How to Renew Your Florida Driver's License

Florida driver's license renewal: online, by mail, or in person

You can renew your Florida driver's license online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website if you meet certain conditions, by mail if you're out of state, or in person at a Driver License office. The online route is fastest — you'll get your renewed license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes at an office and you can walk out with a temporary license the same day.

Your renewal method depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time is left before it expires, and whether you've had any changes to your name, address, or medical status since your last renewal. Florida licenses expire on your birthday, six years after they were issued.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the DHSMV website works only if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and you haven't changed your name or address since your last renewal.
If you're renewing more than six months before your license expires, you must renew in person at a Driver License office — you cannot renew early online or by mail.
Mail renewal is available only if you live outside Florida and your license is still valid and not suspended.
You'll need your Social Security number, current Florida driver's license number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to renew online.
If your license is suspended or you have an active traffic citation, you must resolve it before renewing.

Online renewal through the DHSMV website

To renew online, go to the official DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov) and select the driver's license renewal option. You'll need your current Florida driver's license number, your date of birth, and your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and pull up your driving record. The fee is $48 for a standard six-year license, paid by debit or credit card.

Online renewal is available only if all of these are true: your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions or conditions that require in-person review, you haven't changed your name since your last renewal, your address on file is current, and you are renewing within six months before your license expires or any time after it expires. If any of these don't explore to you, you must renew in person.

After you complete the online form and pay the fee, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

In-person renewal at a Driver License office

Visit any Florida Driver License office with your current driver's license, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of current Florida residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days). Bring your original documents or certified copies — the office will not accept photocopies of your Social Security card or birth certificate.

The fee for an in-person renewal is $48 for a standard six-year license. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. You'll take a new photo and sign a new process. Before you leave, you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended, if you have medical restrictions, if you've changed your name, if your address has changed and you don't have current proof of residency, or if you're renewing more than six months early. You can also renew in person if you prefer not to renew online.

Mail renewal for Florida residents living out of state

If you live outside Florida but still hold a valid Florida driver's license, you can renew by mail. read the process for Renewal of Driver License (Form HSMV 82053) from the DHSMV website, fill it out completely, and mail it with a check or money order for $48 to the address listed on the form. Include a photocopy of your current driver's license.

Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DHSMV receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide on the form. You cannot renew by mail if your license is suspended, if you have medical restrictions, or if you've changed your name — you'll need to renew in person at a Florida Driver License office during a visit to the state.

What to do if your license is suspended or expired

If your Florida driver's license is suspended, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a Driver License office in person. Before you renew, you'll need to resolve the reason for the suspension — this might mean paying a traffic fine, completing a defensive driving course, or clearing an unpaid child support obligation. The office staff can tell you what's required in your case.

If your license has been expired for more than six months, you may need to retake the written driving test and the road test, depending on how long it's been expired. Call the DHSMV at 1-844-5-DHSMV (1-844-534-7368) or visit a Driver License office to find out whether you'll need to test. If you've been driving with an expired license, you could face a citation, so renew as soon as you can.

Name changes and address updates

If you've changed your name since your last renewal, you must renew in person at a Driver License office. Bring your current driver's license, a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your current address. The office will issue a new license with your updated name.

If you've moved within Florida and your address on file is outdated, you can update your address online through the DHSMV website without renewing your license — this is a separate transaction that costs $7.50. However, if you're renewing your license anyway, you can update your address as part of the renewal process. If you're renewing in person, bring proof of your current address dated within 60 days (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement).

Finding a Driver License office and checking wait times

Use the DHSMV office locator on flhsmv.gov to find the Driver License office nearest you and see its hours. Many offices now offer online appointment scheduling through the same website. Scheduling an appointment typically reduces your wait time to 15 to 30 minutes, while walk-ins may wait an hour or longer during peak times.

Peak times at most offices are mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays. If you can visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon, you'll usually encounter shorter lines. Some offices are busier than others — if your local office has a long wait, you can visit a different office in your county or a nearby county.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Florida license online if I'm out of state?

No. Online renewal is available only to Florida residents. If you live out of state, you can renew by mail if your license is still valid and not suspended. If your license is suspended or you need to make changes, you must renew in person at a Florida Driver License office during a visit to the state.

What happens if I drive after my license expires?

Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation and can result in a citation and fine. If your license has been expired for more than six months, you may be required to retake the written and road tests before you can renew. Start the renewal process before your license expires to avoid this.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

After you renew online or in person, your new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks. If you renew in person, you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent license.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

Yes, if you renew in person. If you renew online, the DHSMV will use your photo from your current license unless it's more than 10 years old, in which case you'll be asked to visit an office to take a new photo before your license is issued.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You'll need to replace your lost license before you can renew. Visit a Driver License office with proof of identity and residency, pay a $20 replacement fee, and take a new photo. Once you have your replacement license, you can renew it using any of the methods described above.

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.