How to Get a Replacement Driver's License in Florida

How to order a replacement license in Florida

You can order a replacement Florida driver's license through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) in three ways: online through their website, by mail, or in person at a local driver's license office. The online method is fastest — you can complete it in minutes from home, and your new license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, visiting an office in person takes about an hour and you can walk out with a temporary license the same day.

The method you choose depends on why you need a replacement. If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you can use any of the three routes. If your name or address changed, you must visit an office in person or use the online system — mail-only requests are not an option for those changes. If your license expired more than 6 months ago, you will need to renew rather than replace it, which involves a written test and a new photo.

Key Takeaways

Florida's online replacement system is the fastest route for a lost, stolen, or damaged license — you complete it at home and receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If you need your license when ready, visit a driver's license office in person to receive a temporary license on the same day while your permanent one is mailed to you.
Replacement costs $25 for a standard license, and you will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address during the order process.
Name or address changes require either an in-person visit or the online system — you cannot make these changes by mail alone.
An expired license that has been expired for more than 6 months cannot be replaced; you must renew it instead, which includes a new photo and written test.

Ordering online through the DHSMV website

The DHSMV online replacement system is available at flhsmv.gov. Go to the "Driver Licenses" section and select "Replace a Driver License." You will need your current Florida driver's license number, your Social Security number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card). The system will ask why you need a replacement — choose from lost, stolen, or damaged.

Once you submit your order, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with the DHSMV. If your address has changed since your last license was issued, update it during the online process before you submit. The new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days, though mail delivery times can vary. You can use your confirmation number to track your order status on the DHSMV website.

Getting a temporary license at a driver's license office

If you need to drive before your replacement license arrives, visit any Florida driver's license office in person. Bring your Social Security number, date of birth, and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You do not need to bring your old license if it was lost or stolen.

At the office, staff will take a new photo and issue you a temporary license on the spot — this is a paper document valid for 30 days while your permanent replacement is being mailed. The temporary license has the same legal weight as a permanent one for driving purposes. You will pay the $25 replacement fee at this time. The permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Replacing a license by mail

You can request a replacement license by mail, though this is the slowest option and works only for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses — not for address or name changes. read the process for Replacement Driver License form (HSMV 82053) from the DHSMV website, or call 1-844-33-FLHSMV to request one by phone.

Complete the form and mail it to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for $25 made payable to DHSMV. Include a copy of your proof of address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days). Mail processing takes 2 to 3 weeks, and then your new license takes another 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail — so the total time is typically 3 to 4 weeks. This method is useful only if you have no urgent need to drive.

What to do if your address or name has changed

If your address changed since your last license was issued, you can update it during the online replacement process. straightforward enter your new address when prompted, and your replacement license will be mailed to that address. You do not need to visit an office unless you prefer to get a temporary license the same day.

If your name changed — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you must visit a driver's license office in person. Bring your current Florida driver's license, proof of your legal name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card or W-2), and proof of your current address. The office will issue a new license with your updated name. You cannot make a name change online or by mail.

Documents and fees you will need

A replacement license costs $25 in Florida. You will need to provide your Social Security number and date of birth no matter which method you choose. If you are ordering online, have your current license number ready. If you are visiting an office or mailing a request, bring or include proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government document dated within the last 60 days.

If your license was damaged but still readable, you may be asked to mail in the old license with your replacement request. If it was lost or stolen, you do not need to provide it. Payment by credit or debit card is required for online orders; checks or money orders are accepted for mail requests; and driver's license offices accept cash, card, or check.

When you cannot replace your license and must renew instead

If your Florida driver's license expired more than 6 months ago, the DHSMV will not issue a replacement — you must renew your license instead. Renewal involves a new photo, a new written test, and a vision screening. You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than 6 months; you must visit an office in person.

If your license expired 6 months ago or less, you can still order a replacement online or by mail. The distinction matters because replacement is faster and does not require a test, while renewal does. Check your license expiration date before you order to confirm which process applies to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement license in Florida?

Online and mail orders take 7 to 10 business days for delivery after you submit your request. If you visit an office in person, you receive a temporary license when ready and your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Mail-only requests take an additional 2 to 3 weeks for processing before mailing begins.

Can I replace my license if it was stolen?

Yes. You do not need to file a police report or provide proof of theft. straightforward order a replacement online, by mail, or in person at a driver's license office. If your license was stolen along with other documents, you may want to report the theft to police for your records, but it is not required by DHSMV.

What if I moved and my address is wrong on my license?

Update your address during the online replacement process, and your new license will be mailed to the correct address. If you visit an office in person, staff will update your address and issue a temporary license on the spot. You cannot change your address by mail — you must use the online system or visit an office.

Do I need my old license to order a replacement?

No. If your license was lost or stolen, you do not need to provide it. If your license was damaged but you still have it, you may be asked to mail it in with your replacement request, but this depends on the damage. Call 1-844-33-FLHSMV if you are unsure whether to include it.

Can I replace my license if it expired?

If your license expired 6 months ago or less, you can order a replacement. If it expired more than 6 months ago, you must renew instead, which requires a new photo and written test. You must visit an office in person to renew an expired license.

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.