The fastest way to renew your Florida license
You can renew your Florida driver's license online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website, by mail, or in person at a driver's license office. Online renewal is the quickest option—you can complete it in minutes from home, and your new license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. You're may be able to access to renew online if your license is not suspended or revoked, you're a U.S. citizen, and your license hasn't been expired for more than 5 years.
If you can't renew online, you can mail in your renewal process or visit a local DHSMV office. Renewing by mail takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at an office is when ready—you get a temporary license on the spot and your permanent one by mail within 7 to 10 days. Choose in-person renewal if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired for longer than 5 years, or if you need to update your address, name, or other information.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the DHSMV website is available if your license is valid, you're a U.S. citizen, and it hasn't been expired longer than 5 years.
- You will need your current Florida driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
- Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and requires you to send in Form HSMV 82053 along with your current license and payment.
- In-person renewal at a DHSMV office is the only option if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired for more than 5 years.
- Florida driver's licenses are valid for 8 years, and you can renew up to 6 months before your expiration date.
Renewing online through the DHSMV website
Go to the official DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov) and select the online renewal option. You'll need your current Florida driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and ask you to confirm your address and other information on your license.
Review the information carefully—if anything is incorrect, you'll need to renew in person instead. Once you've confirmed everything, you'll pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. The fee for an 8-year renewal is $75. After payment, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal is not available if you need to change your address, name, or other personal information beyond what's already on your license. If you've moved, you must renew in person or by mail and provide proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days.
Renewing by mail
To renew by mail, read Form HSMV 82053 from the DHSMV website or request it by phone at 1-844-33-RENEW (1-844-337-3639). Fill out the form completely and include your current driver's license, a check or money order for $75 (made payable to DHSMV), and proof of your current address if you've moved.
Mail your completed process to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date DHSMV receives your process. You can track the status of your renewal by calling 1-844-33-RENEW or checking the DHSMV website if you have a confirmation number.
Mail renewal is a good option if you prefer not to visit an office and your license is still valid. However, if your license has been expired for more than 5 years or is suspended or revoked, you must renew in person.
Renewing in person at a DHSMV office
Bring your current Florida driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you've changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Visit any DHSMV driver's license office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours. You can check office hours and locations on the DHSMV website. You do not need an appointment for most renewals, but some offices allow you to schedule one online to reduce wait time.
At the office, you'll pay the $75 renewal fee with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. You'll have your photo taken for your new license. You'll receive a temporary license when ready that's valid for 30 days, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
When you must renew in person
You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended or revoked. You must visit a DHSMV office in person. The office staff will check the status of your license and explain what you need to do to restore it. Depending on the reason for suspension—such as unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a medical condition—you may need to resolve the issue before you can renew.
You also must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than 5 years. In this case, you'll need to pass a vision test and may need to retake the written test or driving test, depending on how long it's been expired. The DHSMV office can tell you what's required when you arrive.
In-person renewal is also required if you need to change your name, address, or other information on your license, or if you're changing your license class (for example, from a regular license to a commercial license).
Documents you'll need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license number, last 4 digits of Social Security number, date of birth | $75 | 7–10 business days |
| By Mail | Current license, Form HSMV 82053, proof of address if moved | $75 | 2–3 weeks |
| In Person | Current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of address, name change document if applicable | $75 | Temporary license same day; permanent in 7–10 days |
What to do if your license is lost or stolen
If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must visit a DHSMV office in person to report it lost or stolen and request a replacement. Bring proof of your identity, such as a passport or birth certificate, and proof of your Social Security number and address.
The replacement fee is $25, and you'll receive a temporary license on the spot. Your permanent replacement license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you're renewing at the same time you're replacing a lost or stolen license, you'll pay both the $25 replacement fee and the $75 renewal fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Florida license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your license up to 6 months before your expiration date. This is useful if you're planning to travel or want to avoid renewing after your license has already expired. The new license will be valid for 8 years from the date you renew, not from your original expiration date.
What if I moved and didn't update my address?
You must renew in person or by mail and provide proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Online renewal will not let you change your address, so you'll need to use one of the other methods.
How long is my temporary license valid?
Your temporary license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it doesn't arrive within 2 weeks, contact the DHSMV at 1-844-33-RENEW to check the status.
What if my license has been expired for more than 5 years?
You must renew in person at a DHSMV office. You'll likely need to pass a vision test and may need to retake the written or driving test. Call your local DHSMV office or visit the website to find out what tests you'll need to take before you go.
Can I renew my license if it's suspended?
No. You must resolve the reason for suspension first. Contact the DHSMV or visit an office to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it. Once it's restored, you can renew through any method.