How to Replace Your Florida Driver's License

What you need to know about replacing a Florida driver's license

You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Florida driver's license through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). The process depends on whether you need it mailed to you or want to pick it up in person, and whether your license is still valid or has expired. Most replacements take about 7 to 10 business days if you order by mail, or you can walk out the same day at a local driver's license office if you go in person.

You do not need to retake the written or road test to replace a license — you are straightforward getting a new copy of the one you already have. The fee is $25 for a standard replacement, and you can pay by check, money order, or credit card depending on which method you choose.

Key Takeaways

You can replace your Florida license by mail, online, or in person at a driver's license office, and the method you choose affects how long it takes and what documents you need.
A replacement license costs $25 and does not require you to pass any tests or provide new photos if your current license photo is still acceptable.
If your license is lost or stolen, you should report it to local police and mention the report number when you request the replacement.
Mail-in replacements typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days, while in-person replacements are issued the same day.

Replacing your license by mail

To replace your license by mail, complete Form HSMV 44029 (process for Duplicate Driver License or ID Card) and mail it to the address listed on the form along with your $25 fee. You can read the form from the DHSMV website or request it by phone. Include a check or money order made payable to the State of Florida.

You do not need to include a new photo or any supporting documents unless your license has expired more than 5 years ago. If it has, you will need to renew rather than replace, which requires a new photo and a vision test. For a standard replacement of a current or recently expired license, the form and payment are all you need.

Mail your completed form to the address on the form itself. Processing takes about 7 to 10 business days from the date DHSMV receives it, though this can vary during busy periods. Your new license will arrive by regular mail at the address on file.

Replacing your license in person at a driver's license office

Walk into any Florida driver's license office with your $25 fee and a completed Form HSMV 44029, and you can walk out with your replacement the same day. You do not need an appointment. Bring a valid form of payment — cash, check, or credit card, depending on the office.

You will need to bring one form of identification, such as your expired license, a passport, or a state ID card. If your license was lost or stolen, bring a police report number if you have one. The office will take a new photo unless your current license photo is less than 10 years old and still looks like you — in that case, they can use the existing photo.

Office hours and wait times vary by location. Check the DHSMV office locator on their website to find the office nearest you and confirm their hours before you go.

If your license was lost or stolen

Report the loss or theft to your local police department and get a report number. This step is not required to get a replacement, but it protects you if someone tries to use your license number fraudulently, and it speeds up the replacement process at some offices.

When you submit your replacement request by mail or in person, mention that the license was lost or stolen and provide the police report number if you have it. This flags your old license in the system so it cannot be used. If you do not have a police report, you can still get a replacement — just note on the form that it was lost or stolen.

Replacing an expired license

If your license expired fewer than 5 years ago, you can replace it using the same process as a current license — mail in Form HSMV 44029 with your $25 fee, or go to a driver's license office in person. You do not need to retake any tests.

If your license expired more than 5 years ago, you cannot straightforward replace it. You must renew your license instead, which requires a new photo, a vision test, and a new process. Renewal is a different process with different fees and requirements. Contact DHSMV or visit a driver's license office to find out whether you need to renew rather than replace.

What to expect after you request a replacement

If you applied by mail, your new license will arrive at your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. Check your mailbox regularly — the envelope is not always marked as official. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact DHSMV to confirm they received your form.

If you applied in person, you will receive your replacement when ready before you leave the office. The office will give you a receipt showing your new license number. Your old license becomes invalid once the new one is issued.

Your new license will have the same number as your old one and will be valid for the same expiration date as the original. You do not need to update your address or any other information unless something has actually changed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online?

Florida does not currently offer online replacement for lost or stolen licenses. You must explore by mail or in person. However, you can renew your license online if it is still valid and not suspended — renewal is different from replacement.

What if I moved and my license still shows my old address?

You can update your address at the same time you request a replacement. Include a note with your Form HSMV 44029 stating your new address, or tell the staff member at the driver's license office. There is no extra fee for an address change.

Do I need a new photo for my replacement license?

Not necessarily. If your current license photo is less than 10 years old and still looks like you, DHSMV can use it on your replacement. If you want a new photo or your current one is older than 10 years, the office will take one when you explore in person. Mail-in replacements use your existing photo.

How long does a replacement take if I go in person?

You receive your replacement the same day you explore at a driver's license office. Wait times vary by location and time of day, but the license is printed and issued before you leave.

What if my replacement license arrives damaged or with errors?

Contact DHSMV when ready with your receipt or license number. They will issue a corrected replacement at no additional cost. Bring the damaged license to a driver's license office, or mail it back with a note explaining the problem.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.