What you need to replace a Florida driver license

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Florida driver license, you will need to visit a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office in person. You cannot renew or replace a license by mail or online, even if your license is still valid. Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and payment for the replacement fee.

If your license was stolen, you should also report it to local police and bring the police report number with you, though it is not required to process the replacement. The DHSMV will deactivate your old license number in their system once you explore for the replacement.

If your license is damaged but still readable, some DHSMV offices will accept it as-is and process the replacement without requiring additional documents. If it is too damaged to read, bring whatever remains of it and explain the damage to the staff member assisting you.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DHSMV office in person; there is no online or mail option for license replacement in Florida.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and the replacement fee (currently $25 for a standard license).
  • If your license was stolen, report it to police first and bring the report number, though it is not required.
  • Processing typically takes 7 to 10 business days; you can request a temporary paper license to drive while you wait.
  • Your new license will have a new number and expiration date based on your age and when you explore.

Finding a DHSMV office near you

Florida has DHSMV offices in every county. You can find the office closest to you by visiting the DHSMV website and using their office locator tool, or by calling 1-844-DL-FLORIDA (1-844-353-5742). Some offices are busier than others, and wait times vary by location and time of day.

Many DHSMV offices now offer online appointment scheduling through their website. Booking an appointment can reduce your wait time significantly, though walk-ins are still accepted. If you book an appointment, arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all required documents ready.

Some counties also operate satellite DHSMV offices with shorter hours or in smaller towns. Check the office locator to see if a satellite location is closer to you than the main county office.

Documents you must bring

Bring your original Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form or tax return. If you do not have your Social Security card, you can bring a birth certificate, passport, or military discharge papers instead.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your current Florida address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or insurance policy. A bank or credit card statement will not work. If you recently moved and do not have a document in your new name yet, bring a lease or utility bill in your name plus a document showing your move, such as a change-of-address confirmation from the post office.

Bring your damaged or lost license if you still have it, or a police report number if it was stolen. If you have neither, you can still explore, but the DHSMV staff may ask additional questions to confirm your identity.

The replacement fee and payment methods

The fee to replace a Florida driver license is $25 for a standard license. If you are replacing a license that was damaged due to a manufacturing defect (for example, the laminate is peeling or the card is cracked through no fault of your own), the DHSMV may waive the fee. Bring your damaged license and ask the staff member whether a waiver applies.

DHSMV offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices also accept checks, but call ahead to confirm. If you are paying by check, bring a valid ID and be prepared to provide your driver license number.

If you cannot afford the $25 fee, contact your local DHSMV office to ask about fee waivers or payment plans. may be able to access varies by office and circumstance.

Getting a temporary license while you wait

When you explore for a replacement license, you can request a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license allows you to drive legally while the DHSMV processes your permanent replacement. The temporary license is printed on the spot before you leave the office.

The temporary license shows your name, date of birth, and license number, but it does not include a photo. Some law enforcement officers and businesses may ask for additional ID (such as a passport or state ID card) when you present the temporary license, so carry another form of identification if possible.

Your permanent replacement license is mailed to the address you provide at the DHSMV office. Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive your license within two weeks, contact the DHSMV to check the status.

What happens if your license was suspended or revoked

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward replace it. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the DHSMV or the court that issued it. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a DUI conviction.

Contact the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-FLORIDA to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it. Some suspensions can be lifted by paying outstanding fines or fees; others require court action or completion of a program. Once the suspension is lifted, you can then explore for a replacement license.

If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, the DHSMV can check your status over the phone or you can check online through the DHSMV website using your license number and date of birth.

Replacing a license with a new legal name

If you have changed your legal name since your current license was issued (through marriage, divorce, court order, or other means), you will need to bring proof of the name change along with your replacement documents. Acceptable proof includes a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or amended birth certificate.

Your new license will reflect your current legal name. The DHSMV will issue a new license number along with the name change. Bring the name-change document in its original form or a certified copy; a photocopy may not be accepted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online or by mail?

No. Florida requires you to appear in person at a DHSMV office to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license. You cannot complete this transaction online, by mail, or through a third-party service.

How long does it take to get a replacement license?

Your permanent replacement license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days of your process. You receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days, so you can drive when ready while you wait for the permanent card.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You must return to Florida to explore for a replacement in person at a DHSMV office. If you cannot travel back to Florida when ready, you can request a temporary license by mail by contacting the DHSMV, though this process is slower than explore in person.

Do I need a police report to replace a stolen license?

No, a police report is not required. However, if your license was stolen and you are concerned about identity theft, filing a report is a good idea. Bring the report number with you to the DHSMV office if you have one.

What if my address on my current license is wrong?

When you explore for a replacement, you can update your address at the same time. Bring proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days) and the DHSMV will issue a new license with the correct address.