You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Florida driver license online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (HSMV) website, but only if your license is not suspended or revoked.
The online replacement process takes about 10 minutes and costs $20. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card). Florida mails your replacement license to the address on file, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired more than 6 years ago, you cannot use the online option. You will need to visit a Florida driver license office in person instead. The same applies if you need to change your address, name, or other information on the license itself — the online replacement only duplicates your current license exactly as it exists in the system.
Key Takeaways
- Online replacement costs $20 and works only if your license is valid and not suspended or revoked.
- You need your Social Security number, date of birth, and a credit or debit card to complete the online order.
- Florida mails the replacement to your address on file, arriving in about 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license is suspended, expired more than 6 years, or you need to change information, you must visit a driver license office in person.
- You can check your license status on the HSMV website before attempting to order online.
What You Need Before You Start
Gather these items before you go to the HSMV website to order your replacement:
- Your Social Security number
- Your date of birth
- Your current Florida driver license number (if you have it; the system can look it up by name and date of birth if you don't)
- A credit or debit card for the $20 fee
- The mailing address where you want the license sent (it will go to the address currently in the HSMV system unless you update it first)
If your address has changed since your license was issued, you will need to update it in the HSMV system before ordering. You can do this on the same website, but it is a separate step from the replacement order.
Step-by-Step: Ordering Your Replacement Online
Go to the Florida HSMV website and look for the "Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged License" option under driver license services. You will be taken to a form that asks for your personal information.
Enter your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will pull up your current license record. Review the information on screen to confirm it matches your records — especially your address, since that is where your replacement will be mailed.
If the address is wrong, stop and update it first through the address change option on the HSMV website. Once your address is correct, return to the replacement order and continue.
Confirm that you are replacing the license because it is lost, stolen, or damaged (not because you want to change your name, address, or other information). Select your payment method and enter your card details. The $20 fee will be charged when ready. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email — save both.
How Long the Replacement Takes
After you order online, Florida HSMV processes the request within 1 to 2 business days. Your replacement license is then printed and mailed to the address on file.
Standard mail delivery takes 5 to 7 business days from the time it ships, so the total time from order to arrival is usually 7 to 10 business days. This can vary depending on mail volume and your location within Florida.
You can track your order using the confirmation number you received. The HSMV website has a tracking tool where you can check the status of your replacement license.
When You Cannot Order Online
The online replacement option is not available if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired more than 6 years ago. You will see an error message on the HSMV website telling you to visit a driver license office instead.
You also cannot use the online option if you need to make changes to the information on your license — such as your name, address, or correcting an error. In those cases, you must go to a driver license office in person with proof of the change (marriage certificate, court order, etc.) and your current license or ID.
If you are unsure whether your license is suspended or revoked, you can check your status on the HSMV website before attempting to order. This takes less than a minute and will tell you whether online replacement is an option for you.
What Happens If Your License Was Stolen
If your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged, you may want to consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to protect yourself against identity theft. This is not required to order your replacement license, but it is a recommended step if you are concerned about misuse.
When you order your replacement online, you are straightforward telling HSMV that your current license is no longer valid. The old license number will be deactivated once your replacement arrives and is activated in the system. You do not need to report the theft to police to order a replacement, though you may want to do so for your own records if the theft was part of a larger incident.
What to Do While You Wait
While your replacement license is in the mail, you can use your confirmation email as proof that you have ordered a replacement. Some businesses and government offices will accept this as temporary proof of identity, though it is not an official document.
If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can print a temporary driving permit from the HSMV website using your confirmation number. This permit is valid for 30 days and can be used as proof of your right to drive during that time.
If you need an ID for non-driving purposes (banking, voting, air travel), you will need to obtain a separate state ID card or use another form of identification. The replacement driver license will not arrive in time for most urgent needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a replacement if my license expired?
Only if it expired less than 6 years ago. If your license has been expired for 6 years or longer, you cannot order a replacement online — you must renew your license in person at a driver license office. Renewal is different from replacement and requires a new photo and vision test.
What if I enter the wrong information and the system cannot find my license?
Double-check your Social Security number and date of birth — these are the most common entry errors. If the system still cannot find your record, call the HSMV customer service line or visit a driver license office in person. They can look up your license by name and address if needed.
Can I have the replacement mailed to a different address than the one on file?
Not through the online replacement process. The license will be mailed to the address currently in the HSMV system. If you need it sent elsewhere, update your address on the HSMV website first, then place your replacement order. Be aware that changing your address in the system will also change it on your replacement license.
Do I need to return the old license if I find it after ordering a replacement?
No. Once you order a replacement, the old license is deactivated in the system. If you find it later, you can straightforward destroy it or keep it as a record. You do not need to mail it back to HSMV.
What if my replacement license arrives damaged or with errors?
Contact the HSMV customer service line with your confirmation number and a description of the problem. They can issue a corrected replacement at no additional charge if the error was made by HSMV. If the damage occurred during shipping, they may ask you to return the damaged license before sending a new one.