Renewing Your License

The Basics

Once you obtain a Florida driver license, it will be valid for four years, renewable before your birthday in the fourth year. If you've been really good, however, you may be eligible for a six-year "Safe Driver" license. Give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back, because that means you've stayed conviction-free for three years, and avoided suspension and revocation for seven years.

Your renewal application may be denied if you don't pass the qualifications to hold a license, did not respond to a summons for a traffic violation, or your license has been suspended or revoked.

After all it took to obtain your original license, renewing is a relative breeze:

• Renew by mail: If you're eligible for mail-in renewal, a packet will be mailed to you about six weeks before your expiration date. Simply fill out the paperwork, and return it with a renewal fee of $15, following instructions in the packet.

• Renew online: U.S. citizens can renew easily online with a credit card (service fees may apply in addition to the renewal fee).

• Renew by telephone: Call (866) 467-3639. A service charge of $2.90 will apply in addition to renewal fees.

• Renew at your local DMV office: Non-U.S. citizens will have to apply in person and show proof of legal presence. Commercial driver licenses (CDLs) must also be renewed in person. You can cut down time spent in line by making an appointment.

Once your renewal request has been submitted, DHSMV will issue you a four- or six-year sticker to place on the back of your license. If you have a digital license, you'll receive a new one instead of a sticker.

Vision Test for Drivers Age 80 and Older

If you're at least 80 years old, you'll need to pass a vision test before your renewal is processed. The Division of Driver Licenses administers the test free of charge. Unless you like waiting for long periods of time in uncomfortable chairs, it's probably best to make an appointment for your convenience.

You can also ask your licensed eye doctor to administer the test. If your doctor agrees, he or she will need to submit an examination report. Please call the Customer Service Center at (850) 617-2000 to request this form, or to ask any other questions relating to vision testing procedures.

Renewing Out of State

If you're temporarily out of the state and your driver license or ID card is due to expire, you can renew online (as mentioned above), or contact the Customer Service Center via e-mail or at (850) 617-2000. If you contact the service center before your card expires, you will be eligible to receive a 90-day temporary permit, which will be mailed to you along with renewal instructions.

Military Renewals

If you're stationed in the military outside of Florida, you'll still need to renew your FL driver's license as the expiration date nears. You have several options for renewal:

• Apply for a renewal online at GoRenew. This system is accessible if you received an authorization number with your renewal notice, or if you have your current driver's license number. You will not be able to renew your license through GoRenew if the license has been expired for more than a year. Please note that a minimal service fee applies for all online transactions through GoRenew.

• Request an extension:

• By mail at Bureau of Records, 2900 Apalachee Parkway, MS 92, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0575

• By phone at (850) 617-2000

• By e-mail

Once your request is processed, you'll receive an extension card that will remain valid until 90 days after your discharge from service. The extension card is free and available to active-duty military personnel and dependents, including your spouse and children younger than 21 who live in your household.

If you have a license that expired before July 1, 1995, you'll need to request renewal forms by mail, and you'll have a chance to make any changes to your information on those forms.

Are You a Disabled Veteran?

If you're a veteran, and the following conditions are true, you may qualify for free driver license renewals:

• Honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces

• Holder of a valid ID card issued by the Division of Veteran's Affairs

• Have a disability determined by the Veteran's Administration to be 100% service-connected

• Qualified to have a Class E driver license

Please call (850) 617-2000 if you feel you qualify, or for any questions or clarifications about this benefit.