How to Replace Your Florida Driver's License

When and how to get a replacement Florida driver's license

You can replace your Florida driver's license at any Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. The process takes about 30 minutes, costs $25, and you'll walk out with a temporary paper license the same day. Your permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

You need a replacement if your license is lost, stolen, damaged, or if your name has changed. You do not need to retake the written or road test — a replacement keeps your current class and restrictions intact. The only exception is if your license has expired; in that case, you'll renew instead of replace.

You can also request a replacement online through the DHSMV website if your license is lost or stolen and you have a valid Florida ID number. Online replacement costs $8.50 and takes 7 to 10 business days. In-person replacement at an office is faster if you need to drive before the card arrives, since you get a temporary license when ready.

Key Takeaways

Replacement at a DHSMV office costs $25 and gives you a temporary paper license on the spot, with the permanent card arriving in 7 to 10 business days.
Online replacement through the DHSMV website costs $8.50 if your license is lost or stolen, but you must wait for the card to arrive by mail.
You need proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency — the same documents required when you first got your license.
A replacement keeps your current license class and restrictions; you do not retake any tests.
If your license has expired, you must renew it instead of replacing it, which involves a vision test and may require a written test depending on how long it has been expired.

What documents to bring to a DHSMV office

Bring three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency. These are the same documents you brought when you first got your license.

For proof of identity, bring your expired or damaged Florida driver's license if you have it, or a passport, military ID, or birth certificate. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a tax return. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your current address — it must be dated within the last 60 days.

If your license was stolen, you do not need to bring the license itself. Bring the other two types of documents plus a police report if you filed one, though a report is not required.

Replacing your license online

The DHSMV online replacement service works only if your license is lost or stolen — not if it is damaged or your name changed. You must have a valid Florida driver's license number and a valid email address.

Go to the DHSMV website, select "Replace License," and enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Pay $8.50 by credit or debit card. You will receive a confirmation email, and your new card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days. You will not receive a temporary paper license, so you cannot drive legally until the card arrives.

If you do not remember your license number or cannot access the online system, you must go to a DHSMV office in person.

Finding a DHSMV office near you

Florida has DHSMV offices in every county. Use the office locator on the DHSMV website to find the nearest one, see its hours, and check wait times. Many offices allow you to make an appointment online, which can cut your wait time significantly.

Offices are typically open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are served first. If you go without an appointment, arrive early — wait times can reach one to two hours during lunch and late afternoon.

What happens if your name changed

If you married, divorced, or legally changed your name, you cannot use online replacement. You must go to a DHSMV office in person and bring proof of the name change.

Bring your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change, along with your current license and the three standard documents (proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency). The replacement fee is still $25, and you'll receive a temporary license on the spot.

Replacing a damaged or defaced license

If your license is torn, faded, warped, or otherwise damaged but still readable, you can replace it in person at a DHSMV office. Bring your damaged license and the three standard documents.

If your license is so damaged that your name, photo, or license number cannot be read, the DHSMV may treat it as lost and ask for a police report, though this is rare. If you're unsure whether your license qualifies as damaged, call your local DHSMV office before you go.

Temporary licenses and driving while you wait

When you replace your license in person at a DHSMV office, you receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent card to arrive by mail.

If you replace your license online, you do not receive a temporary license. You cannot drive legally until your new card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. For this reason, in-person replacement is the better choice if you need to drive before your replacement card arrives.

Keep your temporary license with you while driving. It is not a valid ID for other purposes like boarding a plane or entering a federal building — only for driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement license?

In person: you get a temporary paper license when ready and the permanent card in 7 to 10 business days. Online: the permanent card arrives in 7 to 10 business days with no temporary license. If you need to drive before the card arrives, go in person.

Can I replace my license if it is expired?

No. If your license has expired, you must renew it instead of replacing it. Renewal requires a vision test and may require a written test depending on how long the license has been expired. Go to a DHSMV office or use the online renewal system if you are under 80 years old.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still replace it through the DHSMV online system or by going to any Florida DHSMV office in person. You do not need to be in Florida to request a replacement. If you use online replacement, the card will be mailed to your Florida address on file.

Do I have to retake the written or road test to replace my license?

No. A replacement keeps your current license class and all restrictions. You only retake tests if you renew your license after it expires, or if you want to upgrade to a different class.

What if I do not have all three types of documents?

You must bring all three types (identity, Social Security, and residency) to replace your license in person. If you are missing one, contact your local DHSMV office before you go — they may accept alternative documents depending on your situation.

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.