renewal of florida drivers license - FL

Sections Covered in this Guide

Florida Drivers License Renewal Information

Expiration Date

Your class E driver's license in the Sunshine State will usually expire every eight (8) years and therefore must be renewed at this interval. However, some licenses were only issued for six (6) years. Also note that licenses issued to drivers with immigration documents will have an expiration date depends on their legal status. As a quick reminder, your license will always expire on your birthday. To verify your expiration date, double check by looking at the front part of your license. It will clearly say the expiration date, as illustrated on our sample image below. 

You must have your license on your person while driving. If you are cited by a traffic officer, you will be asked to show your license. If you happen to lose or destroy your license, you must file for a replacement as soon as possible.

Renewal Notice

You may receive a renewal reminder of your upcoming expiration. If you are eligible to renew by mail, a renewal package might be sent to you.  In order to keep this possibility open, please make sure that the FL DMV has your latest mailing address on file. A drivers license address change must be reported to the DMV ten (10) days after you move. This will allow you to receive important reminders about your license and vehicle registration. If you did not receive a reminder, don't worry as it is not required to renew. To make sure of your renewal options please keep reading below or you may contact the DMV by phone at 850-617-2000 or by filling out the following contact form on the website. Receiving a renewal notice is a great reminder, but if you do not receive one and do not renew on time, your license will expire. The DMV is not held responsible for your late renewal.

When To Renew

The FL DMV will give you sufficient time to plan your renewal. You are able to renew eighteen (18) months before your license expires. It's wise to use this rule as it will give you plenty of preparation time to get your documents in order for your renewal appointment. 

Expired Florida License

By not renewing on time, your license will be officially expired. If your license expires you will not be able to drive. As of the year 2012, under Florida Statute 322.065 driving with an expired license is a traffic violation and you will be fined. On top of risking breaking any traffic laws, the DMV will charge you a late renewal fee. That fee is currently $15.00. There is no grace period. Your license will be officially expired after midnight on your birth day.

If your license is taken away because of a suspension, your renewal will be denied. Driving is a privilege that you must keep in good standing with the state. After serving your suspension period which could be between 30 days to 1 year, you'll need to have your license reinstated and pay all applicable fees. To find out about your options, please contact customer support and select the suspended license option. The final step after having your license returned to you, is to apply for car insurance. Since your rates will more than likely increase, you'll want to get the best prices and coverage for you. Let us do the work by using our Free Insurance Guide.

Renew Florida Drivers License Online

Let's go over the conditions that you must meet in order to renew online.

Requirements to Renew Online

• You must be either a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a social security number. If you suspect that there could be an issue with your driver's license, please check it online.
• Your license must not be on suspension, revocation or cancelation status. 
• If you last renewed online or by mail you cannot renew online consecutively. You must go in person.
• If your license is not a photo type license, you cannot use the online service. You must go in person.  
• Your current license must have been issued on after the year 2002. 
• Your current license cannot be expiring more than eighteen (18) months from expiration date. 

STEPS

1. Visit the FL online renewal site to get started.
2. The first step is to enter either of the following items:
   • Current driver license number.
   • Social security number.
   • Vehicle identification number.
   • License tag number.
3. The second step is to enter your birth date and last 4 digits of your SSN.
4. Follow the instructions.
5. Prepare to pay the $48.00 renewal Fee for Class E licenses. You must add a $15.00 late fee is you are past expiration date. All forms of payment are accepted. You can use a credit card, debit card or even a check.
6. The FL DMV will send your new license via mail and should arrive in approximately one (1) week. 

Note: For questions concerning your online request, please contact the DMV via the following methods:

Website: Click Here.
Phone Numbers: 850-617-2000

Florida Drivers License Renew by Mail

Its possible that if you qualified to renew by mail, the DMV will send you a renewal packet to your mailing address. If you are an active duty military driver, please read the military section below.

Requirements to Renew By Mail

• You must have received a renewal packet or you must be on active duty serving with the military. 
• You must not be older than eighty (80) years of age. If you are, you must go in person to have your vision checked.
• If your license is not a photo type license, you cannot use the online service. You must go in person.  

STEPS

1. Fill out the application that was sent in your renewal packet. 
2. Include payment for the cost of $48.00. If you are renewing late, there is an extra fee of $15.00.
3. Send the application and payment to the address listed on the application form. 
4. Your new license will arrive by mail in approximately one (1) week time. 

 

Note: For questions concerning your online request, please contact the DMV via the following methods:

Website: Click Here.
Phone Numbers: 850-617-2000

Florida Drivers License Renewal for Military Drivers

The state of Florida will give you and your dependents flexibility as far as when and how to renew your expiring driver's license. You will be given two (2) options for renewing your license.

1. Simply renew your license online, in the same manner as all other drivers in Florida.
2. Or you can apply via mail for an extension of ninety (90) days from the date of your return to Florida (following termination of active duty)

Requirements 

• You must be currently on active duty serving outside the state of Florida.
• Commercial driver licenses cannot be extended. Extension is only for Class E licenses. 
• If your license is not a photo type license, you cannot use the online service. You must go in person.  
• Your license must be active (cannot be on suspension or revocation)
• If you elect to renew online, the FL DMV system must have your U.S. citizen status.

Renewal Steps for U.S. Military Drivers Extension By Mail

You may process your 90 day extension using any one of the following three options.

1. Fill out the following Military Extension Application.
   • You'll be required to enter your name, birth date, driver license number, place of birth, address, mailing address. 
   • Your signature and that of your command officer is required.
   • Please send the application by mail, email, or fax.
     • Mailing Address: Customer Service Center 2900, Apalachee Pkwy, MS 99, Tallahassee, FL  32399 
     • Fax: 850-617-3985
     • Email: CSC-Corr@flhsmv.gov
2. If you are unable to print out the form above, you may call 850-617-2000 and process your extension over the phone.
3. If you would instead like to have your extension processed via email, you may do so by filling out the following form online.
4. There is no cost for this service.
5. Once your extension is processed, the DMV will mail you a card that will serve as the 90 day extension. You must always carry this card along with your license and military ID at all times while driving. 

 

Auto Insurance

If you do not carry auto insurance in Florida you will be given a fine and possibly face license suspension. The law states that you must always carry financial responsibility and no fault insurance on your motor vehicle. This will cover the costs of potential damages when involved in an accident. Do not drive without insurance. Preparing for insurance costs during your upcoming renewal process will help you get a more affordable rate. Just give us your Florida zip code and we'll take care of making sure that you find the best possible insurance rates in your state. Use our Insurance Guide to get started.