What you need to do at the Florida DMV to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license

To replace your Florida driver's license, you visit your local Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay the replacement fee, and have your photo taken. The whole process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, and you leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you. Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days in most cases.

You cannot replace a Florida license online or by mail — the state requires you to appear in person so they can photograph you and verify your identity. If your license was stolen, you should also report it to local police and get a report number, though this is not required by the DMV.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DHSMV office in person with a valid ID and proof of your current Florida address to replace your license.
  • The replacement fee is $25 for a standard license, and you pay at the time of your visit.
  • You receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 30 days, and your plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was stolen, file a police report first so you have a report number to give the DMV if needed.
  • You can find your nearest DHSMV office and check wait times on the Florida DMV website before you go.

Documents to bring to the DHSMV office

Bring one form of valid government-issued photo ID — your passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID card all work. If you do not have one of these, you can bring two documents from the DHSMV's secondary ID list, which includes a birth certificate, Social Security card, or original marriage certificate.

You also need proof that you live in Florida right now. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address works. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you recently moved and your ID does not show your new address, bring both your old ID and a current proof of residency document.

If you are replacing a license because it was stolen, bring your police report number if you have it. The DMV does not require it, but having it on hand speeds up the process if there are questions about the theft.

The replacement fee and what it covers

The replacement fee for a standard Florida driver's license is $25. This is a one-time fee you pay when you visit the office — there is no additional charge when your card arrives in the mail. If you want to renew your license at the same time (because it is close to expiring), you pay both the $25 replacement fee and the $48 renewal fee, for a total of $73.

The fee covers the cost of producing your new plastic license card and mailing it to you. You do not pay extra for the temporary paper license you receive on the spot.

How to find your nearest DHSMV office and check wait times

Go to the Florida DMV website at flhsmv.gov and use the office locator tool. Enter your city or ZIP code, and the site shows you nearby offices with their addresses, hours, and phone numbers. Many offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some have extended hours or Saturday appointments.

The same website shows real-time wait times at each office. Check the wait time before you leave home — if one office has a 90-minute wait and another nearby has 20 minutes, you can choose the shorter line. Wait times change throughout the day, so check again right before you go if you are planning to visit during a busy time like lunch or late afternoon.

You can also call your local DHSMV office directly to ask about wait times or to ask questions about what documents you need. The phone number is on the office locator page.

What happens when you arrive at the office

Check in at the front desk and tell the staff member you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license. They will give you a number and direct you to a waiting area. When your number is called, go to the counter with your documents.

The staff member will review your ID and proof of residency, ask you a few questions to confirm your identity, and take a new photo of you. Wear something you do not mind being photographed in — the photo will be on your license for the next several years. You will also sign your new license at the counter.

After that, you pay the $25 fee, and the staff member gives you a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and works anywhere a regular license does — you can drive, use it as ID at a bar or airport, or show it to police if you are pulled over. Keep it with you until your plastic card arrives.

When your new license arrives and what to do if it does not

Your new plastic license card is mailed to the address you provided at the DHSMV office. It usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days, though it can take up to two weeks during busy periods or if there are mail delays in your area.

If your license does not arrive within two weeks, call the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639) or visit your local office again. Have your temporary paper license and a photo ID ready. The staff can check the status of your card and reissue it if it was lost in the mail.

Once your plastic card arrives, destroy your temporary paper license — you no longer need it. Your new license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued.

Special situations: stolen licenses and address changes

If your license was stolen, report it to your local police department and get a report number. This creates an official record in case someone tries to use your stolen license. Bring the report number to the DHSMV when you replace it — the staff will note it in their system. You do not have to have a police report to replace your license, but having one protects you if the stolen license is used fraudulently.

If you are replacing your license because it is damaged and your address has changed since it was issued, bring both your old damaged license and proof of your current address. The DHSMV will update your address in their system at the same time they issue your replacement.

If you are replacing your license and your name has changed since it was issued (due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DHSMV will update your name and issue a new license with the correct name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my Florida license if I do not have a current address in Florida?

No. To replace a Florida license, you must show proof that you currently live in Florida. If you have moved out of state, you need to get a license from your new state instead. If you recently moved to Florida and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name yet, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on their letterhead showing your address, or bring a lease agreement or mortgage documents.

What if I lost my license while traveling out of state?

You still need to visit a Florida DHSMV office in person to replace it. If you are stranded far from home, you can use your temporary paper license to drive back to Florida. Once you are home, visit your nearest DHSMV office with your documents and pay the replacement fee. If you need to drive before you can get home, contact your local police to report the lost license and ask if they can issue a temporary ID or letter for travel purposes.

Do I need to take a new written test or driving test to replace my license?

No. Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license does not require any tests. You only need to bring your ID and proof of residency, pay the fee, and have your photo taken. The DHSMV issues your new license with the same class and restrictions as your old one.

How long is my temporary paper license good for?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. After 30 days, you must have your plastic card in hand to drive legally. If your plastic card has not arrived after 30 days, call the DHSMV or visit your local office to report it and get a new temporary license while they investigate.

What if my replacement license arrives with a mistake on it?

Contact your local DHSMV office or call 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639) right away. Bring your incorrect license and proof of what the correct information should be (such as a birth certificate for your name or a utility bill for your address). The DHSMV will issue a corrected license at no additional charge.