How to Renew Your Florida Driver's License

Where to Renew and What Method Works for Your Situation

Florida lets you renew your driver's license through the mail, online, or in person at a Driver License office. Which method you can use depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time is left before it expires, and whether you need a new photo. The fastest route for most people is online renewal through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $48 for a standard eight-year license.

If your license expired more than six months ago, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to a Driver License office in person. If your license is still valid or expired within the last six months, you have all three options. Renewal by mail takes about two weeks from the time DHSMV receives your process. In-person renewal at an office is the slowest in terms of wait time on the day you visit, but you leave with a temporary license you can use when ready.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the DHSMV website is available if your license expired within the last six months and costs $48 for an eight-year license.
Mail renewal requires you to submit a completed form and payment by check or money order, and takes about two weeks to process.
In-person renewal at a Driver License office is required if your license expired more than six months ago, and you receive a temporary license on the spot.
You need a new photo if your license has been expired for more than eight years, and only in-person renewal provides a new photo.
Florida charges different fees depending on license type and validity period — standard licenses cost $48 for eight years, but commercial licenses and other types have different rates.

Online Renewal Through the DHSMV Website

To renew online, go to the official DHSMV website and select the online services portal. You will need your current Florida driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit card or debit card). The system will ask you to confirm your address and other information on file. If any details have changed, you will be directed to renew in person instead.

Online renewal is only available if your license expired within the last six months and you do not need a new photo. You will not receive a physical license in the mail for about 7 to 10 business days after approval. During that time, you can print a temporary license from the website to carry with you. The temporary license is valid for 30 days and is recognized by law enforcement and other agencies.

Mail Renewal by Submitting a Form

To renew by mail, read form HSMV 44 from the DHSMV website or request it by phone at 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639). Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current license if possible, though it is not required.

Mail renewal takes about two weeks from the time DHSMV receives your process. You will not know the exact arrival date, so send your form at least three weeks before your license expires if you need it by a specific date. DHSMV does not send a confirmation that your renewal was received, so keep a copy of what you mailed. If you do not receive your new license within three weeks, call 1-844-DL-RENEW to check the status.

In-Person Renewal at a Driver License Office

To renew in person, find your nearest Driver License office on the DHSMV website and check its hours. You do not need an appointment for renewal, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less crowded early in the morning on weekdays. Bring your current Florida driver's license and proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.

At the office, you will have your photo taken and pay the renewal fee in cash, by check, or by card. You will receive a temporary license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to change your address, name, or other information, tell the staff member before you leave — changes made in person take effect when ready on your temporary license.

What Happens If Your License Expired More Than Six Months Ago

If your Florida license has been expired for more than six months, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must go to a Driver License office in person. This is treated as a new license process rather than a renewal, which means you will need to provide more documents than a standard renewal requires.

Bring your current (expired) Florida driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your date of birth and legal name. Acceptable documents for proof of birth and name include a birth certificate, passport, or marriage certificate if your name has changed. You will also need to provide proof of your Florida residency, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. The fee is the same as a standard renewal ($48 for an eight-year license), and you will receive a temporary license when ready.

License Fees and Validity Periods

A standard Florida driver's license costs $48 and is valid for eight years. If you are 80 years old or older, you can renew for a four-year license at a lower cost. Commercial driver's licenses (CDL) have different fees depending on the endorsements you carry. Motorcycle endorsements add to the cost of a standard license. If you are renewing a license that was suspended or revoked, you may need to pay reinstatement fees in addition to the renewal fee.

The renewal fee covers the cost of the new license card and processing. It does not include any court fines, reinstatement fees, or other outstanding obligations you may owe to the state. If you have unpaid traffic citations or other debts to Florida, DHSMV may hold your renewal until those are resolved. Check your driving record on the DHSMV website before you renew to see if there are any holds or flags on your account.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Renewal

Do not assume your address is correct on file. If you moved and did not update your address with DHSMV, your new license will be mailed to your old address. Update your address before you renew, either online through the DHSMV website or in person at a Driver License office. If you are renewing online and your address has changed, the system will reject the online process and direct you to renew in person.

Do not wait until your license expires to renew. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date, and renewing early does not cost extra. If you renew early, your new license will have a new expiration date eight years from the date of renewal. Do not send cash by mail — use a check or money order only. Do not forget to sign your renewal form if you are renewing by mail; an unsigned form will be returned to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Florida license if I live out of state now?

No. Florida requires you to be a resident to hold a Florida driver's license. If you have moved out of state permanently, you should obtain a license from your new state. If you still live in Florida but are temporarily out of state, you can renew by mail or online if your license has not been expired for more than six months.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you will need to provide legal documentation of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) when you renew in person. Online and mail renewal will not process if your name on file does not match your current legal name. Go to a Driver License office with your documentation to complete the renewal.

How long is my temporary license valid?

A temporary license issued at a Driver License office is valid for 30 days. It is recognized by law enforcement and can be used for identification and driving purposes. If your permanent license does not arrive within 30 days, return to the office to request a replacement temporary license or check the status of your process.

Can I renew online if I wear glasses or contacts?

Yes. Online renewal does not require you to update your vision correction status unless you are changing it. If you currently wear glasses or contacts and your license shows that you do, you can renew online without a new photo. If your vision has changed or you need to add or remove the vision correction restriction, you must renew in person so a new photo can be taken.

What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?

If your license is lost or stolen, you will need to replace it before you can renew. Go to a Driver License office with proof of your identity and residency, and request a replacement license. Once you have the replacement, you can renew it when ready at the same visit, or renew it later by mail or online if it has not expired yet.

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.