Get a replacement license from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Florida driver's license through the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). The process takes about 7 to 10 business days by mail, or you can walk into a local driver's license office and leave with a temporary license the same day. You'll need to bring proof of identity, proof of Florida residency, and pay a replacement fee — currently $25 for a standard license.

The fastest route is an in-person visit to a driver's license office. You'll complete form HSMV 80039, show your documents, have your photo taken, and receive a temporary license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you. If you can't visit an office, you can mail in your process, but you won't have a valid license until the replacement arrives.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace your license in person at any Florida driver's license office and leave with a temporary license the same day.
  • By mail, the process takes 7 to 10 business days, and you'll need to mail form HSMV 80039 with proof of identity and residency to the DHSMV.
  • The replacement fee is $25 for a standard driver's license, payable by cash, check, or card at an office or by check if mailing.
  • You must bring an original or certified copy of a document proving your identity, such as a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card.
  • Proof of Florida residency requires a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail showing your current address.

What documents you need to bring

Florida requires two categories of proof: identity and residency. For identity, bring an original or certified copy of one of these: a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, Social Security card, military ID, or a previous Florida ID card. If your passport or birth certificate is not certified, the office can often verify it on the spot, but calling ahead to confirm is safer.

For residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your current Florida address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease or mortgage statement, a government check or tax document, insurance paperwork, or a bank statement. The name on the residency document should match the name on your identity document, though the DHSMV can sometimes work around minor mismatches if you bring a marriage certificate or court order explaining the difference.

If you're mailing your process instead of visiting an office, send copies of these documents, not originals. The DHSMV will not return them.

In-person replacement at a driver's license office

Find your nearest office on the DHSMV website by entering your county or ZIP code. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Wait times vary widely — some offices have walk-in lines of 30 minutes, others an hour or more. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits.

When you arrive, take a number at the front desk. Bring your identity and residency documents, your $25 fee, and be ready to answer questions about your address and any name changes. The staff will have you complete form HSMV 80039 if you haven't already, take a new photo, and process your payment. You'll receive a temporary license printed on the spot, valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If you need your license for a specific reason — travel, a job, a court date — tell the staff when you arrive. Some offices can expedite processing or provide additional documentation if you explain the urgency, though this varies by location.

Mailing your replacement process

read form HSMV 80039 from the DHSMV website or request it by phone at 850-617-2000. Fill it out completely, including your driver's license number if you remember it. Make copies of your identity and residency documents — do not send originals. Include a check or money order for $25 payable to "DHSMV." Do not send cash through the mail.

Mail the completed form and documents to the address listed on the form, which varies by county. The DHSMV processes mail applications in the order received. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after they receive your envelope, though mail delivery itself can add several days on each end. You will not have a valid license during this time, so this route is only practical if you don't need to drive before your replacement arrives.

Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records. If your replacement doesn't arrive within two weeks of mailing, call the DHSMV to confirm they received your process.

Replacement fees and payment methods

The standard replacement fee is $25 for a regular driver's license. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license (required for domestic air travel and federal building access as of May 2025), the fee is $28. At a driver's license office, you can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card. If mailing, send a check or money order only — the DHSMV does not accept card payments by mail.

Some counties offer online payment options through their local DHSMV office website, though this is not available statewide. Check your county's office page to see if you can pay in advance and skip the payment step when you visit in person.

What happens if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost, the process is the same, but you may want to take an extra step. Contact the DHSMV to report the theft — this creates a record that can help if someone tries to use your license fraudulently. You can report it by phone at 850-617-2000 or in person at any driver's license office.

If you're concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and monitor your credit report for unauthorized accounts. This is separate from replacing your license but protects you if the thief tries to open accounts in your name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license if my address has changed since my last license?

Yes. Bring proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or recent government mail dated within 60 days). The DHSMV will update your address during replacement. You do not need to renew your license early — replacement and address change happen together.

What if I don't have my driver's license number?

You don't need it to replace your license. The DHSMV can look up your record using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. If you're mailing your process, leave the license number field blank and provide your Social Security number instead.

How long is a temporary license valid?

A temporary license issued in person is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within that window. If it doesn't, contact the DHSMV when ready — delays are rare but do happen, and they can reissue or investigate.

Can I replace my license if it's damaged but not lost?

Yes, the process is identical. Bring the damaged license with you to an office, or mail it with your process. The DHSMV will destroy it and issue a replacement. You still pay the $25 fee.

What if I moved out of Florida — do I need a Florida license anymore?

No. If you've moved to another state, you should obtain a license from that state instead. You can surrender your Florida license to any driver's license office or straightforward let it expire. Do not attempt to renew a Florida license if you no longer live in the state.