How to Update Your Florida Driver's License

When and how to renew or change your Florida driver's license

You update your Florida driver's license by visiting a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office in person, mailing in a renewal form, or using the online renewal system if you meet certain conditions. The method you use depends on whether you're renewing before expiration, replacing a lost or damaged card, or changing information like your address or name.

Florida licenses expire on your birthday, six years after issue for most adults. You can renew up to 18 months before expiration. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office — you cannot use mail or online renewal for an expired license.

Key Takeaways

Florida driver's licenses expire on your birthday and are valid for six years; you can renew starting 18 months before expiration.
Online renewal through the DHSMV website works only if you have no address change, no name change, and a valid Social Security number on file.
Mail renewal requires the renewal notice sent by DHSMV, a check or money order, and takes 7 to 10 business days after DHSMV receives it.
In-person renewal at a DHSMV office is required if your license is expired, you are changing your name or address, or you need a Real ID-compliant license.
Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and proof of Social Security number to any in-person visit.

Online renewal through the DHSMV website

The DHSMV allows online renewal at gorenew.com if your license is not yet expired and you meet three conditions: your address has not changed, your name has not changed, and you have a valid Social Security number on file with DHSMV. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs the standard renewal fee, which varies based on license type.

After you complete the online renewal, DHSMV mails your new license to the address on file. The card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your old license until the new one arrives. Online renewal does not issue a temporary license, so if you need to drive before the new card arrives and your current license is about to expire, you should renew in person instead.

Mail renewal using the DHSMV renewal notice

If DHSMV mailed you a renewal notice (usually sent 6 months before expiration), you can renew by mail. Fill out the notice, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail both to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash.

DHSMV processes mail renewals in the order received. After they receive your envelope, processing typically takes 7 to 10 business days, and your new license arrives by mail afterward. If you lost your renewal notice, you cannot renew by mail — you must renew online or in person. Mail renewal does not change your address, name, or license class, so if any of those need to change, visit a DHSMV office instead.

In-person renewal at a DHSMV office

Visit any DHSMV office to renew if your license is expired, you are changing your name or address, you need a Real ID-compliant license, or you prefer not to renew online or by mail. Bring your current driver's license (or state ID), proof of your current address, and proof of your Social Security number. Acceptable address proofs include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. For Social Security proof, bring your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form.

DHSMV offices issue a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed. Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Wait times at DHSMV offices vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the week or early in the morning typically means shorter waits. You can check current wait times on the DHSMV website before you go.

Changing your name on your Florida license

If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must visit a DHSMV office in person to update it. Bring your current driver's license, a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of your current address, and proof of your Social Security number.

DHSMV will issue a temporary license when ready and mail your permanent license within 7 to 10 business days. The fee for a name change is the same as a standard renewal. You cannot change your name online or by mail.

Updating your address without renewing

If you moved but your license is not expiring soon, you can update your address at a DHSMV office without renewing the entire license. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number. DHSMV will issue a new license with your updated address at no charge if your current license is still valid.

You can also report an address change online through the DHSMV website without visiting an office, though this does not issue a new physical card — it updates your record only. If you need a new card with your new address printed on it, you must visit an office in person.

Real ID compliance and your Florida license

Florida driver's licenses issued after January 2010 are Real ID-compliant by default, meaning they meet federal standards for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. If your license was issued before 2010 or you are unsure, you can check the DHSMV website or ask at a DHSMV office. If your license is not Real ID-compliant and you need it to be, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office and bring proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) in addition to the standard documents.

Real ID compliance does not cost extra and does not change the renewal timeline. Your new Real ID-compliant license arrives within 7 to 10 business days like any other renewal.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, visit a DHSMV office to request a replacement. Bring proof of your identity (another government-issued ID, passport, or birth certificate), proof of your current address, and proof of your Social Security number. If your license was stolen, you can also file a report with DHSMV at the same time.

DHSMV issues a temporary license when ready and mails your replacement within 7 to 10 business days. The replacement fee is less than a full renewal fee. If your license was damaged but still readable, some DHSMV offices may allow you to keep it as a backup while your replacement is mailed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Florida license online if I moved to a new address?

No. Online renewal through gorenew.com requires that your address has not changed. If you moved, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office or by mail using your renewal notice if it was mailed to your old address and you can still access it.

What happens if my license expires while I'm waiting for my renewal to arrive?

If you renewed online or by mail before your license expired, your old license remains valid until your new one arrives, even if your birthday passes during that time. If your license has already expired, you cannot use online or mail renewal — you must visit a DHSMV office in person.

How much does it cost to renew a Florida driver's license?

Renewal fees vary based on license type and how long you renew for. Standard renewal costs less than replacement of a lost license. Check the DHSMV website or call your local DHSMV office for the exact fee for your situation, as prices may change.

Do I need an appointment to renew my license at a DHSMV office?

Most DHSMV offices accept walk-ins, but some locations use an online appointment system. Check the DHSMV website to see whether your local office requires an appointment or accepts walk-ins, and to check current wait times before you visit.

What if I changed my name but don't have a certified copy of my marriage certificate?

You can order a certified copy from the county clerk's office where you were married or divorced. The process takes several days to a few weeks depending on the county. Until you have the certified document, you cannot update your name at DHSMV.

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.