Learn how to renew your Florida driver’s license here. If your driver’s license is 8 years old or older since you last applied for it, you will probably need to renew it. Looking at your credential, the expiration date of your license is located just below your date of birth.
Once your driver’s license has expired, you will have 18 months to complete your renewal at your nearest Florida DMV.
Fortunately, renewing your Florida driver’s license is not difficult or time-consuming, especially if you go to the DMV at the right time. Should you wish to renew from another location, residence or workplace, the state of Florida offers drivers two convenient options that are sure to be of great assistance.
To guide you through the process, this blog will help you:
- Follow the steps to renew your florida license.
- Renew online
- Renew in person
- The documentation you need
- What happens if your license expires before you renew it
How do you renew your Florida driver’s license?
The state of Florida offers every driver two ways to renew their driver’s license:
- Online Renewal
- Renew in person
Renew your license online
Renewing your driver’s license online is probably the easiest option for those whose license expiration date is near. The Florida DMV allows you to renew your license online only once in your lifetime, so you should do so only if you feel it is necessary.
At the time you renew your license online, you will need to provide a credit card for payment, as well as proof of your social security number. The department will verify your social security number to successfully process your application. If you experience any inconvenience during the process, we advise you to contact the Social Security Administration to continue.
However, not all drivers are able to renew their permit online. Please note that if you change your name (either due to marriage or divorce) you must renew your driver’s license at a local DMV office, whichever is closest to your county.
Renewing your license in person
Renewing your driver’s license in person at the Florida DMV is the most common option for drivers. This is especially true for those with a temporary or commercial driver’s license, who are required to do so. Please note that if you have a court-ordered name change or wish to update your photograph, you will need to visit the DMV.
How much does it cost to renew my driver’s license?
Currently the fee to renew a Florida driver’s license is $48, which is relatively inexpensive and is due every eight years.
However, there is an additional fee of $6.25 for those who renew their driver’s license at a tax collector’s office.
Note that if you are a veteran and provide proof of your status, you will be exempt from both fees.
What documents are needed to renew a Florida driver’s license?
The documents required to renew your license are no different than those required to obtain a driver’s license. At the time you apply to renew your permit in person, you must provide proof of identity, proof of your social security, and proof of Florida residency.
Identity Documents
Documentation to prove your identity will be required at the time you apply for your license renewal:
U.S. birth certificate
Valid U.S. passport (or passport card)
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Certificate of Citizenship
- Proof of Social Security
The state of Florida will accept the following documents as proof of social security:
Social Security Card
- Any 1099
- W-2 form
- Paycheck/pay stub
- Proof of address
There are several different types of documents you can use to renew your Florida driver’s license. However, only two will be necessary to complete your renewal.
Below are some of the most common documents used to prove your Florida residency:
- Deed, mortgage, monthly mortgage statement or residential lease agreement
- Florida vehicle registration or title
- Florida voter registration card
- Utility bill
- Selective service card
- Medical or health card with address listed
- Current homeowner’s insurance policy or bill
- Current automobile insurance policy or bill
- Educational institution transcript forms for current school year
- W-2 or 1099 form
- Mail from financial institutions, including checking, savings, or investment account statements
- Mail from federal, state, county or city government agencies.
As you can see, the state of Florida offers many convenient ways for those wishing to complete their driver’s license renewal. Also, if you are a person over the age of 80, you will need to complete a vision test for each renewal.
What if my license expires before I renew it?
If this is the case, be sure to keep an eye on the expiration date of your driver’s license. In Florida, driving with an expired driver’s license is an infraction, resulting in a fine. In addition, if your license has expired more than one year, you will be required to retake the written and road tests, a late fee, which requires additional fees.
To be on the safe side, we recommend that you complete your Florida driver’s license renewal between 6 months and one year prior to the expiration date.