Get a replacement license by visiting your local Florida DMV office with proof of identity and residency
To replace a lost Florida driver's license, you need to go to a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office in person with a valid ID and proof of your current address. You'll fill out form HSMV 80039, pay the replacement fee (currently $25 for a standard license), and have your photo taken. The office will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot, and your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
You cannot replace your license online or by mail in Florida, even if you lost it. The state requires an in-person visit to verify your identity and take a new photo. If you cannot reach a DMV office easily, some tax collectors' offices in Florida counties also issue replacements — check your county's website to see if yours does.
Key Takeaways
- Bring a valid government-issued ID (passport, military ID, or birth certificate with another form of ID) and proof of your Florida address, such as a utility bill or lease.
- Fill out form HSMV 80039 at the DMV office; staff can help you if you need it.
- Pay the $25 replacement fee by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the time of your visit.
- You receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent plastic license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- Some Florida county tax collectors' offices process replacements; call ahead to confirm your location offers this service.
What documents you need to bring
Florida requires two types of documents: one for identity and one for your current address. For identity, bring a valid government-issued photo ID such as a U.S. passport, military ID, or state ID from another state. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate plus a second document like a Social Security card or school ID.
For proof of address, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current Florida street address. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, insurance documents, or bank statements all work. A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of residency. If you recently moved and do not have a document in your new name yet, bring your lease or a signed statement from your landlord on their letterhead.
Where to find your nearest DMV office
Florida has DHSMV offices in every county. Visit the official Florida DMV website (flhsmv.gov) and use the office locator tool to find the one nearest you, along with hours and whether appointments are available. Many offices now use an online appointment system — you can book a time slot in advance, which typically reduces your wait time from 30 minutes to an hour or more.
If your county has a tax collector's office that processes driver's licenses, you may be able to go there instead of the DMV. Not all counties offer this, so call your county tax collector's office first to confirm they handle replacements. The process and fees are the same whether you go to the DMV or a tax collector's office.
What happens during your visit
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and let staff know you need a replacement license. They will give you form HSMV 80039 to complete. The form asks for your name, date of birth, address, and the reason your license is missing (lost, stolen, or damaged). If you need help filling it out, DMV staff can information you.
After you submit the form and your documents, you will go to a photo station where staff take a new photo for your license. Then you pay the $25 fee at the cashier. Before you leave, the office gives you a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as your plastic card — you can drive with it, use it as ID, and show it to police if stopped. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Fees and payment methods
The replacement fee for a standard Florida driver's license is $25. This fee applies whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. Florida DMV offices and tax collector's offices accept cash, personal checks, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may have limits on check amounts or require a driver's license to process a credit card, so bring multiple payment methods if possible.
If you are replacing a license that was damaged in a natural disaster, contact your local DMV office to ask about fee waivers. Some counties have temporarily waived replacement fees after hurricanes or other emergencies, though this is not automatic and depends on the disaster declaration.
Your temporary license and when your permanent card arrives
The temporary paper license you receive at the DMV is valid for 30 days and serves as a legal driver's license during that time. You can drive, work, travel within Florida, and use it as ID at banks or stores. It is not valid for air travel or crossing state lines, but it works for all in-state driving and identification needs.
Your permanent plastic license is mailed to the address you provided at the DMV. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days, though it can occasionally take longer if mail is delayed. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-HELP1 (1-844-354-3571) to check the status. Once your plastic card arrives, the temporary paper license is no longer valid, though you should keep it until the plastic card is in hand.
If your license was stolen and you suspect fraud
If your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, consider reporting it to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement or your local police department. This creates a record in case someone tries to use your license fraudulently. You do not need a police report to get a replacement, but having one on file can protect you if the stolen license is used for identity theft.
When you go to the DMV, tell the staff that your license was stolen. They will note this in your file. If you are concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting one of them — they will notify the others automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement license the same day I report it lost?
Yes. You receive a temporary paper license when ready when you complete your visit to the DMV or tax collector's office. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and works for all driving and identification purposes within Florida. Your permanent plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?
You can bring other documents that prove your identity, such as a military ID, state ID from another state, or a school or work ID. If you have none of these, contact your local DHSMV office to ask what alternative documents they accept. You may need to obtain a birth certificate from the vital records office in the state where you were born.
Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?
Many Florida DMV offices now require or strongly recommend appointments, especially after COVID-19. Check the office locator on flhsmv.gov to see if your location uses appointments. Walk-ins are usually accepted, but you may wait longer. Booking an appointment online typically takes 5 minutes and can save you 30 minutes or more at the office.
What if I moved to Florida recently and do not have a utility bill in my name yet?
Bring your lease agreement or mortgage statement, which both show your name and address. If you do not have either, ask your landlord or property manager to write a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your address and move-in date. The DMV will accept this as proof of residency.
Can I replace my license if it is suspended or revoked?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you must resolve the suspension or revocation first. This typically means paying outstanding fines, completing a required course, or meeting other conditions set by the court or DMV. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can then replace your lost license. Contact the DHSMV at 1-844-354-3571 to check your license status.