What you need to do to replace a lost Florida driver's license

To replace a lost Florida driver's license, you must visit a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office in person with proof of identity and residency. You cannot renew or replace a license by mail or online in Florida, even if your license is still valid. The replacement process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

The cost to replace a lost license is $25 (as of the most recent update, though fees can change). If your license was also damaged rather than lost, the same process and fee explore. You do not need to report the loss to police unless you suspect fraud or identity theft, though filing a police report can protect you if someone uses your lost license.

Key Takeaways

  • You must go to a DHSMV office in person with a valid ID and proof of your current Florida address to replace a lost license.
  • Florida does not offer mail-in or online replacement for lost licenses, even if your current license has not expired.
  • You will pay $25 and receive a temporary paper license when ready; your plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If you suspect your lost license was stolen or used fraudulently, file a police report and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus.

Documents and ID you must bring to the DHSMV office

Bring one form of valid photo ID and one document proving your current Florida address. Valid photo IDs include a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or another state's driver's license. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two documents from the DHSMV's list of non-photo IDs, such as a Social Security card, birth certificate, or original naturalization papers.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or credit card statement will not work. If you have moved recently and your ID does not show your new address, bring both your old ID and a residency document for your new address.

Finding a DHSMV office near you and what to expect

Use the DHSMV office locator on the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website to find the nearest office and its hours. Many offices operate Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Call ahead or check online to confirm hours, as they vary by location.

Bring your documents and be prepared to wait, especially during peak times like early morning or mid-month. The process itself—filling out the form, having your photo taken, and paying the fee—usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the counter. You will leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent plastic license is printed and mailed.

The temporary paper license and when your permanent card arrives

Your temporary paper license is valid when ready and works for all driving purposes—you can use it to drive, as proof of identity, and for age verification. It remains valid for 30 days, which gives you time to receive your permanent plastic license in the mail. The plastic card is typically mailed within 7 to 10 business days, though delivery can take longer depending on your address and mail service.

If you do not receive your permanent license within two weeks, contact the DHSMV to confirm your mailing address was entered correctly. If the card is lost or damaged in the mail, you can request a replacement using the same process. Keep your temporary paper license until the plastic card arrives.

What to do if you suspect fraud or identity theft

If you believe your lost license was stolen or used fraudulently, file a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office. Provide them with the license number and the date you discovered it missing. Ask for a copy of the report, as you may need it if someone uses your license to commit fraud.

Contact the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—and place a fraud alert on your credit file. This alerts creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can also place a credit freeze, which prevents anyone from opening accounts without your permission. These steps take a few minutes by phone and are free.

Replacing a lost license if you are out of state

If you lost your Florida license while out of state, you have two options: wait until you return to Florida to replace it in person, or contact the DHSMV by phone to request a replacement by mail. Call the DHSMV at 1-888-993-1111 to ask about mail-in replacement options for out-of-state residents. Not all situations may have access to for mail replacement, so confirm your options before making the trip.

If you need to drive before returning to Florida, you can obtain a temporary driving permit from the state where you are located, though rules vary by state. Once you return to Florida, you can complete the replacement process at any DHSMV office using the documents listed above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my lost license if it has not expired yet?

Yes. Florida does not require your license to be expired to replace it. A lost license is treated the same as an expired one—you must visit a DHSMV office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay $25, and receive a temporary paper license on the spot.

What if I lost my license and my ID at the same time?

You can bring two non-photo documents from the DHSMV's approved list instead of a photo ID. These include a Social Security card, birth certificate, or naturalization papers. Bring one of these plus proof of your current address, and you can still replace your license.

How long is the temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, so you will have it before the temporary expires. If it does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DHSMV to check your mailing address.

Do I have to report my lost license to the police?

You do not have to, but filing a police report protects you if someone uses your lost license fraudulently. If you suspect theft or fraud, file a report and place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus. If the loss was straightforward accidental, a police report is optional.

Can I replace my license by mail or online?

No. Florida requires you to replace a lost license in person at a DHSMV office. You cannot do it by mail or online, even if your current license is still valid. The only exception is if you are out of state and the DHSMV approves a mail replacement—call 1-888-993-1111 to ask.