Florida Driver's License Renewal and Replacement Process

Isn't it already eight years? That is the duration of a Florida driver's license. Or have you misplaced your driver's license? If your license is about to expire or you have lost it, don't wait any longer and renew or replace it as soon as possible. Driving without a valid license is against the law, and there is no grace period after the license has expired. Today, we'll simplify driver's license renewal and replacement so you can save time and money.

Renewal Process of Florida Driver's License

Driver's licenses and state identification cards are valid for eight years. Current holders of a driver's license or state ID must renew their credentials before they expire or face penalties and fines. Licenses and IDs can be renewed for 18 months before expiration.

Online

Residents who are currently REAL-ID compliant, as denoted by a star in the top right-hand corner of their driver's license or ID, are eligible for a one-time online convenience renewal through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website. Customers will need to supply the following information to renew online:
  • Last Name;
  • Date of Birth;
  • Street Address, City, State, and Zip Code; and
  • Additional Information
    • Florida residents with a Social Security Number: Complete Social Security Number or the last 5 digits of your Social Security Number and Florida Driver's License or State ID Number, Title Number, and License Plate Number,
    • Everyone else: Title Number and License Plate Number,

In-Person

Customers can renew their driver's license or ID in person at any of our accredited locations. Customers must come to the office if they:
  • Previously renewed their membership online.
  • They do not comply with REAL-ID.
  • They want to change their photo.
  • Are employing a genuine or certified court order or marriage document to change their name.
  • Have a court order to update their driver's license or identification.
  • Like to add or remove a classification, such as a veteran designation.
  • Applying for a Florida driver's license or identification card for the first time.
  • Obtaining a commercial driver's license
  • Have a license that says "temporary" on it.

Replacement Process of Florida Driver's License

Residents may replace or update their driver's license or ID before its expiration date if it was lost, stolen, or if the customer requires an update. The following are some of the most common causes for a replacement:
  • A customer's driver's license or identification card was misplaced or stolen.
  • The customer wants to add or amend a designation, such as veteran status.
  • The consumer wishes to change their photo.
  • The customer must update the information on their credentials, such as their name or address.
  • The customer has reached the age of 21.
  • The customer intends to donate their eyes, organs, and tissues.
  • Address and name changes must be changed on your driver's license or ID card, as well as your title and vehicle registration, within 30 days of the change.
Suppose you officially changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order. In that case, you must present an original or certified United States marriage certificate(s), United States divorce document(s), or other court order (s). Copies will not be accepted unless they are certified by the issuing authority.

Online

You may be able to change your card online if your current Florida ID or license is REAL ID compliant. Look for a gold star on your ID card, which signifies that it is REAL ID compliant. If your card lacks this emblem, you must obtain a new card from an FDHSMV service center. Go to GoRenew.com and follow the on-screen instructions if you are eligible to renew or replace your Florida ID card online. You must enter your social security number, which the FDHSMV will verify before issuing a new card. Your new ID card will be mailed to you within seven to ten days of filing your application.

In-Person

You can always renew or replace your Florida ID or driver's license in person at any FDHSMV service site around the state. Visit the FDHSMV main website to discover a complete list of service center locations near you. If you want to renew or replace a non-REAL ID-compliant card, you must do so in person at a service center. If you renewed online in the past, you must renew in person this time, and a new photograph will be taken.

What To Bring

Individual criteria for specific documents may differ.

Proof of Identity

You will need either the original or a certified copy of one of the following documents:
  • Birth certificate from the United States
  • A valid U.S. passport or passport card
  • Naturalization Certificate
  • Citizenship Certificate
  • Birth Abroad Consular Report

Proof of Social Security Number

You will need an original of one of the following documents that show both your full name and your Social Security number for this requirement:
  • Social Security number
  • Form W-2 (Printed)
  • SSA-1099
  • Any 1099 Form (Printed)
  • Paycheck/paystub

Proof of Residential Address

To prove your residential address, you will need two different documents from the list below that show your residence:
  • Voter registration card in Florida
  • Vehicle registration or title in Florida
  • A deed, a mortgage, a monthly mortgage statement, a mortgage payment booklet, or a residential rental/lease agreement are all examples of legal documents.
  • Two documents include proof from your parent, stepparent, legal guardian, or another person with whom you live, as well as a statement from one of these people.
  • If you reside on a boat or houseboat in Florida, you must have a Florida boat registration or title.
  • Payment booklet for automobiles
  • Card for Selective Service
  • Medical or health card that includes your address
  • Form W-2 or 1099
  • Current automobile insurance coverage or bill
Once you've acquired all the necessary documentation, you can go to the driving license office and apply for a replacement license. A replacement charge is necessary, but this fee is waived if your license was taken and you filed a police report. Bring a copy of the police report with you when you apply for a replacement.