What You Need to Do Right Now
If your Florida driver's license is lost, you will need to visit a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office in person to request a replacement. Florida does not allow you to replace a lost license by mail or online. You must bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency. The replacement license will have a new number and will cost $25.
The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you will receive your new license on the spot — you do not have to wait for it to arrive by mail. If you need to drive before you get your replacement, you can request a temporary driving permit valid for 30 days while you wait, though this is rarely necessary since you leave with the physical card.
Key Takeaways
- You must go to a DHSMV office in person; there is no online or mail option for a lost license replacement in Florida.
- Bring a valid photo ID, your Social Security card or a document showing your SSN, and a piece of mail or utility bill showing your current Florida address.
- The replacement fee is $25, and you will receive your new license with a new number before you leave the office.
- Your old license number will no longer be valid once you report it lost, so notify your insurance company and any other organizations that have your license number on file.
Documents You Must Bring to the DHSMV Office
Florida requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current Florida residency. For proof of identity, bring a valid photo ID — this can be your passport, a military ID, a state ID card, or another government-issued photo ID. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two non-photo documents that establish your identity, such as a birth certificate and a Social Security card.
For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. For proof of Florida residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, or a piece of mail from a government agency — it must show your name and current Florida address and be dated within the last 60 days.
Do not bring originals of documents you cannot afford to lose. The DHSMV staff will examine them but will not keep them. If you are unsure whether a document will work, call the DHSMV office you plan to visit before you go.
Finding a DHSMV Office and Scheduling Your Visit
Florida has DHSMV offices in every county. You can find the office nearest you by visiting the DHSMV website and using their office locator tool, or by calling 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639). Many offices now use an online appointment system; you can book a time slot on the DHSMV website rather than walk in and wait. Walk-ins are still accepted, but appointment holders are served first.
Office hours vary by location. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some offer limited Saturday hours. Check the hours for your specific office before you go. If you live in a rural area far from an office, you may be able to use a tax collector's office in your county, which handles some DHSMV services — call ahead to confirm they do license replacements.
Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged on the way. Arrive 10 minutes early if you have an appointment, or plan for a wait if you walk in during busy times.
The Fee and What Happens at the Office
The replacement fee for a lost Florida driver's license is $25. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office. Some offices may have ATMs on-site if you need cash, but do not count on it — bring payment with you.
When you arrive, tell the staff member that you are replacing a lost license. They will ask you to sign a statement confirming the license is lost. You will then provide your documents, answer questions about your address and any address changes, and have your photo taken if your old license photo is more than eight years old. The staff will run a background check and verify your information. Once everything clears, they will print your new license on the spot and hand it to you before you leave.
Your new license will have a different number than your old one. Write down this new number and keep it somewhere safe. Update your insurance company, your employer, and any other organization that has your old license number on file.
Reporting Your Lost License to Prevent Fraud
Once you report your license lost at the DHSMV office, that license number becomes invalid and cannot be used. However, you should also notify your insurance company separately, because they may not receive the notification from DHSMV automatically. Call your auto insurance agent or company and tell them your old license number is no longer valid and provide your new number.
If you are concerned that someone may use your lost license for identity theft or fraud, you can place a fraud alert on your credit report by contacting one of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can also order a free credit report from each bureau at annualcreditreport.com to check for unauthorized accounts.
If You Cannot Go to an Office in Person
Florida does not offer a mail-in or online replacement for a lost license. You must appear in person at a DHSMV office. If you are temporarily out of state or unable to travel, you will need to wait until you can return to Florida to complete the replacement.
If you are disabled or have a medical condition that makes it difficult to visit an office, call the DHSMV at 1-844-357-3639 and ask about accommodations. Some offices can arrange for you to be seen at a specific time or may be able to refer you to a closer location. Bring documentation of your condition if you have it, though the DHSMV may not require it.
Temporary Driving Permit While You Wait
Although you receive your replacement license when ready at the office, Florida does offer a temporary driving permit if you need one for any reason. The permit is valid for 30 days and costs $5. You can request it at the same time you explore for your replacement license. Most people do not need this because they leave the office with their new physical license, but it is an option if there is a delay or if you need proof of driving status before your appointment.
The temporary permit is printed on paper and is not as durable as a plastic license card. Keep it in a safe place and bring it with you when you drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my lost license online or by mail?
No. Florida requires you to appear in person at a DHSMV office to replace a lost license. You cannot do it online, by mail, or through any third-party service. You must bring your documents and have your photo taken at the office.
How long does it take to get a replacement license?
You receive your new license before you leave the DHSMV office — usually within 30 minutes of arriving. There is no waiting period or mail delivery. If you book an appointment, your total time at the office is typically shorter than if you walk in.
What if I do not have a Social Security card?
You can bring a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form instead of your Social Security card to prove your SSN. If you do not have any of these, contact the DHSMV office before you go to ask what other documents they will accept.
Will my new license number be different from my old one?
Yes. A replacement license for a lost card always receives a new number. Write down your new number and update your insurance company and any other organizations that have your old number on file.
What if I lost my license and my wallet at the same time?
You can still replace your license as long as you bring the required documents. If your wallet is lost, you may not have your Social Security card or proof of residency, but you can bring alternative documents — a W-2 for your SSN, a bank statement for your address. Call the DHSMV office ahead of time to confirm what you can bring instead.