Florida replacement license fees and processing times

A replacement Florida driver's license costs $25 if you're renewing it at the same time, or $20 if you're only replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged card. The fee is the same whether you go in person to a Driver License office or explore by mail. Processing takes about 7 to 10 business days if you explore in person; by mail it typically takes 2 to 3 weeks after the office receives your process.

You cannot replace your license online. Florida requires you to either visit a Driver License office in your county or mail your process to the address listed on the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website. If your license was stolen, you should also file a report with local police and bring that report number when you explore, though it's not required to get a replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • Replacement licenses cost $20 if you're only replacing the card, or $25 if you're renewing your license at the same time.
  • You must explore in person at a Driver License office or by mail; online replacement is not available in Florida.
  • In-person applications are processed in 7 to 10 business days; mail applications take 2 to 3 weeks after the office receives them.
  • If your license was stolen, bring a police report number when you explore, though it is not required.

What documents you need to bring or mail

For an in-person replacement, bring your Social Security number (or a document showing it), proof of your current Florida address, and proof of your identity. Acceptable identity documents include a passport, military ID, or a previous Florida license. If you don't have your Social Security card, bring a W-2, tax return, or Social Security statement instead.

Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days. If you're explore by mail, you'll need to submit copies of these documents along with the process form (HSMV 80051), which you can read from the DHSMV website or request by phone.

If your license was damaged rather than lost or stolen, bring the damaged card itself. The office will take it and issue you a replacement. You do not need to take a new photo or pass a vision test unless your license has also expired.

In-person replacement at a Driver License office

Walk into any Driver License office in Florida during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours on certain days. You can find your nearest office and check its hours on the DHSMV website by entering your county or ZIP code.

Bring the documents listed above, your $20 fee in cash or card, and be prepared to wait. Wait times vary widely by location and time of day; offices in smaller towns often move faster than those in major cities. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 30 days while your replacement card is printed and mailed to your address on file.

If you want to update your address, photo, or other information while you're there, you can do that at the same time, though it may add to your processing time and could change your fee.

Mailing in your replacement process

read form HSMV 80051 from the DHSMV website or call 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639) to request it by mail. Fill out the form completely, including your name, license number (if you have it), date of birth, and the reason for replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged).

Enclose copies of your identity document, proof of address, and Social Security verification. Include a check or money order for $20 made payable to "DHSMV". Do not send cash. Mail everything to the address shown on the DHSMV website for your county or region.

Keep a copy of everything you send. The office will mail your new license to the address on file once they process your process, which typically takes 2 to 3 weeks after they receive it. You won't receive a temporary license by mail, so if you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you'll need to visit an office in person instead.

Replacing an expired or soon-to-expire license

If your license has expired or will expire within 6 months, you can renew it at the same time you replace it. The combined fee is $25 instead of $20. You'll need to pass a vision test and may need to provide updated information, so in-person replacement is usually faster and simpler than handling renewal and replacement separately.

If your license expired more than 6 months ago, Florida may require you to retake the written knowledge test and the driving test, not just the vision test. Call the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW to ask whether your specific situation requires testing before you go to the office.

What happens if you need your license urgently

Florida does not offer expedited replacement or rush processing. Your only option to get a license faster is to visit a Driver License office in person, where you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your card is printed and mailed.

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives and you don't have a temporary license, you can request one at any Driver License office. A temporary license is valid for 30 days and costs the same as a replacement ($20). After 30 days, you must have your permanent card or request another temporary license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if it's suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot replace a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation through the DHSMV. Once your driving privilege is restored, you can then replace the card. Contact the DHSMV to find out what steps are required to lift the suspension.

What if I lost my license number and don't remember it?

You don't need your license number to replace your license. Bring your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of address instead. The office will look up your record using your name and date of birth. If you're explore by mail, include as much identifying information as you can.

Do I have to replace my license in the county where I live?

No. You can replace your license at any Driver License office in Florida, regardless of which county you live in. However, your replacement will be mailed to the address on file with the DHSMV, which is usually your home address. If you want to update your address at the same time, you can do that in person at any office.

Will I have to take a new photo for my replacement?

Only if your license has expired or is expiring soon. For a straightforward replacement of a lost, stolen, or damaged card, the office will use your existing photo. If you want a new photo anyway, ask the office staff — some will take one for you, though it may not be required.

What if my replacement license arrives with an error on it?

Contact the DHSMV when ready with your license number and the error. You can call 1-844-DL-RENEW or visit a Driver License office in person. Correcting errors is usually free, and the office will issue a corrected replacement. Bring your incorrect license with you if you visit in person.