Florida ID Card Renewal 3 Ways you Can Renew It

Renewing your Florida ID card is a crucial task that you must do every 8 years once. The expiration date is listed on your FL ID card. You can renew your ID card up to 12 months in advance of the expiration date.

If your ID card is lost or stolen, or if you need to update any information, you can replace it before its expiration. If you change your address, you have 30 days to update it on your ID card. I

f you change your name, you must first update it with the Social Security Administration and then update it on your ID card.

Graphic showing the steps for renewing a Florida ID card.

Importance of Renewing Your Florida ID Card

Keeping your Florida ID card up to date is important for several reasons. It serves as a valid proof of your identity and helps you comply with state regulations. If your ID card is expired, lost, or stolen, or if there’s a change in your personal information, you must replace it.

As of February 15, 2021, if your Class E driver license has been expired for more than a year, you will need to complete the Class E knowledge exam and vision exam before obtaining a valid Class E driver license.

Available FL Identification Card Renewal Methods

There are several ways to renew your Florida ID card. You can renew it online at the MyDMV Portal, which offers a quick and convenient way to renew your ID card. You can also update your address, replace a lost or stolen ID card, and more. However, the department must verify your Social Security number for you to renew or replace your ID card online.

If the department can’t verify it, you must follow up with the Social Security Administration. Alternatively, you can renew your ID card in person at any driver license service center statewide.

You must go in person if you used the online service for your last renewal, if you’re not REAL ID compliant, if you want to update your photo, or if you’re changing your name.

Understanding the Florida ID Card Renewal Process

Renewing your Florida ID card is a straightforward process. You must renew your ID card every eight years, and you can do so up to 12 months in advance of the expiration date. If your ID card is lost, stolen, or if there’s a change in your personal information, you can replace it.

It is important to update your address within 30 days if it changes, and if your name changes, update it with the Social Security Administration before updating your ID card.

Frequency of Renewal in Florida

Florida ID cards must be renewed every eight years. The expiration date is listed on your ID card, and you can renew it up to 12 months in advance. If your ID card is lost or stolen, or if you need to update any information, you can replace it before its end.

Keep in mind that if your Class E driver license has been expired for more than a year, you will need to complete the Class E knowledge exam and vision exam before obtaining a valid Class E driver license.

Cost of ID Renewal

The cost of renewing your Florida ID card can be found on the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ fees page. You can pay for the renewal online or in person at any driver license service center statewide. Please note that a $2.00 processing fee is assessed to the total transaction if you renew online.

1st Method: Online Renewal of Florida ID Card

Renewing your Florida ID card online is a quick and convenient process. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) offers an online service for renewal through the MyDMV Portal.

This service is available for customers every other renewal period. To check your eligibility, visit the MyDMV Portal.

Eligibility for Online Renewal

To renew your Florida ID card online, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. These include having a valid Florida ID card that is due for renewal. You can renew your ID card up to 12 months in advance of the expiration date.

However, if your ID card has been lost or stolen, or if you need to update your personal information, you will need to replace your ID card instead of renewing it.

Step-by-Step Guide to Online Renewal

Here’s a simple guide to renewing your Florida ID card online:

  1. Visit the MyDMV Portal.
  2. Check your eligibility for online renewal.
  3. If eligible, follow the prompts to renew your ID card.
  4. Provide the necessary personal information.
  5. Submit any required supporting documents.
  6. Pay the renewal fee.

Please note that the FLHSMV must be able to verify your Social Security number for you to renew or replace your ID card online. If they are unable to verify it, you will need to follow up with the Social Security Administration.

Pros and Cons of Online Renewal

Pros:

  • Convenience: You can renew your Florida ID card from the comfort of your home, without needing to travel to a DMV office.
  • Time-Saving: Online renewal saves time as you don’t have to wait in line at the DMV.
  • 24/7 Availability: The online renewal service is available 24/7, allowing you to renew at a time that suits you.
  • Efficiency: The online process is typically faster than the in-person process.

Cons:

  • Technical Issues: There could be potential technical issues that disrupt the online renewal process.
  • Lack of Personal Interaction: Some people may prefer the face-to-face interaction that comes with in-person renewal.
  • Limitations on Usage: You can only use the online renewal service for every other renewal period. If you used the online service for your last renewal, you will need to visit a driver’s license service center to renew your ID card this time.
  • Internet Requirement: You need a stable internet connection to complete the online renewal process.

2nd Method: In-Person Renewal of Florida ID Card

Renewing your Florida ID card in person is a straightforward process. It’s a good option if you prefer face-to-face interaction or need immediate renewal. Here’s what you need to know.

When to opt for In-Person Renewal

Choosing to renew your Florida ID card in person can be due to various reasons. If your ID card is nearing its expiration date, you might want to opt for in-person renewal.

This method is also suitable if you need to make an immediate update to your ID card. For instance, if your ID card is lost or stolen, you’ll need to replace it in person.

