How to Replace Your Florida Driver's License

What you need to do right now

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged 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 residency, pay a replacement fee, and have your photo taken. The whole process takes about 30 minutes. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If your license was stolen, you should also report it to local police and request a report number — some DHSMV offices ask for this.

You cannot replace your license online or by mail. Florida requires you to appear in person so staff can verify your identity and take a new photo. If you cannot reach a DHSMV office easily, you may be able to use a tax collector's office in your county instead — many offer the same service.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a DHSMV office or participating tax collector's office in person with proof of identity and proof of your current Florida address.
The replacement fee is $25 for a standard license, and you pay at the office when you submit your request.
Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you cannot pick it up the same day.
If your license was stolen, bring a police report number or file one at your local police station before you go to DHSMV.
You can find your nearest DHSMV office and check wait times on the Florida DHSMV website before you go.

Documents you need to bring

Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Florida. For identity, the DHSMV accepts a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, a birth certificate, or a Social Security card. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a government check, or a property tax bill — it must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a replacement license, but you will need to bring additional documents. Call your local DHSMV office before you go to confirm what they need.

If your original license was damaged but you still have it, bring it with you. If it was lost or stolen, you do not need it — just bring your identity and residency documents.

Where to go and what to expect

Find your nearest DHSMV office on the Florida DHSMV website by entering your county or city. Most counties have multiple offices. You can also check current wait times on the website before you leave home — some offices are busier than others, and going early in the morning or mid-week usually means a shorter wait.

When you arrive, take a number at the front desk and wait to be called. Tell the staff member that you need to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license. They will check your documents, ask you to confirm your address and other information on your current license, and take a new photo. If anything on your license needs to be updated — your name, address, or other details — tell them now.

You will pay the $25 replacement fee by cash, check, or card, depending on what the office accepts. Ask before you go if you are unsure. After you pay, you are done — your new license will be mailed to your address on file.

Using a tax collector's office instead

Many Florida counties allow you to replace your license at a tax collector's office instead of a DHSMV office. Tax collector offices often have shorter wait times and more convenient hours. You bring the same documents and pay the same $25 fee.

Not all tax collector offices offer this service, so call ahead or check the Florida DHSMV website to see which offices in your county participate. If yours does not, you will need to visit a DHSMV office.

If your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged, you should report it to your local police department. You do not have to do this before you replace it, but having a police report number can be helpful. Some DHSMV offices ask for it, and it protects you if someone tries to use your stolen license.

When you file a police report, ask for a report number or a copy of the report. Bring this with you when you go to replace your license. If you do not have it, the DHSMV office can still replace your license — just explain that it was stolen.

What happens after you pay

After you complete your replacement request at the DHSMV or tax collector office, your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file. This usually takes 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer during busy periods. You will not receive a tracking number or email confirmation — the license straightforward arrives in your mailbox.

If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the DHSMV office. This is valid for 30 days and lets you drive legally while you wait. Ask the staff member about this option when you submit your replacement request.

If your new license does not arrive within two weeks, contact your local DHSMV office to check on it. Bring your receipt from the day you replaced it.

Changing information on your new license

If you need to update your address, name, or other information while you are replacing your license, tell the DHSMV staff member before they take your photo. They can make these changes at the same time, and you will not pay an extra fee — the $25 replacement fee covers updates too.

If you realize after you leave that something on your new license is wrong, you will need to return to the DHSMV office to correct it. Bring your new license and proof of the correct information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online?

No. Florida requires you to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license in person at a DHSMV office or participating tax collector's office. You cannot do it online or by mail.

How much does it cost to replace my license?

The replacement fee is $25. You pay this at the office when you submit your request. Some offices accept cash, check, or card — call ahead if you want to know which payment methods yours takes.

What if I do not have a proof of residency document?

You need one document that shows your name and current Florida address dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a utility bill, lease, or bank statement, ask your DHSMV office what other documents they accept. Some offices may allow you to bring a letter from your landlord or a government agency instead.

Can I get my new license the same day?

No. Your new license is mailed to you and arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, you can request a temporary paper license valid for 30 days at the time you replace it.

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

No, but it is a good idea to file one. A police report protects you if someone tries to use your stolen license. Some DHSMV offices ask for the report number, but you can replace your license without it — just explain that it was stolen.

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.