Florida replacement license fees in 2024

A replacement driver's license in Florida costs $25 if you are renewing it at the same time, or $20 if you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license without renewing. The fee is the same whether you replace it in person at a Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office or by mail.

These fees cover the cost of producing the new card and updating the state's records. Florida does not charge extra for standard processing, though expedited options are not available for replacements — all replacements take the same amount of time whether you mail your process or walk into an office.

If your license expired more than 6 months ago, you cannot replace it by mail; you must appear in person at a DHSMV office. That visit still costs $20 for the replacement itself, but if your license is expired, you may also need to pay renewal fees depending on how long it has been expired.

Key Takeaways

  • A replacement license costs $20 if your current license is still valid, or $25 if you are renewing at the same time.
  • You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license by mail for the same $20 fee, but only if your license has not been expired for more than 6 months.
  • Payment is accepted by credit card, debit card, or check at DHSMV offices; by mail you must include a check or money order.
  • Processing time is typically 7 to 10 business days by mail and same-day or next-day in person, depending on office wait times.

When you pay $20 versus $25

The $20 fee applies when your license is still valid and you are straightforward replacing the physical card because it is lost, stolen, damaged, or worn. You do not need to renew your license at the same time — you are just getting a new copy of the one you already have.

The $25 fee applies when your license is expired or expiring within 6 months and you are renewing it at the same time you replace it. In that case, you are paying for both the replacement card and the renewal, so the fee is higher. If you are unsure whether your license is expired, check the expiration date on the back of your card or log into your DHSMV account online.

If your license expired more than 6 months ago, you cannot use the mail-in replacement process at all. You must go to a DHSMV office in person, bring proof of residency and identity, and complete a renewal process. The cost will be $25 for the renewal plus any late fees if your license has been expired for several years.

How to replace your license by mail

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license by mail, read the process for Duplicate Driver License form (HSMV 82053) from the DHSMV website. Fill it out completely, including your driver's license number, the reason for replacement, and your current address.

Enclose a check or money order for $20 made payable to "DHSMV." Do not send cash. Mail the form and payment to the address listed on the form — it varies by county, so check the DHSMV website for your county's mailing address. Include a photocopy of your current driver's license if possible, though it is not required.

Your replacement license will arrive in 7 to 10 business days. If you need it faster, you must replace it in person at a DHSMV office, where you can often get it the same day or the next business day depending on wait times and whether you have an appointment.

Replacing your license in person at a DHSMV office

Walk into any DHSMV office with your $20 payment (cash, debit card, or credit card accepted) and a form of identification. You do not need an appointment, though many offices now allow you to reserve a time slot online to reduce wait times. Bring your current license if you still have it, or a copy of it if you can provide one.

The office staff will verify your identity, take a new photo, and print your replacement license on the spot or within a few hours. You will leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to your address on file. The plastic card arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license is expired, you will need to bring proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address) and proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card). The process takes longer and costs $25 instead of $20.

What happens if your license is suspended or revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot replace it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. The DHSMV will tell you this when you try to explore. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension — usually paying a fine, completing a traffic school course, or serving a waiting period.

Once the suspension is lifted, you can replace your license using the same process and paying the same $20 fee. If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, check your status on the DHSMV website or call the DHSMV at 850-617-3000.

Replacing a license with a different address

If you have moved since your license was issued, you can replace it and update your address at the same time. By mail, include your new address on the process for Duplicate Driver License form. By mail or in person, the fee remains $20 as long as your license is still valid.

If your license is expired, you will pay $25 and must appear in person with proof of your new address. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if it is suspended?

No. You must have the suspension lifted first by paying any fines, completing required courses, or waiting out the suspension period. Once it is lifted, you can replace your license for $20.

What if I lost my license and do not remember my license number?

You can still replace it by mail or in person. The DHSMV can look up your number using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. If you go in person, bring a photo ID and proof of your Social Security number.

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

No. You can replace your license at any DHSMV office in Florida, whether you are in the county that issued it or not. By mail, send your process to your county's address, which you can find on the DHSMV website.

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

You will receive a temporary paper license the same day, valid for 30 days. Your plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Wait times at the office vary; calling ahead or booking an online appointment can reduce your time in the office.

What if my replacement license arrives damaged or with the wrong information?

Contact the DHSMV when ready. If the information is wrong, you can request a correction for free. If the card is damaged, you can request a replacement for another $20 fee, though the DHSMV may waive it if the damage happened during production.