February 14, 2021
There’s a new law in Florida that will impact drivers whose license has expired for an extended period of time, according to Escambia County Tax Collector Scott Lunsford.
Effective Monday, February 1, drivers who have allowed their driver’s license to expire for one year or more will be required to complete the written and vision exams before renewing their driver’s license.
Situations subject to retest requirements include:
- Customers who have completed the Class E knowledge exam but have not had it applied to an issuance within one year of the exam date;
- Customers who downgraded from a driver’s license to an ID card and the driver’s license has been expired for one year or more;
- Customers who did not apply to renew their driver’s license within the one-year delinquent renewal period; and
- Customers applying for a Florida driver’s license and their out-of-state driver’s license has been expired for one year or more
“Class E licenses may be renewed up to 18 months before expiration. I encourage everyone to renew early to avoid retest requirements,” said Lunsford. “Applicants who wish to study for the exam may access the official Florida Driver’s Handbook through our website.”
Deployed military personnel whose license will expire soon may be eligible for an extension. Visit www.EscambiaTaxCollector.com/military for more information.
A Class E license is the standard driver’s license in Florida.
Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News
In the state of Florida, Class E (non-commercial) driver licenses are valid for 8 years. You are allowed to renew your license up to 18 months before it expires, and you will pay a renewal fee of $48. If you hold a Florida driver license that was issued in 2002 or later, you can renew in one of three ways:Renewing Your Florida DMV Drivers License
How Do I Renew My License?
- In person at your local driver license office
- Online
- By mail
Am I Eligible to Renew my Florida Drivers License Online?
Not everyone can renew their Florida driver license online. Florida drivers are allowed a one-time “convenience” renewal (meaning renewing online or by mail), but if you have already used one of these methods, you will be required to to renew a Florida drivers license in person. You will also be required to renew in person if you legally changed your name (including name changes due to marriage and divorce).
When you renew online, you can pay with an American Express, MasterCard, Visa, or Discover card.
What Do I Need to Bring If I Renew in Person?
When you visit the driver license office, you will need to bring identification with you, in addition to proof of the following:
- Date of birth
- Social Security number
- Residential address
Acceptable Documents: Proof of Date of Birth
You must provide one original or certified copy of one of the following documents:
- U.S. Birth Certificate
- Valid U.S. Passport (or Passport Card)
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Certificate of Citizenship
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad
Acceptable Documents: Proof of Social Security Number
You are required to provide one of these documents for Florida drivers license renewal, which must show your full name and Social Security number:
- Social Security card
- W-2 form
- Paycheck/paystub
- SSA 1099
- Any 1099 that is not handwritten
Acceptable Documents: Proof of Residential Address
A stipulation of Florida license renewal is providing proof of your residential address. You must provide two different documents from this list:
- Monthly mortgage statement
- Florida Voter Registration card
- Medical or health card (which shows address)
- School transcript forms for the current school year
- W-2 form
- Selective Service card
What If I’m in the Military?
If you are stationed outside of Florida and your citizenship is established on your driving record, you can apply online. You also have the option to request an extension of your driver license. Once you complete it, you can then:
- Email it to , or
- Fax it to (850) 617-3985, or
- Mail it to:
Customer Service Center
2900 Apalachee Pkwy, MS 99
Tallahassee, FL 32399
After your request is processed, you will get a free extension card. This card will keep your Class E license valid up until 90 days after you are discharged from military service. You must keep this card with your driver license.
What Happens If I Don’t Renew Before My License Expires?
If you don’t renew your Florida driver license before it expires, you will have to pay an additional “delinquent fee” when you actually do renew it. That’s why it’s important to always renew on time!