What you need to do right now

To replace a lost Florida driver's license, you will visit your local Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office in person, bring proof of identity and Florida residency, pay a replacement fee, and take a new photo. You cannot do this by mail or online. 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.

If your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to report it to the police first — this creates a record in case someone tries to use it fraudulently. Bring that police report number with you to the DHSMV office; it is not required, but it helps document what happened.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DHSMV office in person with a valid ID and proof of Florida residency; there is no online or mail option for a lost license.
  • The replacement fee is $25 for a standard license and $75 for a Real ID-compliant license, and payment is cash, check, or card depending on the office.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your new plastic card by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was stolen, file a police report first so you have a record number to bring with you.
  • Bring your Social Security number or an ITIN, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and a valid ID like a passport or birth certificate.

Documents you need to bring to the DHSMV office

You will need to bring three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Florida residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number).

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents from a secondary list, such as a school ID, a work ID, a Social Security card, or a bank statement with your name on it.

For proof of Florida residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your current Florida address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a homeowner's insurance policy, or a vehicle registration. A mail piece from a government agency also works.

You do not need to bring your old license if it is lost — the DHSMV will look up your record by your name and date of birth. If you have your old license, bring it anyway; it speeds up the process.

Where to go and how to find your nearest office

You must visit a DHSMV office in the county where you live or where your license was issued. You cannot go to any office in the state; each office serves specific counties.

Find your nearest office by visiting the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov and using their office locator tool. Enter your county or ZIP code, and the tool will show you all nearby offices, their hours, and whether they accept walk-ins or require an appointment. Many offices now use an online appointment system; check before you go, because some locations are appointment-only during certain hours.

Call ahead if you are unsure whether your office is open or if you want to confirm they have the documents you plan to bring. The DHSMV phone line is 1-850-617-2000.

The replacement fee and payment methods

A standard Florida driver's license replacement costs $25. If you want a Real ID-compliant license (which you will need to fly domestically or enter federal buildings after May 2025), the fee is $75. Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and require the same documents as a standard replacement, plus proof of Social Security number.

Payment methods vary by office. Most accept cash, check, and debit or credit card, but some accept only cash. Call your local office before you go to confirm what they take. If you pay by check, make it out to "DHSMV" or "Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles."

You will not be charged a fee if your license was damaged by the DHSMV itself or if you are replacing it because it was lost due to a natural disaster. Bring documentation of the disaster if that applies to you.

What happens at the office and what you receive

When you arrive, you will check in, submit your documents, and answer questions about your address and driving history. A staff member will take a new photo for your license. The whole process usually takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.

Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as your plastic license — you can drive with it, and police will accept it as proof of licensure. Write down the temporary license number in case you need it before your permanent card arrives.

Your new plastic license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you moved recently and updated your address at the DHSMV office, the card will go to your new address. If you did not update your address, it will go to your old one, so update it before you leave the office if you have moved.

If your license was stolen and you are worried about fraud

A stolen license is a higher risk than a lost one because someone else has it and could try to use it. File a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office. You do not need to do this in person — many departments accept reports online or by phone. Get the report number and bring it with you to the DHSMV office.

The DHSMV will flag your old license as stolen in their system, which means it will not be accepted as valid ID if someone tries to use it. You can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by calling one of them; they will notify the others. This makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name.

Monitor your credit report for the next year. You can view your report for free once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If you see accounts you did not open, contact the credit bureau and the company that opened the account when ready.

What to do if you cannot find the documents you need

If you do not have a valid passport or birth certificate, you have options. A secondary ID list allows you to bring two documents instead of one — for example, a Social Security card plus a work ID, or a school ID plus a bank statement. The DHSMV website lists all acceptable secondary documents.

If you do not have proof of residency dated within the last 60 days, you can bring an older document plus a letter from your landlord, employer, or a government agency confirming your current address. Some offices will also accept a utility bill in a family member's name if you live with them and can show proof of your relationship.

If you lost your Social Security card, bring your Social Security number if you know it. If you do not know it, you will need to explore for a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration before you can get your driver's license. This takes several weeks, so start that process as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license by mail or online?

No. Florida requires you to appear in person at a DHSMV office to replace a lost license. You must bring original documents and have a new photo taken. There is no mail-in or online option for replacements.

How long does the temporary paper license last?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so the temporary usually covers you until the new one comes. If your plastic license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DHSMV office where you applied.

What if I moved and my address is wrong on my license?

Update your address at the DHSMV office when you explore for your replacement. Tell the staff member your new address, and they will print it on your temporary license and send your new plastic card to that address. If you forget to update it at the office, you can change your address online at flhsmv.gov after your new license arrives.

Do I need a Real ID license, or can I get a standard one?

A standard license costs $25 and works for driving. A Real ID license costs $75 and is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings starting May 2025. If you fly or visit federal buildings, get the Real ID. Otherwise, a standard license is sufficient.

What if I cannot get to the DHSMV office during business hours?

Many DHSMV offices are open evenings and Saturdays. Check your local office's hours on the DHSMV website. Some offices also offer appointment slots specifically for people who cannot come during standard business hours. Call ahead to ask about evening or weekend availability.