Order online through FLHSMV or by mail

You can order a replacement Florida driver's license in two ways: through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) website, or by mailing a paper form to the department. The online route is faster — you'll receive your license by mail in 7 to 10 business days. The paper form takes longer but works if you don't have internet access or prefer not to use the online system.

To order online, go to flhsmv.gov, find the "Order a Replacement License" option, and follow the prompts. You'll need your current or expired license number, your Social Security number, and a payment method (credit or debit card). The replacement fee is $25 for a standard license. Once you submit, FLHSMV mails your new license to the address on file.

If you're ordering by mail, read the process form from the FLHSMV website or request one by phone at 850-617-2000. Fill it out, include a check or money order for $25 payable to FLHSMV, and mail it to the address listed on the form. This method takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time they receive your envelope.

Key Takeaways

  • Ordering online through flhsmv.gov takes 7 to 10 business days and costs $25; mailing a paper form takes 2 to 3 weeks.
  • You need your current or expired license number and Social Security number to order online.
  • Payment is by credit or debit card online, or by check or money order if you mail the form.
  • Your new license will be mailed to the address currently on file with FLHSMV.
  • If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you still use the same replacement process — there is no separate form for those situations.

When you need a replacement instead of a renewal

A replacement license is different from a renewal. You order a replacement when your current license is still valid but you've lost it, had it stolen, or it's damaged. You renew when your license is about to expire or has already expired. The replacement process keeps your current expiration date; you don't get extra years.

If your license expired more than 6 months ago, you cannot order a replacement — you must renew instead. Renewal requires an in-person visit to a Florida driver's license office and involves an eye exam and new photo. If your license expired fewer than 6 months ago, you can still order a replacement online or by mail.

What happens after you order

Once FLHSMV processes your order, they print your new license and mail it to you. You don't need to do anything while you wait. If you ordered online, you'll receive a confirmation number on screen; write it down in case you need to check the status later.

Your new license will look identical to your old one — same photo, same expiration date, same license number. The only difference is the card itself is new. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, your old license (if you still have it) remains valid, or you can request a temporary paper license from a driver's license office in person.

If your address has changed

If you've moved since your current license was issued, update your address before ordering a replacement. You can change your address online through the FLHSMV website without ordering a new license. Go to flhsmv.gov, select "Change Your Address," and follow the prompts. This takes a few minutes and costs nothing.

If you order a replacement without updating your address first, your new license will be mailed to your old address. You can still update your address after ordering, but your license will arrive at the old address. It's simpler to update first, then order.

Ordering a Real ID-compliant license

Florida offers both standard licenses and Real ID-compliant licenses. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for entering federal buildings and boarding domestic flights. A standard license does not have this star and cannot be used for those purposes after May 7, 2025.

When you order a replacement online, you'll be asked whether you want a standard or Real ID license. If you choose Real ID, you'll need to provide additional documents — typically a birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency. You can upload these documents during the online order process, or you can mail them with a paper form. Real ID replacements cost $25, the same as standard replacements.

If you're unsure which type you have, check your current license. If there's a gold star in the upper right corner, you have Real ID. If there's no star, you have a standard license.

Ordering if your license was suspended or revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot order a replacement. The suspension or revocation must be lifted first. Contact FLHSMV or the court that issued the suspension to find out what steps are needed to restore your driving privileges. Once your license status is restored, you can order a replacement using the standard process.

If you're unsure whether your license is suspended, call FLHSMV at 850-617-2000 or check your status online through the FLHSMV website. Have your license number and date of birth ready.

Tracking your order and what to do if it doesn't arrive

If you ordered online, keep your confirmation number. You can use it to check the status of your order on the FLHSMV website. The status will show whether your license has been printed, mailed, or delivered.

If your replacement doesn't arrive within 10 business days of ordering online, or 3 weeks of mailing a paper form, contact FLHSMV at 850-617-2000. Have your confirmation number or order details ready. They can verify whether your license was mailed and help you track it down. If it was lost in the mail, they can reissue it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order a replacement if my license is expired?

Yes, if it expired fewer than 6 months ago. If it expired more than 6 months ago, you must renew in person at a driver's license office instead. Renewal requires an eye exam and new photo.

Do I need to go to an office in person to order a replacement?

No. You can order entirely online or by mail. You only need to visit an office in person if you're renewing an expired license, explore for Real ID and need to provide documents in person, or requesting a temporary paper license while you wait for your replacement.

What if I moved and my replacement arrived at my old address?

Contact FLHSMV at 850-617-2000 with your confirmation number. They can intercept the mail or reissue your license to your new address. It's faster to update your address before ordering, but it can be corrected after the fact.

Can I order a replacement if my license was suspended?

No. You must have your suspension lifted first. Call FLHSMV or the court that suspended your license to find out what's required. Once your driving privileges are restored, you can order a replacement.

Is there a difference between ordering a standard license and a Real ID license?

Both cost $25 and take the same time to arrive. Real ID requires additional documents like a birth certificate and proof of residency, which you can upload online or mail with a paper form. Real ID has a gold star and is required for federal buildings and domestic flights after May 7, 2025.