What you need to do to replace your Florida driver's license

To replace a lost or damaged Florida driver's license, you must visit a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, and pay a replacement fee. The DHSMV does not process replacements by mail or online. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your new plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days in most cases.

The process is straightforward if you have the right documents, but missing even one can delay you. The state requires specific forms of ID and proof of where you live — not just any document will work. Knowing exactly what to bring before you go saves a trip back home.

Key Takeaways

  • You must go to a DHSMV office in person; Florida does not allow mail-in or online replacement of lost or damaged licenses.
  • Bring a valid form of primary ID (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of Social Security number, and proof of current Florida residency.
  • The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license, and you pay at the office when you submit your documents.
  • You receive a temporary paper license when ready after your visit, and your permanent plastic license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was suspended, revoked, or has an active hold, the DHSMV will not issue a replacement until that issue is resolved.

Documents you must bring to a DHSMV office

Florida requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You cannot substitute one for another, and the DHSMV will not accept expired versions of most documents.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate (not a photocopy), a valid military ID, a valid foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa, or a valid Consular Report of Birth Abroad. A photocopy of your birth certificate does not work — it must be certified by the issuing vital records office.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a document from the Social Security Administration. A photocopy of your Social Security card is acceptable.

For proof of residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your current Florida address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a homeowner's insurance policy, a bank or credit card statement, or a government check. A cell phone bill does not count. If you live with someone else and are not on the lease or utility bill, bring a notarized affidavit from the person whose name is on the bill, plus that person's ID.

Where to go and how to find your nearest office

The DHSMV operates driver license offices across Florida. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but wait times vary widely by office and time of day. Some offices are busier than others, and Friday afternoons and the first week of the month tend to draw longer lines.

Find your nearest office and current wait times on the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov. The site shows each office's hours, address, and phone number. You can also call the DHSMV customer service line at 1-844-DL-FLOR1 (1-844-355-3671) to ask about wait times before you go. Some offices allow you to check in online before arriving, which can reduce your time in the office.

If you cannot reach your usual office, any DHSMV driver license office in Florida will process your replacement. You do not have to go to the office in your home county.

The replacement fee and what happens at your visit

The replacement fee for a standard Florida driver's license is $20. You pay this fee at the office when you submit your documents. The DHSMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most locations, but call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods at your specific office.

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and wait to be called. Bring all your documents in one place — do not leave anything in your car. A DHSMV employee will review your documents, take a new photo, and collect your fee. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the counter, though wait times before that can be much longer.

Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license has the same legal status as a plastic license and works for driving, voting, and identification purposes. Your permanent plastic license will arrive at the mailing address on your process within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the DHSMV.

What to do if your license has a suspension, revocation, or hold

If your Florida driver's license was suspended, revoked, or has an active hold — for unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, or other reasons — the DHSMV will not issue a replacement until that issue is cleared. When you arrive at the office, the employee will check your driving record and tell you when ready if there is a block on your license.

If there is a hold, ask the DHSMV employee what agency placed it and what you must do to remove it. Suspensions for unpaid fines go through the court system; holds for child support go through the Department of Revenue; medical suspensions require a doctor's clearance. Each type of hold has a different process to resolve it. The DHSMV cannot remove the hold themselves — you must contact the agency that placed it.

Once the hold is lifted, you can return to any DHSMV office and complete your replacement. You do not need to start over; the DHSMV will have your documents on file.

If your license was damaged rather than lost

If your license is still in your possession but damaged — cracked, faded, or unreadable — bring it with you to the DHSMV office along with your other documents. The employee will take the damaged license and issue a replacement. The process and fee are the same as for a lost license.

If your license is so damaged that the photo or information is no longer visible, the DHSMV may require you to take a new photo. Bring the damaged license anyway; the employee will tell you what is needed when you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license by mail or online?

No. Florida requires you to appear in person at a DHSMV office. You cannot replace a lost or damaged license by mail, online, or through any third-party service. You must bring original documents and have a new photo taken.

How long does the plastic license take to arrive?

The DHSMV states 7 to 10 business days for most cases. If you do not receive your license within two weeks of your office visit, contact the DHSMV at 1-844-355-3671 with your temporary license number. Processing times can vary depending on mail volume and your location within Florida.

What if I moved to Florida from another state and lost my license?

If you are a Florida resident but your license was issued by another state, you must first get a Florida license before you can replace it. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency to a DHSMV office. The fee for a new Florida license is $48. Once you have your Florida license, you can replace it using the process described here.

Do I need to bring my temporary license when I pick up my permanent one?

No. Your permanent license arrives by mail, and you do not need to return the temporary paper license. The temporary license expires 30 days after your office visit, but you can keep it as a record. Once your plastic license arrives, use that for all identification and driving purposes.

What if I never received my replacement license in the mail?

Contact the DHSMV at 1-844-355-3671 with your temporary license number and the date of your office visit. The DHSMV can check the status of your replacement and reissue it if it was lost in the mail. There is no additional fee for a reissue due to mail loss.