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

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged 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 current license is still valid. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

The cost is $25 for a standard replacement. If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report first, though it is not required by DHSMV — but having a report number can help if the stolen license is later used fraudulently. If your license is damaged but still in your possession, bring it with you; DHSMV will take it and issue a replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • You must go to a DHSMV office in person with a valid ID and proof you live in Florida — no online or mail replacement is available.
  • Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a birth certificate or tax return, because DHSMV will verify it.
  • The replacement fee is $25, and you will get a temporary paper license when ready and a plastic card by mail in about a week.
  • If your license was stolen, file a police report and bring the report number to the DHSMV office to document the theft.
  • DHSMV offices are open Monday through Friday; some locations have extended hours or Saturday appointments, which you can check on the DHSMV website.

Documents you must bring to the DHSMV office

Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Florida. For identity, DHSMV accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or a previous Florida ID card. If you do not have any of those, you can bring a birth certificate, naturalization papers, or a visa paired with an I-94 arrival record.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or a government letter addressed to you at your current address. The document must show your name and current street address and be dated within the last 60 days. A PO box does not count as proof of residency.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have your card, bring a document that shows it — a W-2, 1099, tax return, or bank statement will work. DHSMV will verify your number against Social Security Administration records before issuing the replacement.

Finding a DHSMV office and scheduling an appointment

Florida has DHSMV offices in every county. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the official DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov. Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some have extended evening hours or Saturday appointments. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary widely — offices in busy areas can have lines of one to two hours, especially on Fridays and near the end of the month.

Some DHSMV offices allow you to schedule an appointment online through the website. If your local office offers appointments, booking one will save you time. If appointments are not available at your nearest office, you can travel to another county's office — your residency is what matters, not which office you visit. Check the website for real-time wait times at different locations before you go.

What happens after you submit your replacement request

After you hand over your documents and pay the $25 fee, DHSMV will print a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and has the same legal weight as a plastic license — you can drive with it, use it as ID, and it satisfies traffic stops. Keep it in a safe place because you will need it if your plastic card does not arrive on time.

Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address you provided within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it after two weeks, contact DHSMV to check the status. You can also request expedited mail delivery when you explore, though this costs extra and is not always necessary given the standard timeline.

If your license was stolen or used fraudulently

If someone stole your license or you suspect it has been used fraudulently, file a report with your local police department. You do not need the report to replace your license, but having a report number protects you if the stolen license is later used to commit fraud or traffic violations. Bring the police report number to the DHSMV office when you explore for the replacement.

If your stolen license was used to open accounts or make purchases in your name, also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov. The FTC will create a record of the theft and provide you with a recovery plan. You may also want to place a fraud alert on your credit report by contacting one of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion.

Replacing a license if you have changed your name or address

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. DHSMV will update your name on the replacement license at no extra cost. If you have straightforward moved to a new address in Florida, the replacement will automatically reflect your current address as long as you bring proof of residency at that address.

If you have moved out of Florida, you cannot replace your Florida license — you must obtain a license from your new state instead. Florida does not issue licenses to people who no longer live there. If you are moving soon but still live in Florida, replace your license now before you move so you have a valid Florida ID while you transition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No. DHSMV will not issue a replacement if your license is under suspension or revocation. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation — usually by paying a reinstatement fee, completing a required course, or waiting out the suspension period. Contact DHSMV or your local office to find out why your license is suspended and what steps are needed to clear it.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still replace it at any Florida DHSMV office as long as you bring proof you live in Florida. You do not need to be in Florida to explore. If you are far from Florida and need to drive when ready, you can obtain a temporary license from the state where you are located, then replace your Florida license when you return home.

How long is a replacement license valid?

A replacement license is valid for the same length of time as your original license. If your original license was set to expire in 2028, your replacement will also expire in 2028. The replacement does not reset your expiration date — it straightforward gives you a new card with the same validity period.

Do I need to bring my old license if I still have it?

If your license is damaged, bring it so DHSMV can take it and issue a replacement. If your license is lost or stolen, you do not have it to bring. Either way, DHSMV can process the replacement — the old card is not required, though having it on hand speeds up the process slightly.

What if my temporary paper license gets lost before my plastic card arrives?

Contact DHSMV when ready and request a replacement temporary license. You can visit any DHSMV office and explain that your temporary was lost. They can issue you another one, though you may be charged a small fee. In the meantime, keep your replacement request receipt as proof that you have applied for a new license.