You can replace a lost Florida driver's license in person at a DMV office or by mail, depending on how quickly you need it

If your Florida driver's license is lost, you have two main routes: visit a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office in person, or request a replacement by mail. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and you leave with a temporary paper license the same day. The mail route takes longer — typically two to three weeks — but works if you cannot get to an office soon. Both cost the same: $25 for a standard replacement license.

You do not need to report the loss to police unless you suspect identity theft or fraud. The DHSMV does not require a police report to issue a replacement. However, if someone uses your lost license fraudulently, a police report becomes important for your records and for disputing charges later.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person replacement at any DHSMV office takes about 30 minutes and costs $25; you get a temporary paper license when ready and the plastic card arrives by mail in one to two weeks.
  • Mail replacement also costs $25 and takes two to three weeks total, but requires you to fill out Form HSMV 71011 and mail it with a check or money order to the DHSMV address.
  • You must bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card) and proof of Florida residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) to replace in person.
  • If you suspect fraud or identity theft involving your lost license, file a police report and contact the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit file.

What to bring for in-person replacement at a DHSMV office

Bring one form of primary identification and one form of proof of Florida residency. Primary ID options include a valid U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, or Social Security card. If you do not have any of these, you can use a combination of secondary documents — ask the DHSMV office staff which documents they will accept, because the rules can shift.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Florida address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you recently moved and your address on file with the DHSMV is outdated, bring proof of your new address.

You do not need to bring the lost license itself — you cannot, since it is lost. You do not need a new photo taken unless your current license photo is more than 10 years old or you want a new one.

How to replace your license by mail

Request Form HSMV 71011 (process for Duplicate Driver License) from the DHSMV website or by calling 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639). Fill out the form completely, including your name, date of birth, and current driver's license number if you remember it. If you do not remember your license number, write "unknown" — the DHSMV can look it up.

Mail the completed form along with a check or money order for $25 to the DHSMV address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your proof of identity and proof of residency — the same documents you would bring in person. Mail everything to the address on the form; sending it to a local DHSMV office will delay processing.

The DHSMV will mail your new plastic license to the address on file. If that address is no longer correct, update it before you mail the form, or call the DHSMV to update it after you mail. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date they receive your form.

Getting a temporary paper license on the same day

Only in-person replacement gives you a temporary license when ready. The DHSMV issues a paper temporary license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is being printed and mailed. This temporary license works for driving, voting, and most ID purposes, though some businesses or government offices may not accept it.

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives and cannot visit a DHSMV office, you have no same-day option. The mail route is your only choice, but it means waiting two to three weeks. Some employers or insurance companies may allow you to drive under a temporary arrangement during that time — contact them directly to ask.

What to do if you suspect fraud or identity theft

If you believe someone may have used your lost license to commit fraud, file a report with the local police department. You do not need to do this to get a replacement license, but a police report creates an official record if fraudulent charges appear later on credit cards or loans opened in your name.

Contact the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — and place a fraud alert on your credit file. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts. You can place a fraud alert for free by calling any one of the three bureaus; they will notify the other two. If fraud has already occurred, you may want to place a credit freeze instead, which blocks access to your credit file entirely until you unfreeze it.

Monitor your credit report for accounts you did not open. You can view your credit report free once per year at AnnualCreditReport.com, which is the official government site. If you find fraudulent accounts, dispute them with the credit bureau and the creditor in writing.

Replacing your license if you have an active suspension or restriction

If your Florida license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get a replacement until the suspension is lifted. The DHSMV will tell you during the replacement process whether your license has an active suspension. If it does, you must resolve the suspension first — this usually means paying fines, completing a required course, or waiting out a suspension period.

Contact the DHSMV or the court that issued the suspension to find out what is required to lift it. Once the suspension is cleared, you can proceed with replacement. If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, call the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW before you visit an office or mail a form.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement license by mail?

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DHSMV receives your form. Mailing time adds a few days on each end, so plan for three to four weeks total from the day you mail it. Call the DHSMV if you have not received your license after four weeks.

Can I get a replacement license if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?

Yes. The DHSMV accepts other combinations of documents as proof of identity, such as a Social Security card plus a marriage certificate, or a school ID plus a utility bill. Call your local DHSMV office or the main line at 1-844-DL-RENEW to ask which documents they will accept in your situation.

What if my address on file with the DHSMV is wrong?

Bring proof of your current address when you replace in person, and the DHSMV will update it. If you are replacing by mail, call the DHSMV to update your address before you mail the form, or update it after and request that your new license be mailed to the correct address.

Do I need to report my lost license to the police?

No, not to get a replacement. A police report is only necessary if you suspect someone has used your lost license fraudulently or if you want an official record for identity theft purposes. If you are unsure, filing a report costs nothing and protects you if fraud occurs later.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. When you replace by mail, the DHSMV mails the license to the address on file. If you replace in person, you must be present to receive the temporary paper license. You cannot authorize someone else to pick it up or receive it on your behalf.