The fastest way to replace your Florida license
You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Florida driver's license in person at any Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office, or online through the Florida DHSMV website if your license was lost or damaged (not stolen). The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and you leave with a temporary paper license the same day. The online route takes 7 to 10 business days for delivery.
If your license was stolen, you must report it to a local police department first and get a report number — the DHSMV will ask for this. You cannot replace a stolen license online.
The cost is $25 for a replacement license, whether you go in person or online. You will need to bring your Social Security number, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and a valid form of ID.
Key Takeaways
- You can replace a lost or damaged license online through the Florida DHSMV website in 7 to 10 business days, or in person at any DHSMV office in about 30 minutes.
- A stolen license requires a police report number and must be replaced in person — the online option is not available for theft.
- Bring proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement), a valid ID, and your Social Security number to any DHSMV office.
- The replacement fee is $25, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready if you go in person.
- Your new license will have the same expiration date as your original license unless you renew it at the same time.
Replacing your license online through the DHSMV website
The online replacement process is available only for lost or damaged licenses. Go to the official Florida DHSMV website, select "Replace a License," and follow the prompts. You will need to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will also need to upload a photo of yourself and pay the $25 fee with a credit or debit card.
After you submit your process online, the DHSMV will mail your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. While you wait, you can print a temporary license from the website when ready after your process is approved — this temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used as proof of your driver's license status.
If your address has changed since your last license was issued, update it on the DHSMV website before you explore for the replacement. You will need to provide proof of your new address during the online process.
Replacing your license in person at a DHSMV office
Visit any DHSMV office in Florida with your required documents. You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Early morning visits (right when the office opens) and weekday visits typically have shorter lines than afternoons or Saturdays.
Bring the following: a valid form of ID (passport, military ID, or state ID), proof of your current address dated within 60 days (utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement), your Social Security number, and the $25 replacement fee in cash or card. If your license was stolen, bring your police report number as well.
When you arrive, take a number from the ticket machine and wait to be called. Tell the clerk you need to replace your license. They will verify your information, take a new photo (unless you provide one), and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days.
What to do if your license was stolen
Report the theft to your local police department and request a police report number. You will need this number to replace your license. The police report does not have to be filed in the city where you live — you can file it anywhere in Florida.
Once you have the report number, you must replace your license in person at a DHSMV office. Bring the police report number along with your other required documents. Some DHSMV offices can flag your stolen license in the system to prevent fraud, though this happens automatically in most cases.
If you are concerned about identity theft beyond the lost license, you may also want to place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). This is a separate step from replacing your license but can help protect you if someone tries to open accounts in your name.
Finding a DHSMV office near you
Use the DHSMV office locator on the official Florida DHSMV website to find the nearest office, hours of operation, and current wait times. Some larger cities have multiple offices. Smaller towns may have one office serving a wider area.
Many DHSMV offices are located inside tax collector's offices or in dedicated DHSMV buildings. Hours vary by location — most are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some offer limited Saturday hours. Call ahead if you want to confirm hours before you visit.
Your temporary license and what it covers
If you replace your license in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and serves as proof that you are a licensed driver. You can use it to drive, but some businesses (banks, bars, or rental car companies) may not accept it as a form of ID because it is not a physical card.
If you replace your license online, you can print a temporary license from the DHSMV website after your process is approved. This temporary license is also valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail during this time.
Do not discard your temporary license until your permanent license arrives. If your permanent license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DHSMV to check the status of your order.
Renewing your license at the same time as replacing it
If your license is expiring soon or has already expired, you can renew it at the same time you replace it. This costs an additional $48 (the renewal fee) on top of the $25 replacement fee, for a total of $73. You will need to pass a vision test if you renew in person.
If you replace your license without renewing it, your new license will have the same expiration date as your original license. You can renew later when that date approaches.
If you are replacing an expired license and do not renew at the same time, you will need to renew separately before you can legally drive again. Renewing an expired license requires a vision test and must be done in person or through the DHSMV online renewal system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if it is expired?
Yes, you can replace an expired license. The replacement process is the same whether your license is current or expired. However, if you want to drive legally, you will also need to renew your license at the same time or separately before you get back on the road.
What if I do not have proof of my current address?
You must provide proof of your current address dated within 60 days. If you do not have a utility bill, lease, or bank statement, contact the DHSMV office before you visit to ask about alternative documents they may accept, such as a mortgage statement or government mail.
How long does it take to get my new license if I go in person?
You receive a temporary paper license when ready when you visit a DHSMV office. Your permanent license is mailed to your address and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within that timeframe, contact the DHSMV to check the status.
Can I replace my license online if it was stolen?
No, stolen licenses must be replaced in person at a DHSMV office. You will need to bring a police report number documenting the theft. Lost or damaged licenses can be replaced online.
What if my name has changed since my license was issued?
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you will need to provide legal documentation of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your replacement process. You can do this in person at a DHSMV office or contact the DHSMV website to ask about the online process for name changes.