How to Replace a Lost Florida Driver's License

What you need to do right now

To replace a lost Florida driver's license, you will need to visit a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and have your photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot replace a lost license online or by mail — Florida requires you to appear in person.

If your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to report it to local police first, though this is not required to get a replacement. A police report can help protect you if someone tries to use your license fraudulently, but the replacement process is the same either way.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a DHSMV office in person with proof of identity and proof of your current Florida address to replace a lost license.
The replacement fee is $25 for a standard driver's license, and you will pay it at the office before leaving.
Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you cannot pick it up at the office.
If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the office, valid for 30 days.
Bring your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) — the office will need it to look up your record.

Documents to bring to the DHSMV office

You will need two things: proof of identity and proof of your current Florida address. For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid passport, a birth certificate, a military ID, a state ID card, or a Social Security card. A passport is the easiest because it covers both identity and is hard to forge.

For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government letter with your name and current address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a recent document in your name, a letter from your landlord or a family member who lives with you can work, but call your local DHSMV office first to confirm they will accept it.

Bring your Social Security number written down, or bring a document that shows it. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your ITIN. The DHSMV office will use this to find your existing license record in their system.

Finding a DHSMV office near you and what to expect

Visit the DHSMV website and use their office locator tool to find the nearest office. Enter your city or ZIP code, and the tool will show you all nearby locations, their hours, and whether they are currently open. Some offices are busier than others — offices in larger cities often have longer wait times, especially on Fridays and during lunch hours.

Walk in during business hours with your documents. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now offer online scheduling. Check your local office's page to see if you can reserve a time slot — this can cut your wait time significantly. When you arrive, take a number or check in at the desk, and wait to be called.

At the window, tell the staff member you are replacing a lost license. They will look up your record using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. They will verify your identity and address documents, take a new photo of you, and process your replacement. The whole transaction usually takes 10 to 20 minutes once you reach the window.

The replacement fee and payment

The fee to replace a lost Florida driver's license is $25. You must pay this at the office before you leave — the DHSMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. There are no additional fees for a standard replacement, but if you want to add a Real ID designation to your license (which is required for federal building access and air travel after May 2025), that costs extra and requires additional documents.

If you cannot afford the $25 fee, ask the office staff whether a fee waiver is available in your situation. Some offices have limited waiver programs, but this varies by location.

Getting a temporary license while you wait

Before you leave the DHSMV office, ask for a temporary paper license. This is a printed document that proves you have a valid Florida license and can be used to drive for 30 days while your replacement is in the mail. The temporary license is free and takes less than a minute to print. You must carry it with you whenever you drive — it is not valid without your signature on it.

The temporary license is valid only in Florida. If you need to drive out of state before your replacement arrives, you will need to bring your temporary license plus your Social Security card or passport as backup identification.

When your new license arrives

Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided at the DHSMV office. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you applied. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the DHSMV to check the status — your license may have been lost in the mail, or there may have been an error in the address.

Once your new license arrives, destroy your temporary paper license. Your new license is valid for eight years (or until your birthday in the eighth year after issue). Keep it in a safe place — a wallet, a desk drawer, or a safe at home — somewhere you will remember if you need to find it again.

If your license was stolen and you are concerned about fraud

If someone stole your license, consider filing a police report with your local police department or the sheriff's office. This creates an official record that your license was stolen, which can help if someone tries to use it fraudulently or if your identity is misused. You do not need a police report to get a replacement license, but it is a good precaution.

You may also want to place a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. This is free and takes about 15 minutes to set up online.

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 provide proof of identity and address in person, and the office must take a new photo of you. There is no mail-in or online option for replacements.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still replace it at any DHSMV office in Florida. Bring the same documents (proof of identity and proof of Florida address) and follow the same process. Your replacement will be mailed to your Florida address.

Do I need a police report to replace my license?

No. A police report is not required to get a replacement license. However, if your license was stolen and you are worried about fraud, filing a report is a good idea for your own records and protection.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. After 30 days, you must have your permanent replacement license to drive legally in Florida. If your replacement has not arrived by then, contact the DHSMV when ready.

What if I move before my replacement arrives?

Contact the DHSMV as soon as possible with your new address. They can redirect your license to your new address, or you may need to visit an office again to update your address. Call the DHSMV customer service line or visit your local office to report the change.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.