How do i make an appointment to renew my florida drivers license

When you need to get something important done at the DHSMV, it can be a hassle, especially when you realize you may have to wait for hours before you can actually turn in your paperwork or talk to an employee. You can try to avoid this problem by visiting during slow periods at the DHSMV, but even then you may encounter long wait times. Fortunately, the Florida DHSMV allows patrons to book appointments for specific times, reserving them a spot well in advance and saving them precious time during the day.

Florida’s Online Appointment and Services Information System (OASIS)

OASIS is a convenient online service run by the Florida DHSMV that helps you schedule appointments for a wide variety of traffic services. Select the branch nearest you and what you are trying to accomplish with your trip to the DHSMV. OASIS will present you with the next available times for your selected branch, and you can choose the one that suits your schedule best. OASIS connects to all branches throughout the state, so it is easy to find what you are looking for, no matter what county you are in.

What Services Are Available to Schedule in Advance?

While not every service is available at every branch, appointments are available for a large variety of things at the DHSMV. Most written driving exams and renewals can be scheduled, such as your permit exam, license exam, motorcycle license exam, license renewal, and converting an out-of-state license to a Florida license. You will also be required to schedule behind-the-wheel road tests, as the DHSMV must ensure that an employee is available to test and evaluate you. Most other miscellaneous tasks, like changing your name/address or reinstating a suspended license, can also be booked ahead of time.

What If I Can’t Book an Appointment?

If your branch does not offer appointments for the service you need, or the available times do not suit your schedule, you can still prevent long wait times by avoiding the DHSMV during peak hours. Stay away from the DHSMV:

• On Mondays and Fridays; people tend to get things done immediately before or after a weekend.
• Right before or after a holiday, or any time the DHSMV has been closed for long periods.
• During lunch hour, as people attempt to get their vehicle-related chores done during their break.

If you want to avoid the rush of people, be sure to go:

• In the middle of the week, Tuesday to Thursday.
• Before lunchtime, or better yet, right when the office opens.
• During the middle of the month.

If possible, avoid going to the DHSMV office altogether by getting your tasks processed online. Initial car registrations, titling, and driving exams will unfortunately need to be completed in person, but things like annual registration, paying or contesting traffic tickets, and registering a change of name or address can be done on the Florida DHSMV website. As long as the DHSMV has your information on file, you can complete those basic services online.

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. You can renew your license up to 18 months before its expiration date.

You may not be able to renew your license in some situations. For example, you can't renew if you are no longer eligible to receive a license or if you have not responded to a court summons related to a traffic infraction. And you can't renew if your license has been suspended, revoked or canceled.

Online License Renewal Requirements

Online renewal is the most convenient way to renew your driver's license. However, there are some restrictions.

You cannot renew your Florida driver's license online if:

• You last renewed your license online, by mail or over the phone
• You are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• You are renewing a Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

In-Person License Renewal Requirements

You can go to a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) location to renew your license. Visit the FLHSMV website to find a full list of driver's license service centers in your county.

The requirements to renew your Florida driver's license in person include:

• You must turn in your current license
• You must pass a vision test
• You must provide two approved documents for proof of address if your address has changed
• If your name has changed, you must provide approved documents that establish your new name.
• If you have not been issued a driver's license in person since Jan. 1, 2010, you need to bring with you one form of primary identification, two proofs of address and proof of your social security number.

See the FLHSMV What to Bring page for more details on the approved forms of documentation required for renewal. Documentation requirements may be different if you are Canadian, an immigrant or a nonimmigrant (a person staying in the United States temporarily).

Renewal Requirements for Seniors and Older Drivers

If you are 80 years of age or older, you must renew your license every six years. You are also required to pass a vision test to renew. You can take the test at a FLHSMV location during the license renewal process, but you may be able to take the test in other locations. See the Official Florida Driver License Handbook or contact the FLHSMV for more information.

Real ID

Real ID was introduced in 2010 to add improved security features to state-issued licenses and ID cards. If it's time for you to renew your driver's license, you should request a Real ID-compliant license. You must renew in person to obtain one.

Effective Oct. 1, 2020, you will need a Real ID-compliant driver's license to board a plane at a commercial airport. Otherwise, you will have to bring two forms of identification.

License Renewal for Military Personnel and Family

Military personnel who expect to be deployed or stationed outside of Florida should plan to renew their driver's license early. You can renew up to 18 months before your license's expiration date. If you are out of state or deployed, you can renew online if you meet the normal requirements for online renewals.

Military Extension Cards

If you are on active duty and stationed away from Florida, you and any immediate family members who live with you (spouse, daughter, son and step-children) can apply for a free military extension card that extends your driving privilege each year.

Your military extension card will keep your license valid until:

• 90 days after your discharge
• You return to Florida to reside
• You obtain a new Florida driver's license or ID card

See the FLHSMV military extension application for step-by-step instructions on how to apply for a military extension card.