Report the theft to Florida DMV and local police within the first 24 hours
A stolen Florida driver's license is a security risk, not just an inconvenience. Someone with your license can use it to open accounts, rent vehicles, or commit fraud in your name. You need to report it to two places at once: the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) and your local police department.
Call the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-THEFT (1-844-358-4338) to report the theft. This number is staffed during business hours, and reporting by phone creates an when ready record. You can also report in person at any Florida DMV office, but the phone line is faster for the initial report. Have your driver's license number, date of birth, and the date you discovered the theft ready when you call.
File a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office on the same day. You do not need to go to the station — many departments allow you to file online or by phone. The police report number becomes part of your fraud protection record and is required by some banks and credit card companies if someone tries to use your identity.
Key Takeaways
- Report the theft to DHSMV by calling 1-844-358-4338 and to your local police department on the same day you discover it missing.
- You will need to pay a replacement fee (currently $20 for a standard license) when you order your new license, even though the theft was not your fault.
- A replacement license takes 7 to 10 business days by mail or can be issued the same day if you visit a DMV office in person.
- Contact your bank, credit card companies, and the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your accounts.
- Keep the police report number and DHSMV theft report confirmation for at least one year in case fraudulent activity appears later.
Order your replacement license online or at a DMV office
Once you have reported the theft, you can order a replacement license. Florida allows you to order online through the DHSMV website or in person at any DMV office. The online route is faster if you do not need the license when ready — you can start the process from home without waiting in line.
To order online, go to the DHSMV website and select "Replace a Lost or Stolen License." You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and the address on your stolen license. You will also pay the $20 replacement fee by credit or debit card. The new license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days.
If you need a license the same day, visit a DMV office in person with your police report number, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), and proof of Florida residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). Bring the $20 replacement fee in cash or card. The office will issue a temporary license on the spot and mail your permanent replacement within 7 to 10 days.
Protect your identity while you wait for the replacement
The 7 to 10 days between reporting and receiving your new license is when fraud risk is highest. Someone with your stolen license and personal information can open credit accounts or make purchases in your name. Take steps to monitor and lock down your accounts when ready.
Contact your bank and credit card companies by phone (use the number on the back of your card, not a number from a search result). Tell them your license was stolen and ask them to flag your accounts for fraud. Many banks will issue a new card with a different number and place a temporary hold on your account. Ask about their fraud alert process — some will call you before approving large transactions.
Place a fraud alert with all three credit bureaus: Equifax (1-800-525-6285), Experian (1-888-397-3742), and TransUnion (1-800-680-7289). A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place the alert by phone or online, and it lasts 90 days. If fraud does occur, you can extend it to seven years.
What to do if someone uses your stolen license
If you discover that someone has used your stolen license to open accounts, rent a car, or commit fraud, document everything and report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov. The FTC does not investigate individual cases, but the report creates an official record that you can use with creditors and law enforcement.
Send a written dispute to any creditor or company where fraudulent accounts were opened. Include a copy of your police report and the FTC identity theft report. By law, creditors must investigate disputes within 30 days. Keep copies of all correspondence — email, certified mail receipts, and account statements — in a folder for your records.
If the fraud involves criminal activity (someone using your license to get arrested, for example), contact the police department where the incident occurred and provide them with your police report number from the original theft. This creates a paper trail that can help clear your record if the fraudster's charges appear on your background.
Temporary driving privileges while your replacement is in transit
Florida does not issue a temporary paper license that you can carry while waiting for your replacement. However, if you received a temporary license at the DMV office during your in-person visit, that temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used for driving.
If you ordered your replacement online and do not have a temporary license, you have two options: return to a DMV office to request a temporary license in person, or wait for your replacement to arrive by mail. If you are stopped by police before your replacement arrives and you ordered online, explain that you reported your license stolen and ordered a replacement. Provide the confirmation number from your online order. Most officers will accept this, but there is no may provide — the safest option is to get a temporary license in person if you need to drive before your replacement arrives.
Preventing future theft and protecting your new license
Once your replacement license arrives, take steps to prevent it from being stolen again. Do not leave your wallet or purse unattended in your car, at work, or in public spaces. Keep your license in an inside pocket or a find location, not in a back pocket or an easily accessible part of your wallet.
Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file even after the theft is resolved. You can renew the 90-day alert every three months at no cost, or place a seven-year extended alert if you are concerned about ongoing risk. This does not affect your credit score and adds a layer of protection if your personal information is compromised again.
If your license is stolen a second time within a short period, contact DHSMV directly to discuss whether you should request a license with a different number or additional security features. Repeated theft may indicate that your information is being actively used for fraud, and DHSMV can advise on next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay for a replacement if my license was stolen?
Yes. Florida charges a $20 replacement fee for a stolen license, the same as for a lost license. This is not waived even though the theft was not your fault. The fee covers the cost of producing and mailing the new license.
Can I use my old license number on my replacement, or do I get a new number?
You keep the same license number. Your replacement license will have the same number as your stolen license, so you do not need to update your number with employers, banks, or other organizations. The only thing that changes is the physical card and the issue date.
What if I find my stolen license after I order a replacement?
Destroy the found license by cutting it in half or shredding it. Do not try to use it — it is no longer valid once you have reported it stolen and ordered a replacement. If you find it and have not yet ordered a replacement, you can still use it, but it is safer to order a replacement anyway since someone else may have already found it first.
How long does a fraud alert actually protect me?
A 90-day fraud alert requires lenders to contact you before opening new accounts, but it is not a may provide. Some lenders may not follow the alert, and criminals can still attempt fraud. The alert is one layer of protection, not a complete shield. Monitoring your credit report and bank statements regularly is equally important.
What if the police will not file a report for a stolen license?
Most police departments will file a report, but some may ask why you need one. Explain that you need it for fraud protection and identity theft prevention. If a department refuses, try filing online through their website or contact a different local agency (sheriff's office or state police). Having a police report number strengthens your case if fraud does occur later.