What You Need to Do Right Now
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. The replacement license costs $20 and takes about 30 minutes at the counter, though you will receive a temporary paper license when ready and the plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If your license was stolen, you should also file a report with the police or sheriff's office in the county where the theft occurred. Bring that report number or a copy to the DHSMV office—it is not required, but it protects you if someone uses your license number fraudulently. If you lost your license out of state, you can still replace it at any Florida DHSMV office as long as you have the required documents.
Key Takeaways
- You must appear in person at a DHSMV office with valid proof of identity and Florida residency; no online or mail replacement is available.
- The replacement fee is $20, and you receive a temporary paper license on the spot while the plastic card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was stolen, file a police report first and bring the report number to the DHSMV office to document the theft.
- Bring original documents or certified copies—photocopies and digital images are not accepted for proof of identity or residency.
- Walk-in appointments are available at most DHSMV offices, but you can also schedule online at GoRenew.com to reduce wait time.
Documents You Must Bring to the DHSMV Office
Florida requires one form of primary identity and one form of residency proof. Primary identity documents include a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate with a raised seal, a valid foreign passport, a valid military ID, or a Certificate of Naturalization. A photocopy, digital image, or notarized copy is not acceptable—you must bring the original document.
Residency proof must show your current Florida address. Acceptable documents include a recent utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a homeowner's insurance policy, or a recent bank or credit card statement. The document must be dated within 60 days of your visit. If you live with someone else, a utility bill or lease in their name is acceptable as long as you bring a signed letter from them stating you live there, plus a copy of their ID.
If you are replacing a license that was stolen, bring a copy of the police report or the report number. If you changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.
How to Schedule or Walk In at a DHSMV Office
You can walk into any DHSMV office during business hours without an appointment, but wait times vary widely. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. To check hours for your nearest office, visit the DHSMV office locator at GoRenew.com or call 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639).
To reduce wait time, schedule an appointment online at GoRenew.com. Select "Replace a Driver License" as your transaction type, choose your preferred office and date, and you will receive a confirmation number. Arrive 10 minutes early with all required documents. If you miss your appointment, you can reschedule or walk in, but walk-in customers are served after scheduled appointments.
Some DHSMV offices are busier than others. If your local office has a long wait, try an office in a nearby county—any Florida DHSMV office can process a replacement for any Florida resident. Rural offices and those in smaller towns typically have shorter waits than those in major cities.
What Happens at the DHSMV Office
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give the staff member your documents. They will verify your identity and residency, take a new photo, and collect the $20 fee. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and works as proof of your license status while you wait for the plastic card. Write down the license number on the temporary license—you will need it if you are pulled over or need to provide your license number to an employer or insurance company.
Your permanent plastic license card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, call 1-844-DL-RENEW to check the status. The card is mailed to the address you provided at the DHSMV office, so make sure the staff member has your correct mailing address before you leave.
If Your License Was Stolen or Used Fraudulently
File a police report with the police department or sheriff's office in the county where the theft occurred. You can file in person, by phone, or online depending on the agency. Bring the report number or a copy to the DHSMV office when you replace your license. This creates an official record that your license was stolen and protects you if someone uses your license number to commit fraud or get pulled over.
If you discover that someone used your stolen license, contact the police department again and provide them with the details of the fraudulent use. Ask for an updated report or a supplemental report. You can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by calling 1-888-OPTOUT-5 or visiting IdentityTheft.gov.
Keep a copy of your police report for your records. Some insurance companies or employers may ask for proof that you reported the theft, and having the report number on hand makes that process faster.
Fees and Payment Methods
The replacement fee for a lost or stolen Florida driver's license is $20. This fee covers the cost of issuing a new license and is not refundable if you later find your original license. The DHSMV office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may also accept checks, but calling ahead to confirm is wise if you plan to pay by check.
If you are replacing a license that is damaged (torn, faded, or unreadable), the fee is also $20. There is no fee waiver for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses in Florida, regardless of your income or circumstances.
Timeline and What to Expect
| Step | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Visit DHSMV office with documents | Same day (15–30 minutes at office) |
| Receive temporary paper license | when ready upon completion |
| Plastic license card arrives by mail | 7–10 business days |
| Contact DHSMV if card does not arrive | After 14 days |
The temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. If your plastic card has not arrived within 10 business days, do not wait the full 30 days—call 1-844-DL-RENEW when ready to check on the status. Delays can happen if the mail is slow or if the DHSMV office entered your address incorrectly. The staff can reissue the card or verify that it was mailed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if I am not a Florida resident but lost it in Florida?
No. You must hold a valid Florida driver's license to replace it in Florida. If you are a resident of another state, you must contact your home state's DMV to replace your license. If you are visiting Florida and lost your out-of-state license, contact your home state's DMV for guidance on replacement options.
What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?
You can use a valid military ID, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a valid foreign passport as primary identity. If you do not have any of these, you will need to obtain a birth certificate from the county or state where you were born before you can replace your license. Contact the vital records office in that county for the process and cost.
Can I replace my license at a tax collector's office or tag agency?
No. Only DHSMV offices issue replacement driver's licenses in Florida. Tax collector's offices and tag agencies handle vehicle registration and tags, not driver's licenses. You must visit a DHSMV office.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). The DHSMV office will update your address when they issue your replacement license. Your new license will show your current address.
Do I need to take a new photo or written test to replace my license?
You will have a new photo taken at the DHSMV office, but you do not need to retake the written or driving test. A replacement license is straightforward a reissue of your current license with a new card and photo.