What you'll pay to replace a Florida driver's license

A standard Florida driver's license replacement 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 lower for replacement because you're not paying for a new validity period — you're just getting a duplicate of what you already have.

If your license has expired and you need to replace it, you'll pay the renewal fee of $25 instead. The state charges this higher amount because you're getting a new license with an extended expiration date, not just a copy of the old one.

These are the fees the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) charges directly. Some counties add a service fee on top — typically $1 to $3 — so the total at your local office may be slightly higher than the state fee alone.

Key Takeaways

  • A replacement of a valid license costs $20; a replacement combined with renewal costs $25.
  • You can replace your license in person at any Florida DMV office, by mail, or online through the DHSMV website if you meet certain conditions.
  • If you're replacing a lost or stolen license, you may need to file a report with the Florida Highway Patrol or your local police department first.
  • Processing times vary: in-person replacements are often issued the same day, while mail requests take 7 to 10 business days.
  • Your replacement license will have the same expiration date as your original unless you're also renewing.

When you pay $20 versus $25

The $20 replacement fee covers a duplicate of your current license — same photo, same address, same expiration date. You use this option when your license is lost, stolen, damaged, or worn out, but it's still valid and hasn't expired yet.

The $25 renewal fee applies when your license has expired or is about to expire within the next six months. Even if you're only replacing a lost card, if your license is expired, you must pay the renewal fee instead. The new card will be valid for eight years from the date of renewal (or five years if you're under 21).

If your license expired more than six months ago, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must appear in person at a DMV office. This in-person requirement does not change the fee; you still pay $25.

How to replace your license by mail or online

Florida allows mail and online replacements only if your license is valid and not expired. If you choose mail, send a completed Form HSMV 44 (process for Duplicate Driver License), a check or money order for $20, and a copy of your current license to the DHSMV address listed on the form. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the office receives your request.

Online replacement is faster and requires no form. Visit the DHSMV website, log in with your Florida driver's license number and date of birth, and pay the $20 fee by debit or credit card. Your replacement license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You cannot use the online option if your address has changed or if you need to update your photo.

Both mail and online options are available only if your license is currently valid. If it's expired, you must go to a DMV office in person.

In-person replacement at a Florida DMV office

Walk-in service is available at all Florida DMV offices. Bring your current license (or a valid ID if your license is lost or stolen), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Payment is $20 for a valid license replacement or $25 if you're renewing an expired license.

Most DMV offices issue your replacement license on the spot or within a few hours. Some offices use appointment scheduling to manage wait times; you can book an appointment on the DHSMV website or call your local office. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are served first.

If your license was stolen, some counties require you to file a theft report with the Florida Highway Patrol or local police before the DMV will issue a replacement. Call your local DMV office before you go to confirm whether a report is required in your county.

What to do if your license was lost or stolen

Contact your local police department or the Florida Highway Patrol to file a report. You don't need a police report to get a replacement license, but filing one protects you if someone uses your stolen license number for fraud. Keep the report number for your records.

Once you've filed a report (if required by your county), you can replace your license by mail, online, or in person using the methods described above. The fee remains $20 if your license is valid, or $25 if it's expired.

If your license was damaged — torn, faded, or unreadable — you do not need a police report. Bring the damaged card to a DMV office, and staff will issue a replacement for $20.

Paying the replacement fee

At a DMV office, you can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card. Some offices accept checks, but call ahead to confirm. Online and mail replacements require payment by debit or credit card (online) or check or money order (mail).

County service fees, if charged, are added to the state fee and must be paid at the same time. The total will be listed on your receipt.

How long your replacement license is valid

Your replacement license has the same expiration date as your original license — it is not a new license, just a duplicate. If your original license expires in two years, your replacement also expires in two years, even if you just received it.

The only exception is if you choose to renew at the same time you replace. In that case, you pay $25 and receive a license valid for eight years (or five years if you're under 21) from the renewal date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license the same day I request it?

Yes, if you go to a DMV office in person. Most offices issue replacements on the spot or within a few hours. Mail and online replacements take 7 to 10 business days.

Do I have to pay extra if my address changed since I got my original license?

Yes. If your address has changed, you cannot use mail or online replacement. You must go to a DMV office in person and update your address at the same time. The fee is still $20 or $25 depending on whether your license is expired, but you'll also need proof of your new address.

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

Bring a valid ID (passport, state ID, military ID) to a DMV office, and staff will look up your license number in the system. You can then proceed with the replacement. If you're replacing by mail or online, you'll need your license number, so call the DHSMV at 1-844-353-3682 to have it provided over the phone.

Is the $20 replacement fee the same in every Florida county?

The state fee is $20, but some counties add a service fee of $1 to $3. Call your local DMV office or check the DHSMV website to find out what the total will be in your county.

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

No. You cannot get a replacement, renewal, or duplicate of a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the DHSMV. Contact the office that issued the suspension to learn what steps are required.