How to Renew Your Florida Driver's License

Florida driver's license renewal basics

You can renew your Florida driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. The method you choose depends on your license type, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 6 months before your license expires. The notice includes a renewal code you will need if you renew online. If you have lost the notice, you can still renew — you will just need your driver's license number and date of birth instead.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $75.00 for an 8-year license; you can renew up to 18 months before expiration.
Mail renewal uses the form and prepaid envelope in your renewal notice and takes 7 to 10 business days after DHSMV receives it.
In-person renewal at a DHSMV office is required if you need a new photo, are changing your address, or have a commercial license.
You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, revoked, or if you are over 79 years old.
Florida accepts renewal applications up to 18 months before your license expires, so you can renew early without penalty.

Online renewal through the DHSMV website

Online renewal is the fastest option and requires no office visit. Go to the DHSMV website, select "Renew Your License," and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the renewal code from your notice. You will answer a few questions about your current address and any changes to your information. The entire process takes about 10 minutes.

You will pay $75.00 by credit card or debit card. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your old license until the new one arrives. Online renewal is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and you do not need to provide a new photo — your current photo will be used on your renewed license.

You cannot renew online if your license is suspended or revoked, if you are over 79 years old, if you need to change your address, or if you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL). If any of these explore, you must renew by mail or in person.

Mail renewal using your notice

Your renewal notice includes a prepaid return envelope and a form. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it back in the envelope provided. Do not include payment — the postage and processing fee are already covered. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after DHSMV receives your envelope, plus mail delivery time in both directions.

Mail renewal uses your current photo and does not allow you to change your address. If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must renew in person or online (if your address change is minor). If you have lost your renewal notice, you can request a replacement by calling the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639) or visiting a local office.

In-person renewal at a DHSMV office

Visit a DHSMV office if you need a new photo, are changing your address, hold a commercial license, or cannot renew online or by mail. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days). If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change.

Processing time at an office varies by location and time of day. Many offices are busiest in the morning and on weekdays. You can check wait times and book an appointment online through the DHSMV website. Some offices allow walk-ins, but an appointment usually means a shorter wait. The renewal fee is $75.00 for an 8-year license, payable by cash, check, or card at the office.

Renewal fees and license validity

A standard Florida driver's license costs $75.00 and is valid for 8 years. If you are 79 years old or older, your license is valid for 6 years and costs $60.00, and you must renew in person. A commercial driver's license (CDL) renewal costs $75.00 and is also valid for 8 years, but must be done in person.

Your new license is valid from the date DHSMV processes your renewal, not from the date it arrives in the mail. If your current license expires before your new one arrives, you can show your old license and the receipt or confirmation from your renewal to law enforcement if stopped. Keep that proof until your new license arrives.

Address changes and other updates

If you have moved, you can change your address online during renewal only if the change is within Florida. If you are moving out of state or need to update other information (such as your name or gender marker), you must renew in person at a DHSMV office. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days.

You can also change your address without renewing your license by visiting a DHSMV office or using the online address-change service on the DHSMV website. An address change does not extend your license expiration date — your license still expires on the original date.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

You cannot renew your license online or by mail if it is suspended or revoked. You must visit a DHSMV office in person. The office will tell you the reason for the suspension or revocation and what you must do to restore your driving privileges. This may include paying a reinstatement fee, completing a driver improvement course, or resolving a court case.

If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, call the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW or check your status on the DHSMV website. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. Do not drive if your license is suspended or revoked — doing so is a criminal offense in Florida.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Florida allows you to renew your license up to 18 months before the expiration date. You can renew online, by mail, or in person during this window. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license — it will still be valid for 8 years from the date DHSMV processes it.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

Call the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW to request a replacement notice, or visit a local DHSMV office. You can also renew online without the notice if you have your driver's license number and date of birth. The renewal code is helpful but not required.

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

Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days after DHSMV processes your process, plus mail delivery time. In-person renewals at an office are processed the same day, and you receive a temporary paper license when ready. Your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

No, unless you renew in person. Online and mail renewals use your current photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew at a DHSMV office. You are also required to get a new photo if your license has been suspended or revoked.

What happens if my license expires before my new one arrives?

Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. If you are stopped by law enforcement before the new license arrives, show your old license and your renewal confirmation. Keep the confirmation receipt until your new license arrives in the mail.

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.