What You Need to Do to Get a Replacement License

You can order a replacement Florida driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. The fastest route is online through the DHSMV website if your license was lost, stolen, or damaged — you pay the fee, provide your information, and the new card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need the license sooner or your situation is more complex (name change, address correction, or a license that expired more than 5 years ago), you will need to visit a driver's license office in person.

The fee for a replacement license in Florida is $25 for a standard card. If you are replacing a license that was suspended or revoked, you cannot use the online or mail route — you must appear in person and may face additional requirements depending on why the suspension occurred.

Key Takeaways

  • Online replacement through the DHSMV website takes 7 to 10 business days and costs $25 if your license was lost, stolen, or damaged.
  • You must visit a driver's license office in person if your license expired more than 5 years ago, you need a name or address change, or your license was suspended or revoked.
  • Bring your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address when you explore, whether online or in person.
  • If you lost your license and need to drive before the replacement arrives, you can request a temporary permit at a driver's license office for an additional fee.

Ordering Online Through the DHSMV Website

The online replacement process is available only if your Florida license was lost, stolen, or damaged and you do not need to make corrections to your information. Go to the DHSMV website, select "Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged License," and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and show you a preview of how your new license will look.

Pay the $25 fee with a credit or debit card. Florida does not accept checks or cash for online orders. After you submit payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Your replacement license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you move before the card arrives, you can update your address at a driver's license office, but this will delay the mailing.

The online system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If the system cannot verify your identity — for example, if your information does not match DHSMV records — you will be directed to explore in person at a driver's license office.

explore in Person at a Driver's License Office

You must visit a DHSMV driver's license office in person if your license expired more than 5 years ago, you need to correct your name or address, your license was suspended or revoked, or the online system could not verify your identity. Bring your current valid photo ID (passport, military ID, or another state's driver's license), your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).

Arrive during office hours — most DHSMV offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some locations have extended hours or Saturday appointments. You can check your local office's hours on the DHSMV website. Wait times vary by location and time of day; offices are typically less crowded early in the morning or mid-week.

The staff will verify your identity, review your documents, and take a new photo if required. You will pay the $25 replacement fee at the office. If you are replacing a suspended or revoked license, the office may require additional documentation or payment of reinstatement fees before issuing the replacement. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Getting a Temporary Permit While You Wait

If you need to drive before your replacement license arrives, you can request a temporary driving permit at a driver's license office. The permit is valid for 30 days and costs $10. You must explore in person and bring the same documents required for a replacement license (valid photo ID, Social Security verification, and proof of address).

The temporary permit is printed on the spot and is valid when ready. It serves as proof that you are licensed to drive while your replacement card is in the mail. Some law enforcement officers may ask for additional identification, so keep your confirmation number from your online order or your receipt from the in-person process with you.

What to Do If Your License Was Suspended or Revoked

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot order a replacement online or by mail. You must visit a driver's license office in person. The office will check the reason for the suspension or revocation and may require you to pay reinstatement fees, provide proof of insurance, or complete other requirements before issuing a replacement license.

Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a medical condition reported to DHSMV. Revocation is more serious and usually results from multiple violations or a DUI conviction. Before you go to the office, contact the DHSMV to find out what specific documents or payments you will need. This can save you a trip if you are missing something.

Correcting Your Name or Address on Your Replacement License

If you changed your name (through marriage, divorce, or legal petition) or moved to a new address, you cannot correct this information online. You must visit a driver's license office in person. Bring your current valid photo ID, your Social Security verification, proof of your new address, and documentation of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

The office will update your information in the DHSMV system and issue a new license with the corrected details. The fee is still $25. Your new license will be mailed to your updated address within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives and your current license still shows your old address, a temporary permit is available for $10.

Timeline and What to Expect After You Order

After you submit your order — whether online, by mail, or in person — your replacement license will be mailed to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date DHSMV processes your order. This timeline does not include weekends or state holidays. If you do not receive your license within 15 business days, contact the DHSMV to check the status of your order.

You will receive a confirmation number or receipt when you order. Keep this document in case you need to track your replacement or prove you have applied. If your replacement license arrives damaged or with errors, you can request a corrected card at a driver's license office or through the online system at no additional cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order a replacement license if my current license is suspended?

No, you cannot order a replacement online or by mail if your license is suspended. You must visit a driver's license office in person. The office will check the reason for the suspension and may require you to pay fees or meet other conditions before issuing a replacement.

What if I moved and my replacement license is being mailed to my old address?

Contact the DHSMV when ready with your confirmation number and request that your address be updated before the card ships. If the license has already been mailed, you can pick it up at the local driver's license office or have it forwarded to your new address through the postal service.

Do I need a new photo for a replacement license?

If you order online or by mail, your existing photo will be used. If you explore in person at a driver's license office, a new photo may be required depending on how long ago your current license was issued. Ask the office staff when you arrive.

How much does a replacement license cost in Florida?

A replacement license costs $25. A temporary driving permit costs an additional $10 if you need one while waiting for your replacement to arrive.

What if the online system says it cannot verify my identity?

Visit a driver's license office in person with your valid photo ID, Social Security verification, and proof of address. The office staff can manually verify your identity and process your replacement on the spot.