances.
  • Online renewal through the DHSMV website is the fastest option for most drivers and takes about 10 minutes if you have a valid Social Security number and a credit or debit card.
  • You must renew in person if your license is suspended, you need to change your address, you wear corrective lenses, or you hold a commercial or motorcycle endorsement.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to submit your current license, a completed process form, and payment by check or money order.
  • Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days of approval, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

Renewing online through the DHSMV website

Online renewal is available to most Florida drivers and is the quickest option. Go to the official DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov) and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to start. The system will verify your information against state records and ask you to confirm your address.

The entire process takes about 10 minutes. You will pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card — Florida charges $75 for a six-year renewal as of 2024, though this amount can change. Once you submit your process, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal is not available if your license is suspended or revoked, if you need to change your address, if you wear corrective lenses and need to update that information, or if you hold a commercial driver license (CDL) or motorcycle endorsement. In those cases, you must renew in person or by mail.

Renewing in person at a Florida DMV office

If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit a local DMV office. Bring your current driver license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment. Florida accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card at most offices, though some locations may have different payment options — call ahead to confirm.

You do not need an appointment at most Florida DMV offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning or on weekdays typically means shorter lines. The renewal process at the office takes 15 to 30 minutes once you are called. You will have your photo taken and your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

In-person renewal is required if you are renewing a commercial driver license, if you hold a motorcycle endorsement, if you wear corrective lenses, if your address has changed, or if your license is suspended or revoked. You will also need to renew in person if you are over 79 years old, as Florida requires an in-person renewal for senior drivers.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is an option if you cannot visit an office and do not meet the requirements for online renewal. Request a renewal process form from the DHSMV by calling 1-888-769-2778 or by visiting a local DMV office. You can also read the form from the DHSMV website.

Complete the process form and mail it along with your current driver license and payment (check or money order only) to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of proof of residency if your address has changed. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DHSMV receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after approval.

What happens if your license expires before you receive the new one

If your current license expires before your new one arrives, you can still drive legally while your renewal is being processed. Florida considers you to be driving with a valid license as long as you have submitted your renewal process and have the confirmation number or receipt showing you applied. Keep that confirmation with you while driving.

If you need to drive before your new license arrives and you do not have proof of your process, visit a local DMV office and request a temporary driving permit. The office can issue one on the spot, valid for 30 days while you wait for your new license to arrive by mail.

Changing your address during renewal

If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. Online renewal allows you to confirm or change your address as part of the process. If you are renewing by mail or in person, provide your new address on the process form or tell the DMV staff member at the office.

Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide during renewal. If you move after you have already submitted your renewal process, contact the DHSMV to update your mailing address before your new license ships. You can call 1-888-769-2778 to request an address change.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Florida charges $75 for a standard six-year driver license renewal as of 2024. The fee may vary slightly depending on whether you are renewing a regular license, a commercial license, or a license with motorcycle endorsements. Check the DHSMV website for the exact fee that applies to your license type, as fees can change.

Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. In-person renewal at a DMV office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most locations, though some offices may have different payment options. Mail renewal requires payment by check or money order only. Make checks payable to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Florida driver license before the expiration date?

Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. You do not have to wait for the renewal notice from the DHSMV. Renewing early is a good idea if you are planning a trip or want to avoid the rush as your expiration date approaches.

What if I lost my driver license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it online. You must visit a DMV office in person to report the loss and explore for a replacement. Bring proof of identity and residency. The replacement license costs the same as a renewal and will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Do I need a new photo for my renewal?

If you renew online or by mail, your current photo will be used on your new license. If you renew in person at a DMV office, you will have a new photo taken. If you want a new photo for an online or mail renewal, you must renew in person instead.

How long is my Florida driver license valid after renewal?

Your renewed Florida driver license is valid for six years from the date of issue. The expiration date will be printed on your new license. You can renew again up to one year before that date expires.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring legal documentation of the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The DMV will issue a new license with your updated name.