Renewing Your License

Determine the Status of Your License

To remain legal while behind the wheel, you must renew your license every eight years if you renew after October 1, 2008 (if you renewed before this date, your license will be good for six years if you're deemed a safe driver, or four years if you're not).

Car insurance is also mandatory. If you're in the market for an insurance provider, compare rates at our Insurance Center.

Valid License

When it comes to renewing your Class E license, you have, depending on your situation, several options:

• Mail

• Online

• Telephone

• In person

If you're unclear about the current status of your license, you can obtain a current update by ordering a driving record report.

NOTE: Check out our CDL section for full information on how to renew a commercial license.

Expired License

If your license has been expired for more than 12 months you must renew in person at any driver license office.

When you arrive, have with you:

• Your expired license.

• Your birth certificate or passport. (You may also need other forms of identification, proof of residence, and your Social Security card.)

• Cash or check to pay the $20 license fee.

Order a driving record report if you're unsure of the current status of your license.

Suspended License

You cannot renew your license if it is suspended, or if you have ignored a summons regarding a traffic violation. For more detailed information on how to renew a revoked or suspended license, visit our suspended license page.

If you need clarification on where your suspended license stands, consider ordering a driving record report.

Higher insurance rates are one of the most overlooked consequences of a suspended license. If you're in the market for a new provider, perhaps one with lower premiums, visit our Insurance Center.

Lost License

Lost or stolen license? Visit our Lost License page.

Check Your Renewal Notice

You should receive a renewal notice approximately six weeks prior to your license's expiration date, with information on your renewal options.

If you do not receive a renewal notice, contact your local driver license office.

Renew Online

It only takes minutes to renew online. You will need to pay the $20 renewal fee with Visa, MasterCard or American Express.

Depending on your license, you will be mailed, within approximately two weeks, either a renewal sticker to be placed on the back of your current license, or a new digital license.

Renew By Mail

If you're eligible for mail-in renewal, a packet will be mailed to you about 45 days before your expiration date. You then must:

1. Complete the packet's paperwork
2. Write a check for $20
3. Mail to the address included in the renewal packet

Depending on your license, you will be mailed, within approximately two weeks, either a renewal sticker to be placed on the back of your current license, or a new digital license.

NOTE: You can only use the mail option for two consecutive renewals.

By Phone

Call (866) 467-3639 and have your license, renewal notice and credit card handy. In addition to the $20 renewal fee, you'll also be charged an additional $2.90 phone service fee.

Depending on your license, you will be mailed, within approximately two weeks, either a renewal sticker to be placed on the back of your current license, or a new digital license.

Renew In Person

Drivers with expired licenses (see above), non-citizens* and drivers older than 80** must apply in person at any driver license office.

*In addition to your current license, you must bring proof of identification.

**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. To save time, be sure to make an appointment.

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.

Update Your Driving Skills

Refresh your driving skills and understanding of new driving laws by enrolling in a supplemental traffic course. Not only can it teach you how to be a safer driver, it also might earn you a discount on your insurance.

If your provider does not recognize traffic schools, you may want to shop for a new provider at our Insurance Center.