The fastest way to renew is online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website
You can renew your Florida driver's license online at gorenew.com if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be suspended or revoked, you must be a Florida resident, and your license cannot have expired more than five years ago. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes, costs $47.50, and you'll receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to visit a driver's license office.
If you cannot renew online—because your license expired more than five years ago, or because it's suspended—you must renew in person at a Florida driver's license office. The in-person process takes longer and requires documents proving your identity and residency, but it's the only path available to you in those cases.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through gorenew.com works only if your license expired within the last five years and is not suspended or revoked.
- Online renewal costs $47.50 and takes 7 to 10 business days by mail; you do not need to visit an office.
- If your license expired more than five years ago or is suspended, you must renew in person at a Florida driver's license office with proof of identity and residency.
- In-person renewal requires an appointment, which you can book through the DHSMV website or by calling 1-844-635-5287.
- Your new license will arrive by mail; you can use your old license or a receipt as proof you've renewed until the new one arrives.
What documents you need for in-person renewal
If you're renewing in person, bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Florida. A Florida ID card, passport, or military ID counts as identity proof. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your current address—it must be dated within 90 days of your appointment.
You'll also need your Social Security number and your current driver's license or ID card. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change. Bring originals or certified copies; photocopies are not accepted.
How to book an in-person appointment
Visit the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov and select "Schedule an Appointment" under the Driver's License section. You'll enter your zip code to find the nearest office with available times. Most offices have appointments available within two weeks, though busy locations in major cities may have longer waits.
If you cannot book online, call 1-844-635-5287 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. Have your driver's license number ready. The phone line can be busy during peak hours; calling early in the morning or late in the afternoon usually means shorter wait times.
What happens at your in-person appointment
Arrive 10 minutes early with all your documents. A staff member will check your identity and residency papers, take a new photo, and ask you to sign a form confirming your information is correct. The whole visit usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. You'll pay the renewal fee—$47.50 for a standard license—by card or cash.
You'll receive a receipt showing your new license number. Use this receipt as proof of renewal until your physical license arrives by mail, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your old license during this time.
Renewing by mail if you cannot go online or in person
If you're unable to visit an office and don't meet the requirements for online renewal, you can renew by mail. Request a renewal process form from the DHSMV by calling 1-844-635-5287 or visiting flhsmv.gov. Fill out the form, include copies of your identity and residency documents, and mail everything to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for $47.50.
Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DHSMV receives your packet. There is no way to track your process by mail, so allow extra time. If your license expires before your new one arrives, you should renew in person instead to avoid driving with an expired license.
Special situations: military, out-of-state moves, and name changes
If you're on active military duty stationed outside Florida, you can renew online even if your license has been expired for more than five years. You'll need to provide military documentation showing your duty station. Contact the DHSMV at 1-844-635-5287 to confirm your may be able to access before attempting online renewal.
If you've moved out of Florida, you cannot renew your Florida license. You must obtain a license from your new state. If you're moving to Florida and have an out-of-state license, you can renew your Florida license online or in person using the same process as any Florida resident.
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the legal document proving the change to your in-person appointment. You cannot renew online if your name has changed; you must visit a driver's license office.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license through the normal renewal process. First, you must contact the DHSMV to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps are required to restore it. Call 1-888-769-2338 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time.
The restoration process varies depending on the reason for suspension—unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a medical condition all have different requirements. Once your license is restored, you can renew it through the standard online or in-person process. Do not attempt to renew before your license is officially restored, as the process will be rejected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew online or in person up to six months before your license expires. Renewing early is useful if you're planning a trip or want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date. Your new license will have a new expiration date six years from the renewal date.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it at the same time?
You'll need to replace your lost license first, then renew it. Visit a driver's license office with your identity and residency documents. The replacement and renewal can usually be done in one visit for a combined fee. Call 1-844-635-5287 to confirm what documents you need before going to the office.
Do I need a new photo every time I renew?
Yes. A new photo is taken at every in-person renewal. If you renew online, your photo from your current license is used on your new license, so you won't need a new one taken unless you visit an office in person.
What if my address changed but I don't want to renew my license yet?
You can update your address without renewing your license. Visit flhsmv.gov, select "Address Change," and follow the steps to update your information. You can also update your address in person at any driver's license office. Your current license will remain valid with the new address.
How long is a renewed Florida license valid?
A standard Florida driver's license is valid for six years from the date of renewal. Your expiration date will be printed on the front of your new license. You'll receive a notice in the mail about 90 days before expiration reminding you to renew.