What It Costs to Replace a Florida Driver's License

Florida Replacement License Fees and What They Cover

A replacement Florida driver's license costs $25 if you are replacing a standard Class D license. This fee covers a new card with your current information and a new expiration date — typically four years from the date you receive it. The fee is the same whether you lost your license, it was stolen, or it is damaged beyond use.

If you hold a different license class — such as a commercial driver's license (CDL), motorcycle endorsement, or a license with hazmat authorization — the replacement cost may be higher. A CDL replacement is $75. A motorcycle-only license replacement is $20. You pay only for the class you are replacing; you do not pay for classes you do not hold.

The $25 or $75 fee is what the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) charges. You cannot reduce this amount. Some counties may charge an additional service fee when you visit in person, usually between $5 and $10, depending on the county's processing costs.

Key Takeaways

A standard Florida Class D driver's license replacement costs $25, and a commercial driver's license replacement costs $75.
You can replace your license by mail for the same fee, or in person at a county tax collector's office or DHSMV office.
By mail, you must send a completed form, your old license (if you have it), and a check or money order; processing takes 7 to 10 business days.
In person, you need your old license or a valid ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number; you receive your new license the same day or within a few days.
If your license was stolen, you should report the theft to local police and provide the report number when you request a replacement.

Replacing Your License by Mail

The mail-in route costs the same $25 (or $75 for CDL) and is the slowest but most convenient option if you cannot visit an office. You will need to complete Form HSMV 71009, which is the process for Duplicate Driver's License. You can read this form from the DHSMV website or request it by mail.

Send the completed form, your old license (if you still have it), and a check or money order made payable to "DHSMV" to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a return envelope with postage if you want the new license mailed back to you; otherwise, it will be mailed to the address on file with DHSMV.

Processing by mail takes 7 to 10 business days after DHSMV receives your request. You will not receive a confirmation that your process arrived, so keep a copy of the form and your check stub for your records. If you do not receive your new license within two weeks, contact the DHSMV customer service line at 850-617-2000 to check the status.

Replacing Your License in Person

Visiting a county tax collector's office or DHSMV office in person is faster and lets you walk out with a temporary license the same day in most cases. You will receive your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Bring your old license if you have it, or another valid form of ID such as a passport, military ID, or state ID card.

You will also need to provide proof of your current Florida address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days. Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized; you will need to provide it during the transaction. If your license was stolen, bring a copy of the police report or the report number.

Most county tax collector's offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some larger offices offer Saturday hours. DHSMV field offices have varying hours by location. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some offices now use online scheduling to manage wait times. Check your county's tax collector website or the DHSMV office locator before you go.

When You Lost or Damaged Your License

If your license was lost or damaged, you can request a replacement using the same process and paying the same fee. You do not need to file a separate report with DHSMV unless your license was stolen. If it was stolen, file a report with your local police department and keep the report number or a copy of the report.

When you explore for the replacement, mention that the license was stolen and provide the police report number. This alerts DHSMV to flag the old license as invalid in case someone else tries to use it. If your license was straightforward lost or damaged, you can still request a replacement without a police report, but reporting a theft adds a layer of protection.

If your license is damaged but still readable and you have it in your possession, you can surrender it when you explore for the replacement. If you do not have it, you can still request a replacement — you just need to confirm your identity with another valid ID and your Social Security number.

Payment Methods and Additional Fees

At a county tax collector's office or DHSMV office, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Some offices accept all four; others may not accept checks. Call ahead to confirm what your local office accepts. By mail, you must send a check or money order — DHSMV does not accept credit cards or debit cards by mail.

Some county tax collector's offices charge a service fee on top of the $25 DHSMV fee. This fee ranges from $5 to $10 and goes to the county, not to DHSMV. The total cost in person may be $30 to $35 for a standard license replacement, depending on your county. By mail, you pay only the $25 DHSMV fee.

If you are replacing a license that expired more than six months ago, you may be required to pass a vision test or retake a written test, depending on how long it has been expired. This does not add a fee, but it does add time to the in-person process. If your license expired less than six months ago, a straightforward replacement is all that is needed.

Timeline and What to Expect

By mail, expect 7 to 10 business days from the date DHSMV receives your process. In person, you will receive a temporary license when ready (usually a paper document or a receipt that serves as proof until your permanent card arrives). Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If you need your license urgently — for example, you have a job that requires a valid ID and you lost yours — the in-person route is your only option for a same-day temporary license. The temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used for identification purposes, though some employers or agencies may not accept it. Ask the office staff what the temporary license covers in your situation.

If your permanent license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact DHSMV at 850-617-2000 with your process date and the address where it was mailed. They can check the status and reissue if necessary. Do not assume it is lost; mail delays are common, especially during high-volume periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the $25 fee if my license was damaged by DHSMV's fault?

No. If your license was damaged due to a manufacturing defect or error by DHSMV, you can request a free replacement. You will need to explain the defect when you explore and may be asked to return the damaged license. Contact DHSMV customer service at 850-617-2000 to discuss your specific situation before you visit an office or mail in a request.

Can I replace my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot receive a replacement license while your driving privilege is suspended or revoked. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first — usually by paying a reinstatement fee, completing a required course, or meeting other conditions set by DHSMV. Once your privilege is reinstated, you can then request a replacement.

What if I moved to Florida from another state and lost my out-of-state license?

You cannot replace an out-of-state license in Florida. You must obtain a Florida driver's license instead. This requires a new process, a vision test, and a written test (unless you are under 18 or meet other exemptions). The cost is different from a replacement and depends on the license class you need.

How long is my replacement license valid?

Your replacement license is valid for four years from the date you receive it, the same as a standard Florida driver's license. The expiration date is printed on the card. You do not get a new expiration date based on when your old license expired — the four years starts fresh from the replacement date.

Can I replace my license online?

No. Florida does not offer online replacement for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses. You must explore by mail or in person. You can renew an expiring license online through the DHSMV website, but that is a different transaction from 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.