Renew Your Florida License Online, by Mail, or In Person
You can renew your Florida driver's license through three routes: online at 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 fastest and costs nothing extra — it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at an office takes 30 minutes to an hour but lets you renew when ready if your license is expired or will expire within 6 months.
Your renewal method depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a new photo, and how soon you need the card. If your current license is not expired and you do not need a new photo, online or mail renewal works. If your license expired more than 6 months ago, or if you need a new photo, you must renew in person at a driver's license office.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the DHSMV website takes 10 minutes and costs nothing, with your new license arriving in 7 to 10 business days.
- You can only renew online if your current license is valid (not expired) and you do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal requires you to send in your current license and a completed form, and takes 2 to 3 weeks.
- In-person renewal at a driver's license office is required if your license expired more than 6 months ago or if you need a new photo.
- Florida licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to 6 months before that date.
Renew Online Through the DHSMV Website
Go to onlineservices.flhsmv.gov and select "Renew Your Driver License" from the menu. You will need your current Florida driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The system will verify your identity using these details and show you a preview of your current license information.
Review the information on screen — your name, address, and license class. If anything is wrong, you cannot fix it online; you must renew in person at a driver's license office instead. If everything is correct, pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. Florida charges $75 for an 8-year renewal for drivers 80 and older, $48 for a 4-year renewal for drivers 65 to 79, and $75 for an 8-year renewal for all other drivers. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file.
Online renewal is only open to drivers whose current license is valid and who do not need a new photo. If your license expired more than 6 months ago, the online system will reject your request and direct you to renew in person.
Renew by Mail
Request a mail renewal form by calling the DHSMV at 1-844-493-4357 or visiting any driver's license office to pick one up in person. Complete the form with your current information and mail it along with your current driver's license to the address printed on the form. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — do not send cash.
Mail your renewal package to the DHSMV processing center. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after the DHSMV receives your package, plus mailing time in both directions. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided on the form. Do not mail your renewal during the week before a holiday, as processing delays are common.
Mail renewal works only if your current license is valid and you do not need a new photo. If you need a new photo or your license expired more than 6 months ago, you must renew in person.
Renew In Person at a Driver's License Office
Find your nearest driver's license office on the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov under "Locations." Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment for the renewal fee. If your address has changed, bring two documents showing your new address.
Arrive during office hours — most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day; arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter lines. You will have your photo taken and receive your new license on the spot if you are renewing before your license expires. If your license is already expired, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed.
In-person renewal is required if your current license expired more than 6 months ago, if you need a new photo, if your address changed, or if you need to correct information on your license. It is also the only option if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL).
What Documents You Need for Each Renewal Method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Time to Receive New License |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Current driver's license number, last four digits of Social Security number, valid email address | 7 to 10 business days |
| Current driver's license, completed renewal form, payment by check or money order | 2 to 3 weeks plus mailing time | |
| In Person | Current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement within 60 days), payment by cash, check, debit card, or credit card | when ready (temporary license if expired; permanent license mailed in 7 to 10 days) |
Renewal Fees and Payment Methods
Florida renewal fees depend on your age and how long you want your license to be valid. Drivers 80 and older pay $75 for an 8-year renewal. Drivers 65 to 79 pay $48 for a 4-year renewal. All other drivers pay $75 for an 8-year renewal. These fees are set by state law and do not change based on where or how you renew.
Payment methods vary by renewal route. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. Mail renewal requires a check or money order — do not send cash. In-person renewal at a driver's license office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some offices may accept other payment methods; call ahead to confirm.
When Your License Expires and When You Can Renew
Your Florida driver's license expires on your birthday. You can renew your license up to 6 months before your birthday without penalty. If you renew before your birthday, your new license will have a new expiration date 8 years (or 4 years for drivers 65 to 79) from the date you renew, not from your birthday.
If your license expires and you do not renew within 6 months, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must renew in person at a driver's license office. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Florida, even if you have a renewal process pending. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show proof that you have submitted a renewal request, but this does not prevent a citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I moved to a different address?
If you moved within Florida, you can renew online or by mail as long as your current license is valid and you do not need a new photo. If you moved out of state and then back to Florida, or if you need to update your address, you must renew in person at a driver's license office and bring two documents showing your new address.
What if my license was lost or stolen?
You cannot renew a lost or stolen license by mail or online. You must go in person to a driver's license office with proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or other state ID) and proof of residency. The office will issue a replacement license, which is different from a renewal and may have different fees.
How long does it take to get my license if I renew in person?
If your current license is still valid, you receive your new license when ready at the office. If your license is expired, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your permanent license is mailed to you in 7 to 10 business days.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license online or by mail?
No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) must be renewed in person at a driver's license office. You will need your current CDL, proof of residency, and medical certification if required by federal law.
What if I need my license before the mail arrives?
If you renewed online or by mail and need to drive before your new license arrives, you can print a temporary license from the DHSMV website at onlineservices.flhsmv.gov. The temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be shown to law enforcement if you are stopped.