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 license office. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $48 for an eight-year license. You are may be able to access to renew online if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical conditions that need to be reviewed, and your address on file is current.
If you cannot renew online, you can mail in your renewal process or visit a driver license office in your county. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at an office usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the location is.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the DHSMV website is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes if you meet the requirements.
- You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
- If your license is suspended, revoked, or you have medical restrictions, you must renew in person at a driver license office.
- Your renewed license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online process.
- You can renew your license up to six months before it expires or up to six months after it expires.
Renewing online through the DHSMV website
Go to the official Florida DHSMV website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against state records.
Once your identity is confirmed, you will answer questions about any changes to your address, medical conditions, or organ donation status. Review your information carefully — any mistakes now will appear on your new license. Pay the $48 renewal fee with a debit card, credit 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. If you do not receive your license within 15 business days, contact the DHSMV to report it.
Renewing by mail
Request a renewal process by calling the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639) or visiting a driver license office. Fill out the process form completely and include a check or money order for $48 payable to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Mail your process and payment to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include your current license with your process so the DHSMV can process it faster. Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time the DHSMV receives your process.
Keep a copy of your process and the confirmation number for your records. You can drive on your current license while waiting for your renewal to be processed.
Renewing in person at a driver license office
Visit any driver license office in Florida with your current license, proof of residency, and payment. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.
You do not need an appointment for a standard renewal, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less busy on weekday mornings. The renewal fee is $48 in cash or card. You will receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have medical conditions that need review, or if you want to change your name or address and do not have current proof of the change.
When you must renew in person
You cannot use online or mail renewal if your license is suspended or revoked. You must visit a driver license office to resolve the suspension or revocation before you can renew. Suspensions are often due to unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or failure to maintain car insurance.
You also must renew in person if you have medical conditions listed on your license that need to be reviewed, if you want to change your name, or if you are changing your address and do not have proof of the new address dated within the last 60 days. If you are unsure whether you can renew online, call the DHSMV at 1-844-357-3639 before you start the process.
What to do if your license has expired
You can renew your license up to six months after it expires. If your license expired more than six months ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. A new license requires an in-person visit, a vision test, and a new photo.
If your license expired while you were out of state or out of the country for more than six months, you may be able to renew by mail or online if you can show proof of your absence. Contact the DHSMV to explain your situation before you attempt to renew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an out-of-state address?
No. You must have a Florida address on file to renew your Florida license. If you have moved out of state, you should explore for a license in your new state instead. If you are temporarily out of state but still a Florida resident, update your address back to Florida before renewing.
What happens if I lose my license before the new one arrives?
Contact the DHSMV when ready at 1-844-357-3639 to report it lost. You can request a replacement license at a driver license office for a $20 fee. Bring your proof of residency and Social Security card or document with your Social Security number.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
No. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo. If you renew in person, the office will take a new photo unless you renewed in person within the last five years. You can request a new photo at any time for a $10 fee.
How much does it cost to renew a Florida driver's license?
A standard eight-year renewal costs $48. If you want a four-year license instead, the cost is $25. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No. You must renew your own license. You cannot authorize someone else to renew it on your behalf, even a family member or attorney. You can renew online, by mail, or in person, but the process must come from you.