How to get a duplicate Florida driver's license

A duplicate driver's license replaces your current license when it is lost, stolen, or damaged. In Florida, you order it through the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) — either online, by mail, or in person at a driver's license office. The process takes about one to two weeks if you order online or by mail, or a few minutes if you go to an office in person. You will pay a fee (currently $20 for a duplicate) and provide proof of your identity and Florida residency.

The fastest route is the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov. You can order a duplicate without leaving home, pay by credit or debit card, and receive it by mail. If your license was stolen, you should also report it to local police and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus — a stolen ID can be misused for identity theft.

Key Takeaways

  • You can order a duplicate online at flhsmv.gov, by mail, or in person at any Florida driver's license office.
  • Online orders cost $20 and arrive by mail in one to two weeks; in-person replacement is when ready but requires a visit to a local office.
  • You will need to prove your identity (such as a passport or birth certificate) and Florida residency (such as a utility bill or lease).
  • If your license was stolen, file a police report and consider a fraud alert with the credit bureaus to protect against identity theft.

Ordering online through the DHSMV website

The DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov) has a section for ordering a duplicate license. You will log in with your Florida driver's license number and date of birth, answer security questions, and confirm your mailing address. The fee is $20, paid by credit or debit card. Once approved, your duplicate is printed and mailed to the address on file — typically arriving within one to two weeks.

Online ordering works if your license is still valid (not expired) or expired less than six months ago. If your license expired more than six months ago, you will need to renew it instead of ordering a duplicate, which involves a vision test and is a different process. Check the expiration date on your current license before you start.

Getting a duplicate in person at a driver's license office

If you need a replacement when ready, visit any Florida driver's license office in person. Bring your current license (if you have it) and one form of ID such as a passport, birth certificate, or military ID. You will fill out an process, pay the $20 fee in cash or card, and receive your new license on the spot — usually within minutes.

No appointment is required, but offices can have long waits, especially early in the morning or on Fridays. You can check wait times for your local office on the DHSMV website before you go. Bring all documents with you; if you are missing required ID, the office will turn you away and you will have to return another day.

Ordering by mail

You can also request a duplicate by mail. read the process form (HSMV 82053) from flhsmv.gov, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order for $20 to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of one form of ID (front and back) and proof of Florida residency. Mail processing takes longer than online — usually two to three weeks from the time DHSMV receives your envelope.

Mail this route only if you do not need the license urgently. The post office can lose mail, and if DHSMV does not receive your documents, your process will be delayed. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.

What to do if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost, take an extra step: file a report with your local police department. You do not need to wait for the police report to order your duplicate, but having a report number on file protects you if someone tries to use your stolen ID. Give the police report number to DHSMV when you order — you can note it in the comments section of the online form or mention it when you visit an office.

Also 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 an alert for free by calling one bureau; they will notify the other two. This is especially important if your stolen license includes your Social Security number.

Proof of identity and residency you will need

Florida requires one form of ID to prove who you are. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, birth certificate, military ID, or foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. If you are ordering online, you will not need to upload these — the system verifies your identity through your license number and security questions. If you are going in person or mailing your request, bring a copy (front and back) of your ID document.

You will also need to prove you live in Florida. Acceptable documents include a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you recently moved and your address on file with DHSMV is outdated, update it first — you can do this online or at a driver's license office.

Fees and payment methods

A duplicate driver's license costs $20 in Florida. Online and in-person orders accept credit cards, debit cards, and cash. Mail-in orders require a check or money order. There are no additional fees or hidden charges — $20 is the full cost.

If you are ordering online and your payment is declined, check that your card details are correct and that your bank has not blocked the transaction. Some banks flag out-of-state government payments as suspicious. Call your bank to confirm the charge is legitimate, then try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order a duplicate if my license is expired?

You can order a duplicate if your license expired less than six months ago. If it expired more than six months ago, you must renew it instead — renewal requires a vision test and a new photo. Check your license expiration date before you start the duplicate process.

What if I lost my license and do not remember my license number?

If you are ordering online, you will need your license number and date of birth to log in. If you do not remember your number, go to a driver's license office in person instead — bring your ID and proof of residency, and staff will look up your information. In-person replacement does not require you to know your license number.

How long does it take to receive a duplicate by mail?

Mail-in duplicates typically arrive within two to three weeks from the date DHSMV receives your envelope. Online orders arrive within one to two weeks. In-person replacements are when ready. If you need the license for a specific date, order online or visit an office in person.

Can I use a duplicate license as a real ID for flying?

A duplicate Florida driver's license is a Real ID-compliant document and can be used for domestic air travel. However, if your original license was not Real ID-compliant, your duplicate will not be either. Check your current license for a gold star in the upper right corner — that indicates Real ID compliance.

What if my address changed since I got my current license?

Update your address with DHSMV before ordering a duplicate. You can change your address online at flhsmv.gov, by mail, or in person at a driver's license office. Your duplicate will be mailed to your updated address. If you do not update it first, the duplicate will go to your old address.