Where to surrender your license and what to bring
To surrender your Florida driver's license, you must visit a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office in person. You cannot surrender it by mail, online, or by phone. Bring your current driver's license and a valid form of identification if your license is expired or damaged.
Find your nearest DHSMV office using the office locator on the official Florida DHSMV website. Most counties have multiple locations — choose whichever is most convenient. Walk-in service is available at all offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Key Takeaways
- You must surrender your license in person at a DHSMV office; there is no mail-in or online option.
- Bring your current license and a backup form of ID if your license is expired or damaged.
- The process takes a few minutes once you reach the counter — no fee is charged.
- You will receive a receipt showing the surrender date, which serves as proof if you need it later.
- If you need to drive again in Florida, you must obtain a new license through the standard renewal or process process.
What happens when you surrender your license
When you hand your license to the DHSMV clerk, they will scan it into the system and physically take possession of the card. The surrender is recorded in your driving record when ready. You will receive a receipt dated that day — keep this receipt in case you need proof later that you surrendered the license.
Your driving privileges in Florida end the moment the license is surrendered. You cannot legally drive in Florida after that point. If you are surrendering because you no longer need to drive, this is the end of the process. If circumstances change and you need to drive again, you will have to go through the full process or renewal process as if you were obtaining a license for the first time.
Why people surrender their licenses
Common reasons include moving out of state permanently, aging out of driving, or choosing not to drive anymore. Some people surrender licenses to simplify their identification documents or because they have medical conditions that make driving unsafe.
If you are surrendering because of a suspension or revocation on your record, surrendering the physical card does not clear the suspension or revocation from your driving history. You will still need to resolve the underlying issue with DHSMV before you can obtain a new license. Contact DHSMV directly to understand what steps are required in your specific case.
If you need your license back later
If you surrender your license and later decide you need to drive again, you cannot straightforward reactivate it. You must explore for a new license through the standard process. This means scheduling an appointment or visiting an office, passing the vision test, and paying the license fee.
The good news is that your driving record remains in the system. If you had a clean record before surrender, that history stays with you. If you had violations or suspensions, those remain on your record as well. The DHSMV will not charge you extra for reapplying, but you will pay the standard license fee.
Surrendering a license you have lost or damaged
If your license is lost or stolen, you do not need to surrender it in person — you cannot, because you do not have it. Instead, you can report it lost or stolen to DHSMV by phone, online, or in person, and request a replacement. The lost or stolen license is deactivated in the system.
If your license is damaged but you still have it, you can surrender it in person at an office and request a replacement at the same time. The clerk will take the damaged card and issue you a new one on the spot. There is a fee for the replacement, which varies depending on how long your current license is valid.
What to expect at the DHSMV office
Arrive with your license and backup ID ready. Check in at the front desk or use the kiosk if your office has one. Wait for your number to be called. When you reach the counter, tell the clerk you want to surrender your license. Hand over your license and any required ID. The clerk will process the surrender in the system, take your card, and print a receipt.
The entire transaction usually takes fewer than five minutes at the counter. Bring your receipt home with you. If you ever need proof that you surrendered your license — for insurance purposes, for example — you have that dated receipt and your driving record will show the surrender date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I surrender my license by mail?
No. Florida requires you to surrender your license in person at a DHSMV office. You cannot mail it in or use any other method. If you have moved out of state and cannot return to Florida, contact DHSMV to discuss your options — they may be able to process a surrender request in writing in limited circumstances, but this is rare.
Do I have to pay a fee to surrender my license?
No. Surrendering your license is free. You do not pay anything. If you later decide you need a new license, you will pay the standard license fee at that time.
What if I have an active suspension or revocation on my license?
You can still surrender the physical card in person. However, surrendering it does not remove the suspension or revocation from your record. You will need to contact DHSMV to find out what steps are required to clear the suspension or revocation before you can obtain a new license in the future.
Will surrendering my license affect my car insurance?
Notify your insurance company that you have surrendered your license and no longer have driving coverage. They may lower your premium or cancel your policy. The specifics depend on your insurance company's rules and your policy type.
Can someone else surrender my license for me?
No. You must surrender your license in person. The DHSMV will not accept a surrendered license from anyone but the license holder. If you are unable to visit an office due to disability or other hardship, contact your local DHSMV office to ask about accommodations or alternative options.