How to Renew Your Florida Driver's License

What You Need to Know About Florida License Renewal

Florida lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Florida Department of Motor Vehicles office. Which method you can use depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people under 80 with a valid or recently expired license can renew online in about 10 minutes without visiting an office.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 6 weeks before your license expires. It contains your renewal number and instructions for each method. If you lose the notice, you can still renew — you'll just need your driver's license number and date of birth to start online.

Key Takeaways

Florida residents under 80 with a valid or recently expired license can renew online at gorenew.org using their renewal number or driver's license number.
Online renewal costs $47.50 and takes about 10 minutes; your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than 5 years, if you are 80 or older, or if you need to change your address, name, or other personal information.
Mail renewal is available for certain situations but takes longer than online renewal; call the Florida DMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW to confirm whether you may have access to.
Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number when you visit an office in person.

Renewing Online Through gorenew.org

The fastest and most common way to renew is through Florida's online system at gorenew.org. You'll need your renewal number (from your renewal notice) or your driver's license number and date of birth. The system accepts payment by debit card, credit card, or electronic check.

Online renewal costs $47.50 for a standard 8-year license. Your new license is mailed to the address on file and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives, even if it has already expired.

You cannot renew online if your license expired more than 5 years ago, if you are 80 or older, if you need to change your name or address, or if your license was suspended or revoked. In those cases, you must visit a Florida DMV office or call 1-844-DL-RENEW to explore other options.

Renewing in Person at a Florida DMV Office

Visit a Florida DMV office if you cannot renew online. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current Florida address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or insurance bill dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

In-person renewal at an office takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You pay $47.50 for a standard license. Your new license is printed on the spot, and you can drive home with it when ready. Find your nearest office and check wait times at flhsmv.gov.

You must renew in person if your license expired more than 5 years ago, if you are 80 or older, if you need to change your address or name, or if your license was suspended or revoked. Bring all required documents to avoid a second trip.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal is available only in limited situations. You must have a valid or recently expired license, be under 80, and not need to change your address, name, or other personal information. You also cannot have any suspensions or revocations on your record.

To renew by mail, complete the renewal notice you received and mail it with a check or money order for $47.50 to the address printed on the notice. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks, and your new license arrives by mail afterward. Call 1-844-DL-RENEW before mailing to confirm that mail renewal is available for your situation, because may be able to access rules are strict and mailing an process that does not may have access to wastes time.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired

You can still drive on an expired license while your renewal is being processed, as long as you have proof that you submitted a renewal request. If you renewed online, keep your confirmation email. If you renewed by mail, keep a copy of the envelope showing the postmark date. If you renewed in person, your new license is valid when ready.

If your license has been expired for more than 5 years, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must visit a Florida DMV office in person. Bring all documents listed in the in-person renewal section above.

Scam Alert: Fake Renewal Websites and Calls

Scammers create websites that look like the official Florida DMV site and charge fees to "process" your renewal. The only official Florida DMV renewal website is gorenew.org. Do not use any other site, and do not pay anyone to renew your license for you.

You may also receive phone calls or text messages claiming to be from the Florida DMV asking you to verify your information or pay a fee. The Florida DMV does not call or text you to renew your license. Hang up and do not share any personal information. If you have questions about your renewal, call the official Florida DMV number at 1-844-DL-RENEW.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I moved out of Florida?

No. Your Florida license is only valid if you live in Florida. If you moved to another state, you must get a license from that state. Contact your new state's DMV to learn about their requirements. You cannot renew a Florida license from out of state.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can still renew online at gorenew.org using your driver's license number and date of birth. You do not need the renewal notice. If you prefer to renew in person or by mail, call 1-844-DL-RENEW and they can mail you a new notice or help you with another method.

How long does my new license take to arrive if I renew online?

Your new license is mailed within 1 to 2 business days after you complete your online renewal and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license, even if it has expired, until your new one arrives. If your license does not arrive within 2 weeks, call 1-844-DL-RENEW.

Do I have to renew in person if I am 80 or older?

Yes. Florida requires all drivers 80 and older to renew in person at a DMV office. You cannot renew online or by mail. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Vision and road tests may be required depending on your situation.

What if my license was suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew your license while it is suspended or revoked. You must contact the Florida DMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW or visit a local office to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what you need to do to restore it. Once it is restored, you can then renew.

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.