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How to Renew Your Drivers License in Florida
Once every eight years, motorists must request a drivers license renewal in Florida. Overall, this procedure ensures that the information pertaining to a licensed resident is still up-to-date with the state’s Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV) department. When renewing a drivers license in FL, applicants will need to submit documents that prove their identity and state residency.
If you are a U.S. resident and your information is up-to-date with FLHSMV, you may qualify to renew a drivers license online. However, as a general rule, you are not allowed to utilize this method two consecutive times. Thus, if you request a DMV license renewal online, be mindful that you will need to undergo this process in person during the next time that your credential expires. In this article, you will learn how to complete this process, the fees you will be required to pay and the documentation you will need to provide.
Eligibility for Drivers License Renewal in Florida
Licensed residents as young as 16 years of age are able to visit a drivers license office in Florida and file a request for their credentials to be renewed. Given that FL licenses are typically valid for eight years, most residents will not need to undergo a renewal before they reach 25 years of age.
Instances When You Cannot Renew Your Drivers License in Florida
In the event that your driving credential was stolen, misplaced or damaged significantly, be mindful that you will not be able to renew your driver’s license unless you are within 180 days of its expiration date. Instead, you will need to get your license replaced.
In addition, you cannot request an FL DMV license renewal if your credential was suspended, revoked or canceled. In this case, you will first need to get your license reinstated.
How early can you renew your drivers license in Florida?
You are allowed to renew your license in Florida up to 180 days before it is set to expire. Despite the fact that you cannot drive with an expired drivers license, you will be able to renew a credential that is past its expiration date. On the other hand, you will be subject to a late fee.
If you choose to renew your FL driving license online, you should do so at least 10 days before the document is set to expire. In general, that is the amount of time it will take for your renewed license to be delivered to you.
Florida DMV License Renewal Options
One of the most commonly asked questions regarding renewals is, “Where can I renew my drivers license in Florida?” Overall, this procedure will vary depending on how you renewed your driving credential previously. Additionally, renewing your driving license online is only possible if your information is up-to-date with the FLHSMV. In any case, if you choose to renew online, be mindful that your next renewal will have to take place in place.
How to Renew Your Drivers License Online
If you are eligible to renew your drivers license online in Florida, you will need to use an FLHSMV-approved system, which will ask you to provide personal details such as your name, Social Security Number (SSN) and driver’s license number. You will also need to provide an email address for the FLHSMV to be able to contact you.
Then, you will be required to pay for the DMV license renewal fees. Through this online method, you will only be allowed to pay for the fees by using either a credit or debit card. Once you have completed the process, you will need to wait an estimated 10 days in order to receive your renewed license.
How to Renew Your Drivers License in Person
If you are wondering where to renew your Florida drivers license in person, be mindful that there are several FLHSMV offices throughout the state that perform this type of procedure. However, it is important to note that only certain branches will allow you to schedule an appointment in advance. In any case, walk-ins are always available during an FLHSMV office’s hours of operation.
Because the official FL drivers license renewal form is not available online, you will need to fill it out in person instead. This application will require you to provide personal details about yourself, such as your full legal name, SSN and mailing address.
If you are renewing a driving license that is already REAL ID-compliant, you will simply need to bring your current credential and a form of payment. If you do not currently have a REAL ID license and wish to obtain one, you will need to bring four additional documents, which are described in a section below.
Military & Out of State Renewal in Florida
Learning how to renew your drivers license in Florida if you are serving in the military is important, since the FLHSMV offers different methods and guidelines for these types of motorists. For instance, consider the following DMV license renewal benefits for military service members in FL:
- You can apply for a military extension card if you are out of state and unable to renew your driving credential before its expiration date. With this card, you will only be required to renew your license 90 days after you are discharged and/or back in Florida.
- You will be allowed to temporarily use an out-of-state license in lieu of a Florida-issued driving credential.
Florida REAL ID Drivers License Renewal
Many motorists wish to obtain REAL ID-compliant credentials while renewing their driver’s licenses in Florida. Overall, REAL ID is a federal standard for state-issued documents across the country. To obtain this type of driving credential in FL, you will need to provide:
- Two documents that prove your Florida residency, such as bank correspondence, credit card statements and/or utility bills.
- One document that displays your Social Security Number (SSN), such as a Social Security card or a W-2 form.
- One document that identifies you, such as your current driver’s license or a birth certificate.
It is important to note that the REAL ID drivers license renewal requirements listed above are now standard general requirements for renewing a driving credential in the state, as Florida no longer issues licenses that are not REAL ID-compliant. This means that you will need to bring the four documents detailed above in order to request a DMV license renewal of a non-REAL ID credential.
Florida Drivers License Renewal Fees
How much it costs to renew a drivers license in Florida will vary based on when you get your renewal. Thus, consider the following fees:
- The Florida driving license renewal fee is $48.
- An extra $2 fee will be charged if you renew your driver’s license online.
- If you renew an expired license, you will be charged a $15 late fee.
Sources
- Renew or Replace Your Florida Driver License or ID Card from FLHSMV.gov
- What to Bring from FLHSMV.gov