What You Need to Do to Replace Your Florida Driver's License
You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Florida driver's license in person at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office, or by mail if your license is not suspended and you meet specific conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and costs $25 for a standard replacement. The mail route costs $20.25 and takes 7 to 10 business days, but you cannot use it if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired for more than five years.
You will need your Social Security number, proof of Florida residency, and your current or expired license number. If you do not have your license number, bring a document that shows it — a traffic citation, insurance card, or vehicle registration. You do not need to retake the written or driving test for a replacement; the DHSMV treats this as a duplicate of your existing license.
Key Takeaways
- In-person replacement at a DHSMV office costs $25 and takes about 30 minutes; mail replacement costs $20.25 and takes 7 to 10 business days.
- You must bring proof of Florida residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days) and your Social Security number.
- Mail replacement is not available if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired for more than five years.
- You do not need to retake the written or road test — a replacement is a duplicate of your existing license with the same class and restrictions.
- If you do not know your license number, bring a traffic citation, insurance card, or vehicle registration that shows it.
In-Person Replacement at a DHSMV Office
Walk into any DHSMV office with your documents and request a replacement license. Bring your Social Security number (you can write it on the process form), proof of Florida residency dated within 90 days, and your license number or a document showing it. If your license was lost or stolen, you do not need a police report — the DHSMV does not require one.
The staff will take a new photo, verify your information against the DHSMV database, and print your replacement license on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you. The permanent license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you need the license sooner, some offices offer rush service for an additional fee — call your local office to confirm availability.
DHSMV offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. You can find your nearest office and check current wait times on the DHSMV website. No appointment is required, but arriving early in the day typically means shorter lines.
Mail Replacement If Your License Is Current
You can request a replacement by mail if your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired for more than five years. read the process for Duplicate Driver License (Form HSMV 82053) from the DHSMV website, or request it by mail. Fill in your name, date of birth, license number, and Social Security number. Sign and date the form.
Mail the completed form with a check or money order for $20.25 payable to "DHSMV" to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your proof of Florida residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days). Do not send your original documents — send copies only. The DHSMV will mail your replacement license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days of receiving your request.
This route is slower and requires you to wait for mail delivery both ways, but it avoids a trip to an office. It is most useful if you live far from a DHSMV office or have a schedule that does not allow a daytime visit.
Documents You Must Bring or Send
| Document Type | What Counts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Florida Residency | Utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or homeowner's insurance declaration | Must be dated within 90 days of your process. Original or copy accepted in person; copy only by mail. |
| License Number | Your current or expired Florida license, traffic citation, insurance card, or vehicle registration | If you have your license, bring it. If lost or stolen, any document showing the number works. |
| Social Security Number | Your SSN | Write it on the process form or provide it verbally at the office. You do not need to bring a Social Security card. |
| Payment | $25 cash, debit, or credit card (in person); $20.25 check or money order (by mail) | In-person offices accept multiple payment methods. Mail requests must include check or money order. |
What Happens If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked
You cannot get a replacement license by mail if your license is suspended or revoked. You must go to a DHSMV office in person. The office staff will check your driving record and inform you of any suspension or revocation. If your license is suspended, you will need to resolve the suspension (usually by paying a reinstatement fee or completing a required course) before you can receive a replacement.
If your license is revoked, you cannot receive a replacement at all until the revocation period ends or you complete the steps required by the DHSMV to restore your driving privileges. Contact the DHSMV directly or visit an office to find out what you must do to clear the revocation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not send original documents by mail — send copies only. The DHSMV will not return originals, and you may need them for other purposes. Do not assume your license number is on your insurance card or registration; check before you go to the office, because some documents do not display it clearly.
Do not wait until your license expires if you are using the mail route. If your license expires before your replacement arrives, you will have to start over and may face a late-renewal fee. Do not send cash by mail — use a check or money order only. Do not go to a DHSMV office expecting to renew your license at the same time you replace it; replacement and renewal are separate transactions, and you will need to handle renewal separately if your license is expiring soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement license if my license expired more than five years ago?
No, not by mail. You must go to a DHSMV office in person. The office will likely treat this as a renewal rather than a replacement, and you may need to retake the written test. Call your local DHSMV office or visit in person to confirm what documents and tests you will need.
What if I do not know my Florida license number?
Bring a document that shows it — a traffic citation, insurance card, vehicle registration, or your old license if you still have it. If you have none of these, go to a DHSMV office and staff can look up your number using your name and date of birth.
How long does the temporary paper license last?
The temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within that window, contact the DHSMV to report it.
Do I have to retake the written or road test to get a replacement?
No. A replacement is a duplicate of your existing license with the same class and restrictions. You only retake tests if you are renewing an expired license or upgrading to a different class.
Can I request a replacement online?
No. Florida does not offer online replacement requests. You must go to a DHSMV office in person or mail a completed process form with payment and proof of residency.