Florida driver's license fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to last

A standard Florida driver's license costs $48 for an eight-year license if you're 80 or older, or $75 for a standard eight-year license if you're under 80. If you want a four-year license instead, you'll pay $25. These are the fees the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles charges when you renew or get your first license. The cost does not include any testing fees or the cost of documents you need to bring with you, like a birth certificate or proof of residency.

If you're getting a REAL ID-compliant license — which you'll need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025 — the cost is the same as a regular license. The REAL ID designation is built into the standard fee; you don't pay extra for it. However, you will need to bring additional documents to prove your identity and residency, which may cost money to obtain if you don't already have them.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard eight-year Florida driver's license costs $75 if you're under 80, or $48 if you're 80 or older.
  • A four-year license costs $25 and may be useful if you're not sure you'll stay in Florida or want to renew sooner.
  • REAL ID licenses cost the same as regular licenses, but you'll need to bring more documents to prove your identity and address.
  • You may need to pay for documents like a birth certificate, Social Security card, or proof of residency before you can get your license.
  • If you fail the written or road test, you'll pay a retest fee each time you try again — the amount varies depending on which test you're retaking.

What documents cost money to get before you explore

Florida doesn't charge you to take the written test or the road test as part of your license fee. However, you do have to bring certain documents to the DMV office, and getting those documents can cost money. You'll need an official birth certificate (not a hospital copy), which costs $15 to $25 depending on which county issued it. You'll also need proof of your Social Security number — usually your Social Security card itself, though a W-2 or tax return works too.

For proof of residency, you can bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. If you don't have any of these, you can bring two documents that show your name and address together, such as a vehicle registration and an insurance bill. Most people have at least one of these at home, but if you need to order a utility bill or get a certified copy of your lease, that can add $10 to $50 to your total cost.

If you're a non-citizen, you'll also need to bring your passport or travel document, which you may need to pay to replace if you don't have it. U.S. citizens do not need a passport to get a driver's license.

Retest fees if you don't pass on your first try

If you fail the written test, you can retake it, but you'll pay a retest fee each time. The written test retest fee is $10. If you fail the road test, the retest fee is $20. You can retake either test as many times as you need to, but you'll pay the retest fee every time you schedule a new attempt.

Some people find it helpful to study the Florida Driver's Handbook before their first attempt, which is free to read from the Florida DMV website. Taking a practice test online can also help you feel ready before you pay for the real test. If you fail the road test, you may want to take a few more driving lessons before you retake it, which would be an additional cost outside the DMV fee.

Replacement and duplicate license fees

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement. A replacement license costs $25 if you're getting a four-year license, or $48 if you're 80 or older, or $75 if you're under 80 and want an eight-year license. You don't have to retake the written or road test to get a replacement — you just pay the fee and bring your documents to prove your identity.

A duplicate license (an extra copy of your current license) costs $5. Some people order a duplicate to keep at home or in a safe place in case their main license is lost. You can order a duplicate by mail or in person at a DMV office.

Endorsement and restriction changes

If you want to add an endorsement to your license — such as a motorcycle endorsement (M) or a commercial driver's license (CDL) — you'll pay an additional fee on top of your regular license fee. A motorcycle endorsement costs $10. A CDL endorsement costs more and requires additional testing; the fee varies depending on the type of CDL you're seeking.

If you want to remove a restriction from your license, such as corrective lenses or an automatic transmission restriction, you may need to retake the road test. The retest fee is $20. Some restrictions can be removed by mail or in person without a retest, depending on the reason the restriction was added.

Where to pay and payment methods accepted

You can pay your driver's license fee in person at any Florida DMV office, by mail if you're renewing by mail, or online if you're renewing online. Most DMV offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices also accept checks. If you're renewing by mail, you can pay by check or money order. If you're renewing online through the Florida DMV website, you can pay by debit card or credit card.

You cannot pay your fee before you schedule your appointment or visit the DMV office. You pay when you complete your transaction. If you're renewing by mail, you include your payment with your process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the full license fee if I'm renewing early?

No. If you renew your license before it expires, you pay the full fee for a new license period, but your old license remains valid until its expiration date. The new license will be valid for four or eight years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expires.

What if I can't afford the license fee right now?

Florida does not offer payment plans or fee waivers for driver's licenses based on income. However, if you're a senior (80 or older), the fee is lower at $48 for an eight-year license. If cost is a barrier, you may want to get a four-year license for $25 instead and renew again later.

Do I have to pay extra to get my license by mail?

No. The license fee is the same whether you renew in person or by mail. However, you must be renewing an existing license to renew by mail — you cannot get your first license by mail. You also have to pay for postage to mail in your process and documents.

Will my fee change if I change my address or name?

No. Changing your address or name on an existing license does not cost extra. You can update your address at any DMV office or online for free. If you need a new physical license card with your updated information, you may pay a replacement fee ($25 or $48 or $75 depending on your age and license length).

What happens if I pay the wrong amount?

If you pay less than the required fee, the DMV will not process your process and will return your payment. If you pay more, you may receive a refund by check, though this can take several weeks. It's best to confirm the exact fee before you go to the DMV office or mail in your process.