How to Replace a Lost Driver License in Florida

What to do when ready after losing your Florida driver license

If you have lost your Florida driver license, you have two paths: report it to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) and request a replacement, or do nothing and wait to renew at your next scheduled renewal date. Most people choose replacement because a lost license can be used for identity theft, and you need a valid ID to drive legally.

You do not have to report the loss to police unless you suspect theft or fraud. However, if someone uses your lost license to get a ticket or commit a crime, reporting the loss to DHSMV creates a record that protects you. You can report a lost license by phone, online, or in person at a Florida DMV office.

The fastest route is the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov. You can request a replacement license online without visiting an office, and it will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need an ID when ready — for work, travel, or to drive — you can get a temporary paper license the same day at a DMV office.

Key Takeaways

You can request a replacement license online at flhsmv.gov, by phone at 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639), or in person at any Florida DMV office.
A replacement license costs $25 and arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; a temporary paper license costs $5 and is issued the same day at a DMV office.
You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and the address on your lost license to request a replacement online or by phone.
If you suspect your lost license was stolen or used fraudulently, report it to DHSMV and consider placing a fraud alert with the three credit bureaus.

Replacing your license online or by phone

The online method is the simplest if you do not need to drive before your replacement arrives. Go to flhsmv.gov, select "Replace a Lost or Stolen License," and enter your driver license number, Social Security number, date of birth, and the address on your lost license. You will pay the $25 replacement fee by credit or debit card. DHSMV will mail your new license to the address on file.

If you do not have your license number, call 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639) and a representative can look it up using your name and date of birth. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. You can complete the entire replacement request over the phone and pay by card.

Both methods take 7 to 10 business days for delivery. DHSMV will send your new license to the mailing address on file with your old license. If you have moved since your last renewal and did not update your address, your replacement will go to your old address. You can update your address online at flhsmv.gov before requesting the replacement, or you can do it in person at a DMV office.

Getting a temporary license the same day at a DMV office

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, visit any Florida DMV office and request a temporary paper license. The temporary license is valid for 30 days and costs $5. You will receive it when ready, printed on the spot. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, a birth certificate or passport, and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).

You do not need to bring your lost license. The DMV officer will look up your record using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. If your record is found, you can request the temporary license on the same visit. The temporary license has the same legal weight as a regular license for driving purposes.

To find the DMV office nearest you, use the office locator at flhsmv.gov or call 1-844-DL-RENEW. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require an appointment. Check the office's hours before you go; most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some open on Saturday mornings.

Documents you need to bring to a DMV office

If you are getting a temporary license or renewing in person, bring the following documents:

Proof of identity: a valid passport, birth certificate, or state ID.
Proof of Social Security number: a Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form.
Proof of current address: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.
Your old license, if you still have it (not required, but speeds up the process).

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian and their ID.

Fees and what they cover

A replacement license costs $25 and is valid for eight years (or until your current license would have expired, whichever comes first). A temporary paper license costs $5 and is valid for 30 days. If you lose your replacement license before it expires, you can request another replacement for $25.

The $25 fee covers the cost of producing and mailing the new license. There are no additional processing fees or rush fees. If you pay online or by phone, DHSMV accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.

If you are a Florida resident and your license has expired, you cannot use the replacement process; you must renew instead. A renewal costs $48 for an eight-year license and can be done online, by mail, or in person.

Protecting yourself if your license was stolen

If you believe your lost license was stolen or used fraudulently, take these steps in addition to requesting a replacement. First, contact the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — and place a fraud alert on your credit file. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place a fraud alert for free by calling one bureau; they will notify the other two.

Second, monitor your credit report for unauthorized accounts or inquiries. You can view your credit report for free once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If you see fraudulent activity, dispute it with the bureau and the creditor.

Third, consider placing a credit freeze, which prevents creditors from accessing your credit report without your permission. A freeze is stronger than a fraud alert but takes longer to lift if you need credit. Freezes are free in Florida.

You do not need to file a police report unless you suspect identity theft or criminal use of your license. However, if someone uses your lost license to get a traffic ticket, you can contact the court handling the case and provide DHSMV with a copy of your replacement request to show you reported the loss.

What happens if you drive without a valid license

Driving without a valid license in Florida is a traffic violation. If you are stopped by police and cannot show a valid license, you can be cited. However, if you have a temporary paper license or can show proof that you requested a replacement (such as a confirmation email from DHSMV), you may not be cited. Keep your temporary license or confirmation email with you while you wait for your replacement to arrive.

If your replacement license arrives and you still have not received it after 10 business days, contact DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW to confirm the mailing address and request a trace. If the license was lost in the mail, DHSMV can issue a second replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request a replacement license if my license has expired?

No. If your license has expired, you must renew it instead of replacing it. A renewal costs $48 for an eight-year license and can be done online, by mail, or in person. If your license is still valid (not expired) but lost, you can request a replacement for $25.

How long does a temporary paper license last?

A temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. You can use it to drive legally during that time. When your replacement license arrives by mail, the temporary license becomes invalid and you should destroy it.

What if my replacement license arrives at my old address because I moved?

Update your address at flhsmv.gov before requesting the replacement, and your new license will be mailed to your current address. If your replacement was already mailed to your old address, contact the new resident or your mail forwarding service to retrieve it. If you cannot retrieve it, request a second replacement and make sure your address is updated first.

Can I get a replacement license if I am not a Florida resident?

No. You can only request a replacement Florida license if you are a Florida resident. If you have moved out of state, you must obtain a license from your new state of residence.

Do I need to take a new photo for a replacement license?

No. A replacement license uses the photo from your lost license. If you want a new photo, you must renew your license instead, which costs $48 and requires an in-person visit to a DMV office.

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.