Required Documents for In-Person Renewal

When renewing your Florida ID card in person, you’ll need to provide certain documents. These include proof of your identity and residency documentation. If there’s a change in your address, you have 30 days to update it on your ID card.

In case of a name change, you must first update your name with the Social Security Administration. Then, you can apply to change the name on your ID card. Remember to bring an original or certified court order or marriage certificate when applying.

Step-by-Step Guide to In-Person Renewal

  • Locate a DMV Office: Find your nearest DMV office where you can renew your ID card in person.
  • Complete the Application Form: Fill out the necessary application form for ID card renewal.
  • Provide Necessary Documents: Submit the required documents, including proof of identity and residency documentation.
  • Pay the Required Fee: Pay the renewal fee. The fee amount can be found on the Florida DMV website.

Remember, if you used the online convenience service for your last renewal, you must renew in person this time. Also, if you’re not REAL ID compliant or wish to update your photo, you’ll need to go to a DMV office.

Pros and Cons of In-Person Renewal

Pros:

  • Direct Interaction: You get to interact face-to-face with DMV staff who can answer your questions directly.
  • Immediate Renewal: If you need immediate renewal, in-person renewal is a good option.
  • Compliance with REAL ID: If you’re not REAL ID compliant, you can become compliant during your in-person visit.
  • Photo Update: If you wish to update your photo, you can do so during an in-person visit.

Cons:

  • Wait Times: There could be long wait times at the DMV office.
  • Inconvenience: If you prefer online transactions, you might find in-person renewal inconvenient.
  • Limited Office Hours: DMV offices have specific working hours, which might not align with your schedule.
  • Travel: You’ll need to travel to the DMV office, which might not be convenient for everyone.

What to Do If You Lose Your Florida ID Card

If you lose your Florida ID card, don’t panic. There are steps you can take to get a replacement.

  1. Report the Lost ID Card: The first step is to report the loss. This can help protect you from identity theft.
  2. Apply for a Replacement: You can apply for a replacement ID card online at the MyDMV Portal, or you can visit any driver license service center statewide.
  3. Document Requirements for Replacement: When applying for a replacement, you’ll need to verify your Social Security number. If the department is unable to verify, you’ll need to follow up with the Social Security Administration.

Remember, if you’re changing your name or if you’re not REAL ID compliant, you’ll need to visit a driver license service center in person.

Replacement Process for Lost ID Card

The process for obtaining a replacement for a lost Florida ID card is straightforward.

  1. Report the Loss: Notify the appropriate authorities about the loss.
  2. Complete the Replacement Application: You can do this online at the MyDMV Portal or in person at a driver license service center.
  3. Pay the Replacement Fee: There will be a fee for the replacement ID card. You can find a list of fees on the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website.

Make sure, if you used the online service for your last renewal, or if you’re not REAL ID compliant, you’ll need to visit a driver license service center to get your replacement ID card.

FAQs – about Florida ID Card Renewal

1: How often do I need to renew my Florida ID card?

You must renew your Florida ID card every eight years. The expiration date is listed on the credential. Florida ID card holders may renew 12 months in advance of the expiration date.

2: What if I lose my Florida ID card before it expires?

3: What if I move to a new address in Florida?

4: Can I renew my Florida ID card online?

5: What if I am not eligible for online renewal?

6: What if I need to change my name on my Florida ID card?

7: What if my Florida ID card is marked “TEMPORARY”?

8: What are the fees for renewing or replacing my Florida ID card?

9: How long does it take to receive my renewed or replaced Florida ID card?

10: What if I have a commercial driver license?

Can I renew my Florida ID card before it expires?

Yes, you can renew your Florida ID card before it expires. In fact, Florida driver license holders may renew their credential up to 18 months in advance of the expiration date, and ID card holders may renew 12 months in advance of the expiration date.

This early renewal process allows you to avoid any potential complications or inconveniences that may arise from an expired ID card.

What happens if my Florida ID card expires?

If your Florida ID card expires, it becomes invalid and you may face rightful implications. You will need to renew it immediately.

Effective from February 15, 2021, customers with Class E driver licenses that have been expired for more than one year will be required to complete the Class E knowledge exam and vision exam prior to obtaining a valid Class E driver license.

The Class E knowledge exam may be completed up to one year before applying for a Class E driver license. If the period between completion of the Class E knowledge exam and application for a Class E driver license exceeds one year, retesting of the knowledge exam will be required prior to issuance.

Can I renew my Florida ID card online if I am out of state?

Yes, you can renew your Florida ID card online even if you are out of state. Florida offers an online convenience renewal service for customers every other renewal period.

To renew or replace a credential online, the department must verify a customer’s Social Security number. If the department is unable to verify, the customer must follow up with the Social Security Administration.

Customers using MyDMV Portal should receive their credential in the mail within 2-3 weeks from the transaction.

Finally, Gorenew.com is your go-to source for Florida DMV Service Guides