23-04-2025
Can you renew your Florida's driver's license online to avoid a line at the DMV?
Heading to the DMV to renew your license? Don't be surprised to see long lines in South Florida.
But there may be a way to side-step the crowds and the waiting.
You could be eligible to renew your Florida driver's license online at Online renewals can be done 'every other renewal period.'
MORE: Lines at Miami's DMV offices stretch for hours. What's being done?
Here's what to know:
How many times can you renew your Florida driver's license online?
People under 80 need to renew their Florida Class E driver license every eight years. People 80 and older must renew their license every six years and pass an eye exam.
If you last renewed your license online, sorry, you'll have to visit the DMV this time for your renewal. But then you can be eligible to renew online or by mail next time.
What about a REAL ID?
You'll also need to go to a DMV office if you don't yet have a REAL ID.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles says REAL ID 'is a national effort to improve the integrity and security of state-issued driver licenses and identification cards, which in turn will help fight terrorism and reduce identity fraud.'
Documents that meet Real ID requirements are the driver's license or identification card that each state issues, including Florida. How do you know if your license or ID is compliant? It can be easily identified by a star inside a circle in the upper right corner of the card.
If your driver's license has this icon, it means it meets REAL ID standards. If not, you should apply for it as soon as possible at an FLHSMV office. Starting May 7, 2025, travelers in the U.S. will be required to comply with REAL ID regulations to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.
Remember, your driver's license is a photo ID, and appearances can change through the years. When you renew online or by mail, the same photo is used. When you renew in person at the DMV, a new photo is taken.
Other reasons to go to the DMV
In addition to the every other renewal rule and the REAL ID rule, there are also other restrictions on who is eligible to renew online or by mail.
▪ Drivers are required to visit a DMV to renew if they want to update the photo, change a name either with a court order or marriage certificate.
▪ If you move to Florida and intend to live in the state for more than six consecutive months and intend to drive, you need to get a Florida driver's license. You must apply in person at any office offering driver license services, according to the Department of Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. You have 30 days after establishing residency as a new Florida resident to obtain a valid Florida driver's license
To check your eligibility status, visit
Miami Herald staff writer Howard Cohen contributed to this report.
