You can order a replacement Florida driver's license online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website, but only if your license is still valid and you need it for a lost, stolen, or damaged card
Florida allows you to request a replacement license online at gorenew.com, the state's official renewal and replacement portal. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $25, and the new card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You cannot use this method if your license has expired, if you need to change your address, if you have medical or legal restrictions to update, or if you are explore for your first license or a different class.
If your situation falls outside those boundaries — or if you prefer to handle it in person — you will need to visit a Florida driver's license office instead. The online option exists specifically for straightforward replacements when nothing else on your record has changed.
Key Takeaways
- The online replacement process works only if your current license is valid and you are replacing it because it is lost, stolen, or damaged.
- You order through gorenew.com, pay $25, and receive your new card by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- Address changes, expired licenses, and updates to restrictions or license class require an in-person visit to a driver's license office.
- You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to complete the online order.
What the Online Replacement Process Requires
To order a replacement license online, you need your Social Security number, date of birth, and the driver's license number from your current or most recent license. If you have lost the physical card and do not remember the number, you can look it up on gorenew.com by entering your name and date of birth. You will also need a valid debit or credit card to pay the $25 fee.
The system does not mail a temporary license or provide a replacement number before your new card arrives. If you need to drive before the replacement arrives, you can print a temporary driving permit from gorenew.com when ready after ordering, valid for 30 days. This permit is not an official ID and will not work for purposes like boarding a plane or entering a federal building, but it satisfies law enforcement if you are stopped while driving.
When You Cannot Use the Online Option
The online replacement portal does not work if your license has expired. Florida requires you to renew (not replace) an expired license, which is a different process and also available online through gorenew.com, but it is technically a renewal rather than a replacement. If your license expired more than 6 years ago, you cannot renew it online and must visit a driver's license office in person.
You also cannot use the online replacement if you need to change your mailing address, update your name, add or remove medical restrictions, change your license class (for example, from a standard license to a commercial license), or correct information like your height or eye color. Any of these changes requires an in-person appointment at a Florida driver's license office. The same applies if you are explore for your first license, a duplicate (a second copy of your current valid license), or a license after a suspension or revocation.
How to Order and What Happens Next
Go to gorenew.com and select "Replace License" from the menu. Enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and confirm your current address. Review the information for accuracy — if your address is wrong, stop and visit a driver's license office instead, because the online system will mail your new card to the address on file. Select your reason for replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged), agree to the terms, and pay $25 with a debit or credit card.
After you submit the order, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your current record within 7 to 10 business days. You can print a temporary driving permit when ready if you need to drive before the card arrives. If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639) with your confirmation number.
In-Person Replacement at a Driver's License Office
If you cannot use the online option, you will need to visit a Florida driver's license office. You can make an appointment through gorenew.com by selecting "Make an Appointment" instead of "Replace License." Appointments are usually available within 1 to 3 weeks depending on your location. Bring your Social Security card (or a document showing your number), proof of residency (a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and any documents related to the change you need to make (for example, a marriage certificate if you changed your name).
In-person replacement costs $25, the same as online. You will receive your new license on the spot if you are only replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged card. If you are making other changes, processing time varies but usually takes a few minutes while you wait.
Temporary Permits and Driving Before Your Card Arrives
After you order a replacement online, you can print a temporary driving permit valid for 30 days. This permit is not a government-issued ID and will not work for air travel, entering federal buildings, or other official identification purposes. It is intended only to show law enforcement that you have a valid license on file if you are stopped while driving.
If you are stopped by police and show the temporary permit, the officer can verify your license status in the system. However, some officers may still issue a citation for not carrying your physical license, depending on their interpretation of Florida law. To avoid this risk, carry your Social Security card or another form of ID along with the temporary permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I ordered a replacement online but my address has changed since then?
You cannot change your address through the online replacement system. You must visit a driver's license office in person and request a replacement with an address change. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease. The office will issue a new license with the updated address.
Can I order a replacement if my license is suspended or revoked?
No. The online system will reject your order if your license status is suspended, revoked, or otherwise invalid. You must visit a driver's license office to address the suspension or revocation before you can obtain a replacement. Contact the DHSMV at 1-844-357-3639 to find out why your license is suspended and what steps are required to restore it.
How long does the temporary permit last, and can I use it for work?
The temporary permit is valid for 30 days and is intended only for personal driving. If your job requires you to carry a valid government-issued ID (for example, if you drive for work or work in a find facility), the temporary permit will not satisfy that requirement. You will need your physical license card.
What if the temporary permit does not print correctly?
You can print it again from gorenew.com using your confirmation number. If you continue to have trouble, contact the DHSMV at 1-844-357-3639. They can provide a reference number you can show to law enforcement if you are stopped while driving.
Can I order a replacement for someone else, like a family member?
No. Only the license holder can order a replacement online. A family member or guardian must visit a driver's license office in person and bring the license holder (or legal documentation of guardianship if the holder cannot attend).