Report the theft to Florida and the police before you order a replacement

If your Florida driver's license has been stolen, you need to do two things at once: report it to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) and file a police report. The police report creates a record that protects you if someone uses your stolen license for fraud or identity theft. DHSMV needs the report so they can flag your license number in their system and prevent someone else from using it to get a duplicate.

File the police report first, either online through your local police department's website or in person at the station. You will need the report number when you contact DHSMV. Keep the police report number and a copy of the report — you may need it later if fraudulent activity occurs.

Contact DHSMV by phone at 1-844-DL-FLORIDA (1-844-353-5627) to report the theft. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and the police report number ready. DHSMV will place a theft flag on your license record when ready, which takes effect right away.

Key Takeaways

  • File a police report with your local police department before contacting DHSMV, and keep the report number for your records.
  • Call DHSMV at 1-844-353-5627 to report the theft and have them flag your license number in their system.
  • Order a replacement license through DHSMV by mail, online, or in person at a local driver license office.
  • A replacement stolen license costs $20 in Florida and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days if ordered by mail.
  • Monitor your credit and financial accounts for fraudulent activity, and consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus.

Order your replacement license through DHSMV

Once you have reported the theft to DHSMV, you can order a replacement license. You have three options: by mail, online through the DHSMV website, or in person at a local driver license office.

To order by mail, complete Form HSMV 82053 (process for Duplicate Driver License or Identification Card) and mail it to the DHSMV address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $20 (the replacement fee for a stolen license). Mail processing takes 7 to 10 business days after DHSMV receives your form.

To order online, visit the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov, select "Duplicate License," and follow the prompts. You will pay the $20 fee by credit or debit card. Online orders are processed faster than mail orders — typically 5 to 7 business days.

To order in person, visit your nearest driver license office with a valid form of identification (passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card). Bring the $20 fee in cash or card. In-person replacement is the fastest option and you may receive a temporary license on the spot.

What documents and ID you need to bring

If you are ordering your replacement in person, bring one of these forms of identification: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a Social Security card, a military ID, or a state ID card from another state. You will also need to bring proof of your Florida residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

If you are ordering by mail or online, you do not need to submit physical documents. DHSMV will verify your identity using information already in their system. However, if DHSMV cannot verify your identity electronically, they will contact you and ask you to provide documents in person or by mail.

If your address has changed since your last license was issued, bring proof of your new address. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

Protect yourself from identity theft after the theft

A stolen driver's license is a tool for identity theft because it contains your name, date of birth, address, and license number. Take steps to monitor your accounts and limit the damage if someone tries to use your information.

Place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place a fraud alert by calling one bureau and they will notify the other two. The alert lasts one year and is free.

Check your credit reports at annualcreditreport.com (the official site run by the three bureaus) to look for accounts or inquiries you do not recognize. You are may have access to to one free credit report from each bureau every 12 months. If you see fraudulent activity, dispute it with the bureau and the creditor.

Monitor your bank and credit card accounts for unauthorized charges. Set up account alerts through your bank's app or website so you are notified of large purchases or withdrawals. If you see fraud, contact your bank or credit card company when ready.

Timeline for receiving your replacement license

The speed of your replacement depends on how you order it. If you order in person at a driver license office, you may walk out with a temporary license the same day and receive your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you order online, expect 5 to 7 business days. If you order by mail, expect 7 to 10 business days after DHSMV receives your form.

Your temporary license (if issued in person) is valid for 30 days and can be used for identification and driving. Your permanent replacement license will be mailed to the address on file with DHSMV. If you have moved and updated your address, make sure DHSMV has your current mailing address before you order.

If more than 10 business days pass and you have not received your replacement license, contact DHSMV at 1-844-353-5627 to check the status of your order. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready.

What if your stolen license is used fraudulently

If you discover that someone has used your stolen license to get a ticket, open an account, or commit another crime, report it to DHSMV and the police when ready. Bring documentation of the fraudulent use (a ticket, account statement, or police report) to your local driver license office or police station.

DHSMV can issue you a new license number if fraud has occurred, which separates your identity from the stolen license. This is different from a straightforward replacement — it creates a new record in the system. Contact DHSMV to ask whether a new license number is necessary in your situation.

If someone used your stolen license to get a traffic ticket or commit a crime, you may need to appear in court or provide a statement to clear your record. Keep copies of your police report and any correspondence with DHSMV to show that the license was stolen and you reported it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while I wait for my replacement license?

If you received a temporary license in person at a driver license office, yes — it is valid for 30 days. If you ordered by mail or online, you cannot drive legally until your permanent replacement arrives. Contact DHSMV to ask about getting a temporary license by mail if you need to drive before your replacement arrives.

Do I have to pay the $20 replacement fee if my license was stolen?

Yes. Florida charges $20 for a duplicate or replacement license regardless of the reason. There is no waiver for theft. The fee is the same whether you order in person, online, or by mail.

What if I find my stolen license after I order a replacement?

Destroy it or turn it in to a driver license office. Do not use it — DHSMV has already flagged it as stolen and it is no longer valid. Once your replacement arrives, use only the new license.

Will the theft of my license affect my driving record or insurance?

No. The theft itself does not affect your driving record or insurance rates. However, if someone used your stolen license to get a traffic ticket or commit a traffic violation, that violation may appear on your record. Report any fraudulent tickets to the court and provide proof that your license was stolen.

How long does the theft flag stay on my license?

The theft flag remains in DHSMV's system indefinitely. It does not expire. If you later discover fraudulent use of your stolen license, the flag helps prove you reported it stolen and did not commit the violation yourself.