How to Order a New Florida Driver's License

Where to order your new Florida driver's license

You can order a replacement Florida driver's license through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) by mail, in person at a local Driver License office, or online through the DHSMV website. The online route is fastest if you're straightforward replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license — you can order it without leaving home and it arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. If you need the license sooner or prefer to handle it face-to-face, you can walk into any Driver License office and leave with a temporary paper license the same day.

The method you choose depends on your situation. If your license was lost or stolen and you need proof of identity right away, an in-person visit gets you a temporary license when ready. If you have time to wait and want to avoid the office, ordering online or by mail works fine. If your license is damaged but still readable, you can often renew it at the same time you replace it, which changes the process slightly.

Key Takeaways

Online ordering through the DHSMV website is the fastest route for a replacement license and takes about 7 to 10 business days to arrive.
In-person visits to a Driver License office give you a temporary paper license on the spot and a permanent license by mail within two weeks.
You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card for online orders).
The replacement fee is $25 for a standard license, and you can add a REAL ID upgrade for an additional $15 if your current license is not REAL ID compliant.
If your license was stolen, you should report it to local police and provide the report number when you order the replacement.

Ordering online through the DHSMV website

Go to the DHSMV website and select "Order a Replacement License" from the Driver License section. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will ask why you need a replacement — choose from lost, stolen, or damaged. Have a credit or debit card ready to pay the $25 replacement fee.

After you complete the order, you'll receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If your address has changed, update it before you order, or call the DHSMV at 850-617-3000 to change it after you've placed the order. A temporary paper license is not issued when you order online, so if you need proof of identity before the permanent license arrives, you'll need to visit an office in person.

Visiting a Driver License office in person

Bring your current license (or a valid ID if your license was lost or stolen), proof of your current address, and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. Walk into any Driver License office during business hours — most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours. You do not need an appointment for a replacement license.

At the office, tell the clerk you need a replacement license and explain whether it was lost, stolen, or damaged. You'll pay $25 at the counter. The clerk will take a new photo and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will be mailed to you within 7 to 14 business days. If your address has changed, update it at the same time — this does not add time to the process.

What to bring and what it costs

For any replacement order, you need proof of your identity and current address. Your current Florida driver's license counts as both. If your license was lost or stolen, bring another form of ID — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address.

The base replacement fee is $25. If your current license is not REAL ID compliant and you want to upgrade it at the same time, add $15 for a total of $40. REAL ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and are required for domestic air travel and federal building access starting May 2025. You can check whether your license is REAL ID compliant by looking at it — if there's a star, it is; if there's no star, it isn't. If you're unsure, the DHSMV website has a photo guide.

If your license was stolen

Report the theft to your local police department and get a report number or case number. When you order your replacement — whether online or in person — you'll be asked if the license was lost or stolen. Provide the police report number. This alerts the DHSMV that the old license should not be used, which protects you if someone tries to use it fraudulently.

You do not have to wait for the police report to be filed before ordering your replacement. Many people call the non-emergency police line, give a statement over the phone, and receive a report number the same day. If you order online, you can add the report number in the comments section. If you're at an office, tell the clerk the number when you hand over your payment.

Expedited and rush options

The DHSMV does not offer a paid expedited shipping option for replacement licenses ordered online or by mail. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need the license faster, your only option is to visit a Driver License office in person and use the temporary paper license they issue on the spot.

The temporary paper license is valid for 30 days and works as proof of identity for most purposes — banks, employers, and police will accept it. If you need the permanent license for a specific reason before 30 days pass (such as a job that requires a physical license), call the DHSMV at 850-617-3000 to ask whether they can expedite your order. They rarely can, but it's worth asking if your situation is urgent.

Tracking your replacement license

If you ordered online or by mail, the DHSMV does not send tracking updates as your license is printed and shipped. You'll receive a confirmation email with your order number when you place the order, but there's no way to check the status online. If more than 14 business days have passed and you haven't received your license, call the DHSMV at 850-617-3000 with your order number and they can tell you where it is.

If you visited an office in person, you received a temporary paper license with an expiration date printed on it. Your permanent license should arrive before that date. If it doesn't, call the DHSMV with the temporary license number and they can reissue it or send a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order a replacement if my license is suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot order a replacement license while your driving privileges are suspended or revoked. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation through the DHSMV. Call 850-617-3000 or visit the DHSMV website to check your driving status and find out what steps are needed to restore your privileges.

What if I moved to Florida from another state and my old license is lost?

You cannot order a Florida replacement for an out-of-state license. You need to get a new Florida license instead. Visit a Driver License office with proof of identity, proof of Florida residency, and your Social Security card. The process is the same as getting a new license, not a replacement, and costs $48 for a standard license.

Do I need to renew my license at the same time I replace it?

No. A replacement is separate from a renewal. If your license is not yet expired, you can replace it without renewing. If your license is expired or expiring within the next 90 days, you can choose to renew it at the same time, which costs an additional $48 but gives you a fresh expiration date. Ask the clerk at the office or select the renewal option when ordering online.

Will my temporary paper license work for air travel?

A temporary paper Florida driver's license is not accepted for domestic air travel. You need a REAL ID-compliant license or another form of REAL ID (passport, military ID, or state ID card). If you need to fly before your permanent replacement arrives, bring your passport or another REAL ID document to the airport instead.

Can someone else order a replacement license for me?

No. You must order the replacement yourself, whether online or in person. The DHSMV requires the person whose license it is to place the order or visit the office. If you are unable to visit an office due to a disability or medical condition, call 850-617-3000 to ask about accommodations or mail-in options.

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.