How to Renew Your Florida Driver's License

Florida lets you renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your license type and how long it has been expired

Florida offers three renewal paths: online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website, by mail, or at a local driver license office. Which one you can use depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time has passed since it expired, and whether you need to update your address or photograph. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 90 days before your license expires—that notice tells you which method you are may be able to access for. If you have lost the notice, you can still renew using your driver license number and date of birth on the DHSMV website.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the DHSMV website takes about 10 minutes and costs $75 for an eight-year license; you receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal requires the renewal notice sent by DHSMV, a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks; you do not need a new photo unless your license has been expired for more than five years.
In-person renewal at a driver license office is necessary only if your license has been expired for more than five years, you need a new address, or you want to change your name or photograph.
You can renew up to six months before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment.
If your license is already expired, you can still renew by mail or in person, but online renewal is not available once expiration has passed.

Online renewal through the DHSMV website

Go to gorenew.com, the official DHSMV renewal portal. Enter your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and show you whether you are may be able to access for online renewal. If you are, you will see the renewal fee (currently $75 for an eight-year license) and can pay by debit card or credit card.

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes. You do not upload a photo—the system uses your existing photograph from your current license. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can renew online only if your license is not yet expired and you do not need to change your address, name, or photograph.

If the system tells you that you are not may be able to access for online renewal, you will see the reason on the screen. Common reasons include an expired license, a recent address change, or a license that has been expired for more than five years. In those cases, you will need to renew by mail or in person.

Mail renewal using your DHSMV notice

Your renewal notice arrives about 90 days before expiration. It includes a prepaid envelope, a renewal form, and instructions. Fill out the form, enclose a check or money order for the renewal fee ($75 for an eight-year license), and mail it to the address on the envelope. Do not send cash.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time DHSMV receives your envelope. You do not need a new photograph unless your license has been expired for more than five years. If you have moved since your last license was issued, write your new address clearly on the form. Mail renewal works whether your license is current or expired, as long as it has not been expired for more than five years.

If you have lost your renewal notice, you can request a new one by calling the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639) or by visiting a local driver license office. You can also renew in person without the notice if you prefer.

In-person renewal at a driver license office

Visit your local driver license office with your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing 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 (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than five years, because you must have a new photograph taken. It is also the right choice if you want to update your address, change your name, or request a new photo before your current license expires. The office takes your photograph, processes your payment, and issues your new license on the spot or mails it to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office.

Wait times at driver license offices vary by location and time of day. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online through the DHSMV website, which can save you time. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on how busy the office is.

What documents and fees you need

For online or mail renewal, you need only your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The renewal fee is $75 for an eight-year license, payable by credit card (online), debit card (online), or check or money order (mail).

For in-person renewal, bring your current license, proof of residency dated within the last 60 days, and your Social Security card or a document showing your number. The fee is the same: $75 for an eight-year license, payable by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you are renewing a commercial driver license (CDL), the fee is higher and the process is different—call your local office or visit the DHSMV website for CDL renewal details.

Timeline: when to renew and how long it takes

You can renew your license up to six months before it expires. Your renewal notice arrives about 90 days before expiration, which is a good time to start. If you renew online, your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, allow two to three weeks. If you renew in person, you may receive your license the same day or within 7 to 10 business days depending on the office.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or in person, but not online. An expired license is still valid for identification purposes in Florida, but you cannot legally drive with it. Renew as soon as possible after expiration to avoid any issues if you are stopped by law enforcement.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person because you need a new photograph. The process is the same as a regular in-person renewal, but the office will take a fresh photo and may ask additional questions about your identity.

What to do if your renewal notice is lost or you moved

If you have not received your renewal notice 90 days before expiration, call the DHSMV at 1-844-357-3639 to request a replacement. Have your driver license number and date of birth ready. You can also visit a local driver license office and ask for a new notice.

If you have moved since your last license was issued, update your address before renewing. You can change your address online through the DHSMV website without renewing your license, or you can update it during the renewal process. If you renew by mail, write your new address clearly on the renewal form. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than five years ago?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a driver license office because you need a new photograph. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card. The office will take a fresh photo and process your renewal the same way as a current license.

What if I want a new photo before my license expires?

You can renew in person at any time up to six months before expiration and request a new photograph. You do not have to wait for your license to expire. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment. The office will take a new photo and issue your renewed license.

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

Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online renewal. You will receive a confirmation email with a tracking number. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives.

Can I renew by mail if my address has changed?

Yes. Write your new address clearly on the renewal form before mailing it. Your new license will be sent to the address you provide. Make sure the address is legible so the post office can deliver it correctly.

What if I lost my driver license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it—you must replace it. Call the DHSMV at 1-844-357-3639 or visit a local driver license office to report it and request a replacement. You will need to pay a replacement fee and may need to provide proof of identity and residency.

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.