How to Renew Your Florida Driver's License

Where to renew and what you need before you start

You can renew your Florida driver's license in person at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office, by mail, or online through the official Florida DHSMV website — but not all renewal types work through every method. If your license is not expired more than six months, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If it has been expired longer than six months, you must renew in person.

Before you choose your method, gather your current driver's license, proof of Florida residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), you cannot use mail or online renewal; you must go to a DHSMV office in person.

The renewal fee is $75 for a standard eight-year license. If you choose to renew online, the fee is $48. Payment methods vary by location and method — online renewal accepts credit and debit cards, while in-person offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Florida DHSMV website costs $48 and takes about 10 business days if your license expired less than six months ago.
Mail renewal requires your current license, proof of residency, and a check or money order for $75, and takes two to three weeks.
In-person renewal at a DHSMV office is required if your license has been expired more than six months, and you will receive your new license the same day.
You will need your Social Security number and proof of Florida residency (a recent utility bill or lease) for any renewal method.
Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed by mail or online and must be renewed at a DHSMV office with a road test if your CDL is expired.

Renewing online through the Florida DHSMV website

Go to the official Florida DHSMV website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will ask you to confirm your address or update it if you have moved within Florida. You cannot change your address to an out-of-state address online; if you have moved out of Florida, you must renew in person or contact DHSMV directly.

Online renewal is available only if your license expired less than six months ago and you have not had any suspensions or restrictions added since your last renewal. The fee is $48, paid by credit or debit card. After you submit your process, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail in about 10 business days. During this time, your old license remains valid.

If the online system tells you that you are not may be able to access, it means your license has been expired too long, you have a suspension on your record, or there is another issue that requires an in-person visit. The system will direct you to schedule an appointment at a DHSMV office or provide instructions for mail renewal if that is an option for your situation.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, read the process for Florida Driver License, Identification Card, or Permit (Form HSMV 82053) from the Florida DHSMV website. Fill out the form completely, including your name, date of birth, address, and signature. Attach a photocopy of your current driver's license and a copy of your proof of residency. Mail everything to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for $75 made payable to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date DHSMV receives your packet. Do not send cash through the mail. Include a return address on your envelope so the post office can return your process if there is a problem. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.

Mail renewal is not available if your license has been expired more than six months, if you have a CDL, or if you have had any changes to your name, address, or medical conditions since your last renewal. If any of these explore to you, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office.

Renewing in person at a DHSMV office

Find your nearest DHSMV office on the official Florida DHSMV website and schedule an appointment online. Walk-ins are accepted at most offices, but appointment times are usually shorter. Bring your current driver's license, proof of Florida residency, and your Social Security number. If you have changed your name, bring the certified document that shows the change.

At the office, you will have your photo taken and sign your new license. The fee is $75, paid in cash, check, debit card, or credit card depending on the office. You will receive your new license the same day. The office will keep your old license and destroy it.

In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired more than six months, if you have a CDL, if you have changed your name or address, or if you have any medical conditions that affect your ability to drive. If you are over 79 years old, you must renew in person every three years instead of every eight years.

What happens if your license is expired more than six months

If your Florida driver's license has been expired longer than six months, you cannot drive legally in Florida, and you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DHSMV office in person with your current (expired) license, proof of residency, and Social Security number. The office will process your renewal the same way as a standard in-person renewal, and you will receive your new license the same day.

Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation and a fine. If you are stopped by law enforcement, tell them you have an expired license and that you are planning to renew it. This does not prevent a citation, but it may be considered by a judge if you contest the ticket in court.

Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)

Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail under any circumstance. You must go to a DHSMV office in person. If your CDL is expired, you must take a written knowledge test and a road test before you can renew. If your CDL is not expired, you may be able to renew without a road test, but you will still need to pass the knowledge test.

Schedule an appointment at a DHSMV office that offers CDL testing. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, Social Security number, and a valid medical certificate if you hold one. The fee for CDL renewal is $75. The knowledge test covers traffic laws, safe driving practices, and the specific rules for the class of vehicle you drive. The road test takes about 30 minutes and is conducted by a DHSMV examiner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a DHSMV office. You cannot use online or mail renewal. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The office will process your renewal the same day and issue a new license.

What counts as proof of residency in Florida?

A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or homeowner's insurance bill dated within the last 90 days. The document must show your name and current Florida address. A bank statement or credit card statement does not count as proof of residency.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

About 10 business days. Your old license remains valid during this time, so you can continue to drive. If you do not receive your new license within two weeks, contact the Florida DHSMV office to check the status of your process.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew my license?

Only if you renew in person at a DHSMV office. If you renew online or by mail, your photo from your previous license will be used on your new license unless you request a new photo at the time of renewal.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You must renew in person at a DHSMV office and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed.

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.