The U.S. Department of Homeland Security REAL ID Act became effective nationwide in 2008, mandating new standards for the issuance of driver licenses and identification cards. Florida began issuing REAL ID-compliant credentials January 1, 2010. New driver licenses and ID cards have a star in the upper right corner of the card, indicating that they are REAL ID-compliant. As part of the REAL ID Act, there are documentation requirements for residents renewing or obtaining a new driver license or ID card. For the first in-office issuance after January 1, 2010, customers must bring original documents that validate their identity, Social Security Number (SSN) and residential address.
Customers must visit an office with the required documents if:
All non-commercial Class E driver's, learner's restricted and motorcycle license applicants must take the vision test when applying at a Florida driver's license office. You must also take a vision test each time you renew a license. The driver's license office staff use an eye machine to administer the test. Florida Driver's License Renewal. A Florida driver's license typically expires eight years after the date it was issued. You can renew your license in person at a driver's license service center, and you may even qualify to renew your license online.
- They are applying for their first driver license or ID card;
- Their current credential expires, their last renewal was completed through the mail or online and their current driver license or ID card does not have a star in the upper corner; or
- They have legally changed their name since their last issuance (e.g., by marriage, divorce or court order).
- The name(s) on their marriage certificate(s) or court order must show how their birth name was changed to their current name.
- If their name has changed multiple times and the document they provide shows their current name and their birth name, they need only bring the final name change document.
- If the final marriage certificate does not have both names, they will need to bring all documents that show how their name changed from birth name to current name.
Customers may be eligible to renew their license online; however, the FLHSMV encourages customers without REAL ID-compliant driver licenses or ID cards to renew in an office.
Note: In accordance with the REAL ID Act, once a customer provides the required identity documents, they will only need to provide them again if their information changes (e.g., name, residential address). After October 1, 2020, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will only accept driver licenses and ID cards with a star in the upper right corner as proof of identification at airports. Individuals currently seeking access to military bases and most Federal facilities must present REAL ID-compliant identification. A United States passport may also be used in place of a REAL ID-compliant card for official identification.
Note:
Information regarding the REAL ID required documents can be found by selecting the applicable citizenship status below.
How to renew your Texas Driver License, Motorcycle License or Identification Card
Most driver licenses and identification cards can be renewed up to two years before and after the expiration date. You have several convenient options to renew your Texas driver license or identification card during this time, including:
- Online
- By Telephone
- By Mail, or
- In-person at your local driver license office.
The following categories have additional renewal requirements. Select below for more information:
Driver Licenses or ID Cards (expired for more than two years)
Renewing Expired License
Driver licenses or ID cards that have been expired for more than two years cannot be renewed. If your driver license or ID card has been expired for more than two years, you:
- Must apply in person as a new applicant at a driver license office, and
- Meet all of the requirements for a new ID card or driver license (including taking the knowledge and driving tests).
- Verify your eligibility to apply for a driver license by visiting our License Eligibility page.
Watch our new videoOpens a new window on how to obtain a dl if it has been expired for more than two years.
Driver Licenses or ID Cards (Drivers Age 79 or Older)
If you are 79 years of age or older and hold a driver license or ID card, you must renew in person at a driver license office. Visit the Drivers Age 79 or Older page for additional information.
Learner and Provisional Driver License (Under 18)
If you are under 18 years of age, you must renew in person at a driver license office and bring one of the following:
- Verification of Enrollment (VOE) form, (VOE requires a signature. A stamped or computer generated signature of the school official is acceptable), or
- High School Diploma, or
- Graduated Equivalency Diploma (GED)
- During the summer when school is not in session, the most recent report card may be accepted. (The report card must include the attendance record.)
If you are upgrading a learner license to a provisional license, you must submit a certification of completion of driver education.
For more information about these requirements, visit the teen drivers web page.
Limited Term Renewal
If you need to renew a limited term driver license or ID card, visit the Temporary Visitor web page.
