What you need to do to get a replacement license in Florida
To replace a lost driver's license in Florida, you must visit a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and pass a new photo. You cannot renew a lost license by mail or online — Florida requires you to appear at an office location. The process takes about 30 minutes if you have all documents ready, and you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot that's valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you.
The replacement fee is $25 for a standard driver's license (as of the most recent fee schedule, though fees can change). If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward replace it — you must resolve that status first through the DHSMV before getting a new card.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DHSMV office in person with valid ID and proof of Florida residency; mail-in and online replacement are not available for lost licenses.
- Bring one form of primary ID (passport, military ID, or birth certificate with a photo ID) and one proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).
- The replacement fee is $25, and you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to your address on file.
- If your license was suspended or revoked, you must clear that status before the DHSMV will issue a replacement.
Documents to bring to the DHSMV office
Florida requires two categories of documents: one form of primary identification and one proof of residency. For primary ID, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a military ID, a certified birth certificate with a government-issued photo ID, or a foreign passport with a visa. A photo from a previous Florida license counts only if you also bring another form of primary ID.
For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 90 days showing your current Florida address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank or credit card statement, insurance policy, property tax bill, or a letter from a government agency. A piece of mail alone is not enough — it must be an official document with your name and address.
If you've moved since your lost license was issued, bring proof of your new address. If you don't have a current utility bill or lease, a bank statement or credit card statement works just as well.
Finding and visiting a DHSMV office near you
The DHSMV operates driver license offices throughout Florida. You can find the nearest office and check its hours on the official DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov) by entering your county or city. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to book an appointment online through the DHSMV website. Check your local office's policy before you go — appointment availability varies by location and season.
Offices in urban areas often have longer wait times, especially mid-morning and mid-afternoon on weekdays. Early morning or late afternoon visits tend to move faster. Some counties operate satellite offices with shorter lines than the main location.
What happens at the office and what you'll receive
When you arrive, bring all your documents to the counter. A staff member will verify your identity and residency, check your driving record to confirm your license status, and take a new photo for your replacement license. You'll answer questions about any changes to your address, height, or other license information. If everything is in order, you'll pay the $25 replacement fee by cash, debit card, or credit card.
Before you leave, you'll receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and has the same legal weight as your plastic card — you can drive with it, show it to police, and use it as ID. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days in most cases, though mail delivery can add a few more days.
If the address on your lost license is no longer current, tell the staff member before they print your temporary license. Your new card will be mailed to the address you provide at the office.
If your license was suspended or revoked
A lost license cannot be replaced if your driving privilege is suspended or revoked in Florida. The DHSMV system will flag your record when you arrive at the office, and staff will not issue a replacement until the suspension or revocation is cleared.
Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, a DUI conviction, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. To find out why your license is suspended, call the DHSMV at 1-844-5-DHSMV (1-844-534-7368) or visit the DHSMV website and use the license status check tool. Once you've resolved the underlying issue — paying fines, completing a required course, or waiting out a suspension period — you can return to the office to get your replacement license.
Replacing your license if you've moved out of state
If you've moved to another state since your Florida license was issued, you still need to visit a Florida DHSMV office to replace it. You cannot replace a Florida license from out of state by mail or online. Your options are to visit an office during a trip back to Florida, or to surrender your Florida license and get a license from your new state instead.
If you choose to get a license in your new state, you'll typically need to surrender your Florida license or provide proof that it's lost. Check your new state's DMV website for their specific requirements. You can keep your Florida license as a secondary ID if your new state allows it, but you cannot legally drive using an out-of-state license in Florida.
What to do if your license was stolen along with other documents
If your wallet or purse was stolen and contained your license plus other ID, you may want to place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus and monitor your credit report. A lost or stolen license alone does not put you at high financial risk, but if other documents were taken, act quickly.
For your driver's license replacement, the process is the same — bring your remaining ID and proof of residency to a DHSMV office. If your Social Security card was also stolen, contact the Social Security Administration. If credit cards were taken, contact your banks and card issuers. These steps are separate from replacing your license but should be done around the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my lost Florida license online or by mail?
No. Florida requires you to appear in person at a DHSMV office with valid ID and proof of residency. Online and mail-in replacement are not available for lost licenses, only for renewals of licenses that are still valid and in your possession.
How long does it take to get my permanent license after I receive the temporary one?
Your plastic license is usually mailed within 7 to 10 business days. Postal delivery adds another few days, so expect your card to arrive within two to three weeks total. Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days, which gives you time to receive the permanent card.
What if I don't have a utility bill or lease to prove residency?
A bank statement, credit card statement, mortgage statement, insurance policy, or property tax bill dated within 90 days all count as proof of residency. You need only one document showing your name and current Florida address.
Do I need to take a new written test or driving test to replace a lost license?
No. Replacing a lost license requires only a new photo and a fee. You do not retake the written or driving test unless your license was suspended or revoked for a reason that requires you to retest (such as a DUI conviction).
What if I lost my license while traveling outside Florida?
You must visit a Florida DHSMV office in person to replace it. If you're out of state, you can either wait until you return to Florida, or you can get a license from your current state and keep your Florida license as a secondary ID if that state allows it.