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 online, by mail, or in person at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $48 for a four-year license or $75 for an eight-year license. If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit a driver license office or mail in your documents.

Before you start, gather your current Florida driver's license and a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or electronic check for online renewal). If you are renewing by mail or in person, you will also need proof of your Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of your legal name if it has changed since your last license. Acceptable documents for residency include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the DHSMV website takes about 10 minutes and works only if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and you are not changing your address or name.
By-mail renewal requires you to mail your current license, a completed process form (HSMV 80039), and payment to the DHSMV — processing takes two to three weeks.
In-person renewal at a driver license office is the only option if your license is expired by more than six months, you need a new photo, or you are changing your address or name.
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renew online or in person; by-mail renewal takes longer because the DHSMV must process your documents first.
You can check your renewal status and find your nearest driver license office on the official DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov.

Renewing online through the DHSMV website

Go to flhsmv.gov and select "Renew Your Driver License" from the homepage. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information and tell you whether you are may be able to access for online renewal.

You are may be able to access for online renewal if your current license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions or corrective lens requirements that have changed, you are not changing your address or legal name, and you are a Florida resident. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, the system will direct you to renew in person or by mail instead.

If you are may be able to access, you will review your information on screen, choose your license type (four-year or eight-year), and pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. You will receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, read or request the process form HSMV 80039 from flhsmv.gov. Fill out the form completely, including your name, address, date of birth, and driver's license number. Sign and date the form in the spaces provided.

Gather your completed form, your current driver's license, and a check or money order for the renewal fee (made payable to "DHSMV"). Mail everything to the address listed on the HSMV 80039 form — the address changes depending on your county, so check the form before you mail. Include a return envelope with your address if you want the DHSMV to return your old license to you.

Processing by mail takes two to three weeks after the DHSMV receives your documents. Your new license will arrive by mail after that. By-mail renewal is slower than online or in-person renewal, so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon. You can continue to drive on your current license while your renewal is being processed.

Renewing in person at a driver license office

Find your nearest DHSMV driver license office on flhsmv.gov by entering your city or ZIP code. Most offices accept walk-ins, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days).

If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are changing your address, bring proof of your new address. The office staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot.

Pay the renewal fee in cash, by check, or by card at the office. Your new license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. In-person renewal is the only option if your license has been expired for more than six months, because the DHSMV requires a new photo in that case.

What to do if your license has expired

If your license expired fewer than six months ago, you can renew it using any of the three methods above — online, by mail, or in person. If your license expired more than six months ago, you must renew in person at a driver license office because Florida law requires a new photo for any license that has been expired for longer than six months.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Florida, even if your renewal is in progress. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show your confirmation number from online renewal or a receipt from in-person renewal to prove that your renewal has been submitted, but this does not may provide you will not be cited. Renew as soon as possible to avoid this risk.

Renewal fees and payment methods

A four-year Florida driver's license costs $48 to renew. An eight-year license costs $75. These are the standard fees as of now, though fees can change. If you renew online, you can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. If you renew by mail, you must pay by check or money order. If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, or card.

Some driver license offices may charge an additional fee if you need a duplicate license, a corrected license, or a replacement for a lost or stolen license. Ask the office staff about any extra charges before you pay. The DHSMV does not offer refunds for renewal fees, so make sure your information is correct before you submit payment.

How to track your new license after renewal

If you renewed online or in person, you received a confirmation number. You can use this number to check the status of your new license on the DHSMV website. Go to flhsmv.gov, select "Check License Status," and enter your confirmation number and date of birth. The system will tell you whether your license has been printed, mailed, or delivered.

If you renewed by mail, the DHSMV will send you a postcard when your renewal has been processed and your new license has been mailed. This postcard usually arrives a few days before your license does. If you do not receive your new license within 14 business days of your confirmation or postcard, contact the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639) to report the delay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

No. The DHSMV will not renew your license if you have unpaid traffic citations or court fines. You must pay or resolve these issues before you can renew. Contact the court that issued the citation to find out what you owe and how to pay.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You must renew in person at a driver license office and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Online and by-mail renewal do not allow name changes.

Can I renew my license if I moved out of Florida?

No. Your Florida license is only valid if you are a Florida resident. If you have moved to another state, you must get a driver's license from that state instead. Contact your new state's motor vehicle department for information about getting a license there.

How long is my new license valid?

A four-year Florida driver's license is valid for four years from the date it is issued. An eight-year license is valid for eight years. Your expiration date will be printed on the front of your new license. You can renew again anytime within six months before the expiration date.

What if I need to renew before my current license expires?

You can renew your license anytime within six months before the expiration date. The DHSMV will issue a new license with a new expiration date. Your old license will no longer be valid once your new license arrives, even if the old one has not expired yet.

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.