How to Replace a Stolen Driver's License in Florida

What You Need to Do Right Now

If your Florida driver's license has been stolen, you need to report it to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) and then request a replacement. The fastest way is to go in person to your local DHSMV office with proof of identity and residency — you can walk out with a temporary license the same day and receive your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you cannot go in person, you can order a replacement online through the DHSMV website, but this takes longer and you will not get a temporary license.

A stolen license is treated differently from a lost one because someone else now has a document with your name and signature. You should also consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and monitoring your credit report, though this is separate from the license replacement process itself.

Key Takeaways

Report the theft to DHSMV in person or online before ordering a replacement, so the stolen license is flagged in the system.
Bring a current government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or out-of-state license) and proof of Florida residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) to your local DHSMV office.
In-person replacement costs $20 and takes one day for a temporary license plus 7 to 10 business days for the permanent card by mail.
Online replacement through the DHSMV website costs $20 but takes 7 to 10 business days with no temporary license issued.
You do not need a police report to replace a stolen license, but filing one protects you if the stolen license is used fraudulently.

Report the Theft to DHSMV First

Before you order a replacement, you must notify DHSMV that your license was stolen. This flags the document in the system so that if someone tries to use it, DHSMV records will show it as invalid. You can report the theft in person at any DHSMV office, by phone at 1-844-DL-FLORIDA (1-844-353-5746), or online through the DHSMV website under "Report a Lost or Stolen License."

When you report it, have your driver's license number ready if you can remember it, along with your date of birth and Social Security number. DHSMV will deactivate the stolen license when ready. This step takes only a few minutes and must happen before you request the replacement, even though you can do both on the same visit if you go in person.

Gather Your Documents for In-Person Replacement

If you go to a DHSMV office in person, bring the following:

A current government-issued photo ID (U.S. passport, military ID, passport card, or valid driver's license from another state)
Proof of Florida residency dated within the last 12 months (utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address)
Your Social Security number (you will need to provide it; you do not need to bring a card)
Payment of $20 (cash, debit card, or credit card — accepted methods vary by office)

Do not bring the stolen license itself — you no longer have it, and DHSMV does not need it. If you have a temporary license from a previous replacement, bring that as well, though it is not required.

Complete the process at the DHSMV Office

When you arrive at your local DHSMV office, tell the clerk that you are replacing a stolen license. You will fill out Form HSMV 82101 (process for Florida Driver License), which asks for your name, address, date of birth, and other identifying information. The form also has a section where you indicate that the license was stolen rather than lost or damaged.

The clerk will take a new photo and verify your documents. If everything is in order, you will pay the $20 replacement fee and receive a temporary license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and works anywhere a regular license does — you can drive, use it for identification, and present it to law enforcement if stopped.

Your permanent license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you move before it arrives, you can update your address online through the DHSMV website or at another DHSMV office.

Replace Your License Online If You Cannot Go In Person

If you cannot visit a DHSMV office, you can order a replacement online through the DHSMV website. Go to the "Renew or Replace Your License" section, select "Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged License," and follow the prompts. You will need to provide your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Online replacement costs $20 and is charged to a debit or credit card. However, you will not receive a temporary license — your only license will be the permanent one mailed to you, which takes 7 to 10 business days. During this time, you cannot legally drive. If you need to drive before the replacement arrives, you must go in person to a DHSMV office to get a temporary license.

Before ordering online, make sure you have already reported the theft to DHSMV by phone or in person. If you report and order on the same day online, there may be a delay in the system recognizing the theft report.

File a Police Report for Fraud Protection

While not required to replace your license, filing a police report creates a record if the stolen license is used fraudulently. You can file a report with your local police department in person, by phone, or online through their website — most Florida police departments accept online reports for theft.

When you file, provide the date and location where you last had the license, and mention that it has been stolen. Keep a copy of the report number. If someone uses your stolen license to open accounts, get a loan, or commit other fraud, you can reference this report when disputing charges with creditors or credit bureaus.

You should also consider placing a fraud alert with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place an alert by calling any one of the three bureaus, and they will notify the other two.

What to Do While You Wait for Your Replacement

If you got a temporary license in person, you can drive and use it for identification until your permanent license arrives. If you ordered online and have no temporary license, you cannot legally drive. Do not attempt to use an expired license or a license from another state as a substitute.

If your permanent license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact DHSMV by phone at 1-844-DL-FLORIDA to check the status. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready. If the license was lost in the mail, DHSMV can issue a replacement at no additional cost.

Once your permanent license arrives, destroy the temporary license by cutting it in half. Keep your new permanent license in a safe place — a wallet, a find drawer, or a safe at home. Do not leave it in a vehicle or in a location where it can be stolen again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a police report to replace my stolen license?

No. DHSMV does not require a police report to issue a replacement. However, filing a report protects you if the stolen license is used fraudulently, because you will have documentation of when and where the theft occurred. Most Florida police departments accept theft reports online.

Can I get a temporary license if I order my replacement online?

No. Temporary licenses are issued only when you explore in person at a DHSMV office. If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, you must visit an office in person to get a temporary license, even if you have already ordered a replacement online.

How long does it take to get a replacement license in the mail?

DHSMV typically mails permanent licenses within 7 to 10 business days of your process. If you applied in person and received a temporary license, you can drive during this time. If your license does not arrive after 10 business days, contact DHSMV at 1-844-DL-FLORIDA to check the status.

What if someone uses my stolen license before I report it?

Report the fraudulent use to the police department where the incident occurred and to the creditor or agency involved. Provide your police report number and the date you reported the license stolen to DHSMV. You can also place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.

Will my replacement license have a different number?

No. Your replacement license will have the same number as your stolen license. DHSMV does not issue new numbers for replacements — only the physical card is replaced. This is why reporting the theft to DHSMV is important: it ensures the old card is flagged as invalid even though the number stays the same.

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.