How to Order a Florida Driver's License by Mail or Online

You can order a Florida driver's license through the mail or online without visiting a DMV office

Florida allows you to order a replacement or renewal driver's license by mail or through its online system without going to a driver's license office. This option is available if you meet specific conditions: your license must not be suspended or revoked, you cannot be ordering a license for the first time, and your current license must not have expired more than five years ago. The process takes about 7 to 10 business days by mail, or you can complete it online in minutes and receive your license within the same timeframe.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) handles all driver's license orders. You will need your current license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. If you are renewing, you may also need to provide updated information if your address, name, or other details have changed since your last license was issued.

Key Takeaways

You can order a Florida driver's license by mail or online only if your current license is valid, not suspended, and expired no more than five years ago.
Online ordering through the DHSMV website takes minutes and costs the same as mail ordering, with delivery in 7 to 10 business days.
Mail orders require you to send a completed process form, payment, and your current license to the DHSMV address; do not send cash.
You cannot order a first-time license, a license after suspension or revocation, or a license with a different class or endorsement by mail or online.
The renewal or replacement fee is $48 for a four-year license or $75 for an eight-year license; payment must be by check, money order, or credit card.

Ordering online through the DHSMV website

The fastest way to order is through the official DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov. Go to the "Driver Licenses" section and select "Order a Replacement or Renewal License Online." You will need your current Florida driver's license number, your date of birth, and your Social Security number to start. The system will verify your identity and confirm that you are not suspended or revoked.

Once verified, you will enter or confirm your mailing address. If you have moved, update your address at this step. You will then choose your license type: a four-year license ($48) or an eight-year license ($75). Payment is by credit card only through the online system. After you submit payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Your license will be mailed to the address you provided within 7 to 10 business days.

Keep your confirmation number and the email receipt. If your license does not arrive within 12 business days, contact the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-FLORIDA (1-844-353-5762) with your confirmation number. Do not order again if you are waiting; duplicate orders will delay both licenses.

Ordering by mail with a paper process

If you prefer to mail your order, read the process form from the DHSMV website or request one by phone. The form you need is HSMV 82053: process for Duplicate or Renewal Driver License. Print it, fill it out completely, and sign it. Incomplete forms will be returned and delay your license.

Include your current driver's license with your mailed process. Do not send cash; payment must be by check or money order made payable to "DHSMV." Write your driver's license number on the back of your check or money order. Mail everything to:

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Driver License Bureau Neil Kirkman Building 605 Suwannee Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-0500

Use certified mail or a tracked service if you want proof of delivery. Standard mail takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive at the DHSMV, plus processing time. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process. The total time from mailing to receiving your license is typically 3 to 4 weeks.

What information you must provide or update

Whether you order online or by mail, you must provide accurate current information. If your name has changed since your last license, you will need to provide legal documentation of the change (marriage certificate, court order, or other official record). You cannot change your name through mail or online ordering; you must visit a driver's license office in person with the legal document.

If your address has changed, update it during the ordering process. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide. If you are ordering a renewal and your address is the same as on your current license, you do not need to do anything extra. If your height, eye color, or other physical descriptors have changed significantly, you may need to visit an office in person to update your photo and information.

If you wear corrective lenses and your prescription has changed, you do not need to update it through mail or online ordering. However, if you want to add or remove a corrective lens restriction, you must visit a driver's license office.

When you cannot order by mail or online

Several situations require you to visit a driver's license office in person. If your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled, you cannot order a replacement or renewal by mail or online. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first, which may involve paying fines, completing a course, or meeting other requirements set by the court or DHSMV.

If you are ordering a driver's license for the first time, you must explore in person at a driver's license office. The same applies if you want to change your license class (from a regular Class D to a commercial Class A, for example) or add or remove endorsements (such as a motorcycle endorsement). If your current license expired more than five years ago, you must reapply in person.

If you lost your license and do not have your license number, you can still order online or by mail if you can provide your Social Security number and date of birth for verification. If you cannot provide these, contact the DHSMV to confirm your may be able to access before ordering.

Fees and payment methods

A four-year Florida driver's license costs $48. An eight-year license costs $75. These are the only two options available for mail and online orders. You cannot order a one-year or two-year license through these methods.

For online orders, payment is by credit card only. For mail orders, payment must be by check or money order. Do not send cash through the mail. If you are paying by check or money order, make it payable to "DHSMV" and write your driver's license number on the back. If your check is returned for insufficient funds, the DHSMV will contact you and your order will be delayed.

There are no additional fees for mail or online ordering. You will not be charged a processing fee or shipping fee beyond the license cost itself.

Tracking your order and what to do if it does not arrive

Online orders provide a confirmation number when ready. Save this number. If you ordered by mail, write down the date you mailed your process and keep a copy of the form you sent. Your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days of the DHSMV receiving your order, though mail delivery to the DHSMV can add 1 to 2 weeks to the total time.

If your license does not arrive within 12 business days of ordering online, or within 4 weeks of mailing your process, contact the DHSMV. Call 1-844-DL-FLORIDA (1-844-353-5762) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. Have your confirmation number (for online orders) or your driver's license number and the date you mailed your process (for mail orders) ready. The DHSMV can check the status of your order and reissue your license if it was lost in the mail.

If your address was incorrect on your process and your license was returned to the DHSMV as undeliverable, the DHSMV will hold it for 30 days. Contact them when ready if this happens so they can remail it to the correct address or you can pick it up at a driver's license office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order a Florida driver's license online if I live out of state?

Yes. You can order online or by mail as long as your current Florida license is valid and not suspended. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide, which can be out of state. Make sure the address is correct before you submit your order, as the DHSMV will not forward mail.

What if my name changed since my last license?

You cannot change your name through mail or online ordering. You must visit a driver's license office in person with legal proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The office will issue a new license with your updated name.

Can I order a duplicate license if mine was stolen?

Yes. A stolen license is treated as a lost license. You can order a replacement by mail or online using your current license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The new license will have the same number as your old one. If you want to report the theft to law enforcement, do that separately; the DHSMV does not file theft reports.

How long does it take to receive a license ordered by mail?

Mail delivery to the DHSMV takes 1 to 2 weeks, processing takes a few days, and mail delivery to you takes another 1 to 2 weeks. Total time is typically 3 to 4 weeks from the date you mail your process. Online orders skip the first mail step, so they arrive in 7 to 10 business days.

What if I need my license before it arrives?

The DHSMV does not issue temporary licenses for mail or online orders. If you need to drive before your license arrives, you can visit a driver's license office in person and request an expedited replacement, though this costs more and requires an office visit. Alternatively, you can carry a copy of your confirmation email (for online orders) or a copy of your mailed process as proof that you ordered a replacement.

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.