Florida lets you renew online if your license is not expired more than six months and you have no medical suspensions

Florida's online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $48 for a four-year renewal or $75 for an eight-year renewal. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The state mails your new license to the address on file, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

You cannot renew online if your license expired more than six months ago, if you have a medical suspension on your record, or if you need to change your address, name, or other personal information. In those cases, you must visit a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal works only if your license expired within the last six months and you have no medical holds or suspensions.
  • The renewal costs $48 for four years or $75 for eight years, paid by credit card, debit card, or electronic check.
  • You start the process at the DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov) under the "License Renewal" section.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can drive on your old license until the new one arrives.
  • If you need to change your address, name, or have a medical suspension, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office.

Step-by-step process to renew online

Go to flhsmv.gov and click on "License Renewal" in the main menu. Select "Renew Your License Online" and choose whether you want a four-year or eight-year renewal. Enter your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.

Review the information on your account — name, address, date of birth, and vision status. If everything is correct, proceed to payment. Florida accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and electronic check. After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Print or save this number in case you need to check the status of your renewal later.

Your new license will be mailed to the address currently on file with the state. You are legally allowed to drive on your old license until the new one arrives. If your new license does not arrive within 15 business days, contact the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639) with your confirmation number.

Who cannot use online renewal

If your license expired more than six months ago, the online system will not let you proceed. You must visit a DHSMV office and renew in person. The same applies if you have a medical suspension — the system flags this and directs you to schedule an appointment at an office instead.

You also cannot renew online if you need to change your legal name, correct your address, update your vision correction status, or change your sex designation on the license. Any of these changes requires an in-person visit. If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies for online renewal, call 1-844-DL-RENEW before starting the process.

What happens after you submit your renewal

The DHSMV processes online renewals within one to two business days. Your new license is then printed and enters the mail system. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the time it ships. During this period, your old license remains valid for driving.

You can check the status of your renewal at any time by returning to flhsmv.gov, selecting "License Renewal," and entering your confirmation number and Social Security number. The system will tell you whether your renewal is pending, approved, printed, or mailed.

Cost and payment methods

A four-year renewal costs $48. An eight-year renewal costs $75. These are the only two options available for online renewal. Florida accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and electronic check at the time of payment. There are no additional fees for online renewal — the price is the same whether you renew in person or online.

Payment is processed when ready when you submit your renewal. If your payment is declined, the system will ask you to try a different card or payment method before your renewal is submitted. Once payment goes through, it cannot be refunded if you change your mind, so make sure your information is correct before clicking submit.

Renewing in person if you do not may have access to online

If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit a DHSMV office. Bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

You can find the nearest DHSMV office and check wait times at flhsmv.gov under "Office Locator." Many offices now allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are served first. In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes and costs the same as online renewal.

What to do if your license arrives damaged or incorrect

If your new license arrives with a printing error, a wrong photo, or physical damage, contact the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW with your confirmation number and a description of the problem. The state will reissue your license at no charge. Reissued licenses typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license is lost or stolen after it is mailed but before it arrives, report it to the DHSMV when ready. You can request a replacement at an office or by phone. You will need to pay a replacement fee, which is separate from your renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than six months ago?

No. The online system only works for licenses expired six months or less. If your license expired longer ago, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office. You can still legally drive while you are renewing — bring your expired license and proof of residency to the office.

What if I moved and need to change my address?

You cannot change your address online during renewal. You must visit a DHSMV office in person. Bring your current license and proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.

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

The DHSMV processes your renewal within one to two business days, then mails your license. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. Your old license is valid for driving the entire time. If your new license does not arrive within 15 business days, contact the DHSMV with your confirmation number.

Can I renew online if I have a medical suspension on my license?

No. The online system will not let you proceed if a medical suspension is on your record. You must visit a DHSMV office and may need to provide medical documentation or pass a vision test before your license is renewed. Call 1-844-DL-RENEW to find out what documents you need.

What if I want to change my name on my license during renewal?

You cannot change your name online. You must renew in person at a DHSMV office and bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your name and issue your new license.