If you need to renew a limited term driver license or ID card, visit the Temporary Visitor web page.
Out-of-State Renewal
If you do not currently live in Texas but your true, permanent home (domicile) is in Texas, visit the out-of-state renewal web page.
If you do not currently live in Texas but your true, permanent home (domicile) is in Texas, visit the out-of-state renewal web page.
Florida Drivers License Renewal Fee
Online or Telephone Renewal
The most convenient way to renew your Texas driver license, motorcycle license, or identification card is online or by telephone. You must meet the following requirements:
Texas driver license
- You renewed your driver license in person at a driver license office last time.
- You have a Class C, M, or CM driver license. You cannot renew a Class A, Class B or commercial driver license online.
- Your driver license either expires in less than two years, or has been expired for less than two years.
- You are at least 18 years of age and your driver license is not a provisional or learner license.
- You are younger than 79 years of age.
- Your vision and your physical and mental conditions have not changed in a way that affects your ability to drive safely since your last renewal.
- Your license is valid (not suspended or revoked), and you do not have any warrants or unpaid tickets. To verify your eligibility, visit our License Eligibility page.
- Your Social Security Number is already on file.
- You are a U.S. citizen.
- You have in your possession your most recently issued driver license, the audit number from the card, or answer security questions to verify your identity.
Texas Identification Card
- You renewed your ID card in person at a driver license office last time.
- Your ID card either expires in less than two years, or has been expired for less than two years.
- You are 18 years of age or older.
- Your Social Security Number is already on file.
- You are a U.S. citizen.
- You have in your possession your most recently issued driver license, the audit number from the card, or answer security questions to verify your identity.
If you meet the requirements for the card you are trying to renew, you must have the following to complete the renewal process:
- Your current driver license or identification card (the one you are renewing);
- A printer or email address to print or email your temporary driver license and payment receipt, if you renew online. No temporary driver license or receipt will be issued when renewing by phone;
- A valid credit card: MasterCard, Visa, Discover or American Express only; and
- The last four digits of your Social Security Number.
Begin the online renewal process, or call 1-866-DL RENEW (1-866-357-3639) to renew by telephone. If you renew online, you will be provided with an opportunity to provide and/or update your emergency contact information.
Mail-in Renewal
If you received an invitation to renew by mail you can also choose to renew online or by phone, see the section 'Online or Telephone Renewals' above. To renew by mail, please follow all of the instructions on the form.
In-Person at your local driver license office
If you are not eligible to renew online, by phone, or by mail, you will need to visit your local driver license office for assistance. Microsoft office enterprise 2007. You may download this checklist to assist you in determining which documents you may have that will meet these requirements, and visit our License Eligibility page to verify your driver license status. Once you have collected the required documents, you will need to do the following:
- Complete the renewal application before arriving at your local office. (This form is also available at all driver license offices.)
- Visit your local driver license office. You may be able to get in-line before arriving. Locate the office nearest you.
- Provide the following documentation to the license and permit specialist:
- Application for the renewal of a driver license
- U.S. Citizenship (regardless if you have previously presented this information) or, if you are not a U.S. Citizen, evidence of lawful presence
- Identity (Only one primary, secondary, or supporting document is required), and
- Social Security Number*
- Pass the vision exam.
- Provide your thumbprints.
- Have your picture taken.
- Pay the application fee.
*You will also be asked to confirm personal information, such as date-of-birth or Social Security Number. If the Social Security Number is not already part of the driver record, you must provide documents to verify your Social Security Number. (Documents verifying a Social Security Number are required for both a driver license and an ID.)
Florida Drivers License Renewal Process
To enhance security, reduce the risk of identity theft or fraud, and protect the integrity of the issuance process, you will be required to verify your social security number (SSN), identity, and citizenship before we can renew your Texas DL or ID.
Address Confidentiality Program
For information on the Address Confidentiality Program, visit the Address Confidentiality Program page.