The cost of a duplicate Florida driver's license

A duplicate Florida driver's license costs $20 as of the most recent fee schedule. This is the standard fee the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles charges when you need an exact copy of your current license — same photo, same information, no changes.

The $20 fee covers the card itself and the processing. You pay this amount whether you order by mail, in person at a driver license office, or through an authorized third-party vendor. Some vendors may add a small convenience fee on top, so if you use a third party, ask about their total cost before you proceed.

If your duplicate license arrives damaged or defective, Florida will replace it at no additional charge. You would need to return the damaged card and request a replacement, but you should not pay twice.

Key Takeaways

  • A duplicate Florida driver's license costs $20 and takes the same information from your current license without any changes.
  • You can order a duplicate by mail, at a driver license office in person, or through an authorized vendor, though some vendors charge an extra fee.
  • Processing time is typically five to seven business days by mail or one to two hours in person at an office.
  • You need your current valid Florida driver's license or ID card to request a duplicate.

How to order a duplicate by mail

To order by mail, you fill out Form HSMV 80051 (process for Duplicate Driver License or ID Card) and mail it with your $20 payment to the address listed on the form. You also include your current valid Florida driver's license or ID card in the envelope.

The form is available on the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website. You can print it, fill it out by hand, and mail the whole package. Processing takes about five to seven business days from the time the office receives your envelope, not from the time you mail it, so add a few days for postal delivery on both ends.

Pay by check or money order made out to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Do not send cash through the mail. Once your duplicate arrives, your old license is still valid — you now have two cards with the same number.

Getting a duplicate in person at a driver license office

Walk into any Florida driver license office with your current valid license, complete the process form on site, pay $20, and you can often leave with your duplicate the same day or within one to two hours. The office staff will take a new photo for the duplicate card, so you do not need to bring a photo.

To find the office nearest you, use the office locator on the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website. Hours vary by location, and some offices are busier than others, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday morning usually means a shorter wait.

Bring your current valid Florida driver's license or ID card. If you have moved since your last license was issued, bring proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works.

Using an authorized third-party vendor

Florida allows certain businesses — usually tax collectors' offices and some private vendors — to issue duplicate driver licenses on behalf of the state. These vendors charge the $20 state fee plus their own service fee, which varies. Some charge $5 to $10 extra; others charge more.

The advantage is convenience: many vendors have longer hours or more locations than state driver license offices. The disadvantage is the extra cost and the fact that you are paying a middleman. Call ahead to confirm the vendor's total fee, hours, and whether they have the card in stock or need to order it.

You still bring your current valid license and proof of address if you have moved. Processing time at a vendor is usually the same as at a state office — same day or within a few hours.

What to bring and what happens next

Bring your current valid Florida driver's license or ID card. If you have moved since your license was issued, bring proof of your current address dated within the last 60 days — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. If your address on your license is current, you do not need the second document.

The duplicate will have the same address, photo, and information as your current license. It will have a new card number. Both cards are valid and can be used for identification. You do not need to turn in your old license unless you want to.

If you ordered by mail and your duplicate does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to check the status. Keep your receipt or confirmation number if you have one.

When you might need a duplicate instead of a replacement

A duplicate is the right choice if your current license is still valid and you straightforward need a second card — for example, if you lost one but still have the other, or if you want a backup. A duplicate costs $20 and keeps your current information exactly as it is.

A replacement is different: you get a replacement when your license is damaged, when you need to update your information (address, name, or photo), or when your license has expired. A replacement usually costs more and requires a new photo or updated details. If your license is expired or you need to change information, you are looking for a replacement, not a duplicate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a duplicate if my license is expired?

No. A duplicate is an exact copy of your current license, so if your license is expired, you need a replacement instead. A replacement involves a new photo and updated information, and it costs more than $20. You would need to renew your license, not duplicate it.

How long does a duplicate take if I order online?

Florida does not offer online ordering for duplicates. You can order by mail (five to seven business days), in person at a driver license office (same day or one to two hours), or through an authorized vendor (same day or one to two hours). Mail is the slowest option.

Do I need to bring my old license to the office to get a duplicate?

Yes. You must bring your current valid Florida driver's license or ID card when you request a duplicate, whether you go in person or mail the process. The office uses it to verify your identity and pull your information.

What if I lost my license and need a duplicate?

If you lost your license, you cannot get a duplicate because a duplicate requires you to bring your current valid license. Instead, you need to report it lost and request a replacement. Contact your local driver license office or the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to report the loss and start the replacement process.

Can I use a duplicate license for Real ID purposes?

Yes, if your original license is Real ID compliant, your duplicate will be too. The duplicate carries the same Real ID status as your current license. If you need to verify whether your license is Real ID compliant, check for a gold star in the upper right corner of the card.