How to Order a Replacement Driver's License in Florida

How to order a replacement Florida driver's license

You can order a replacement Florida driver's license through the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) in three ways: online through their website, by mail, or in person at a driver license office. The online method is fastest — you can complete the entire process in minutes if your license was lost or stolen within the last five years and you have no disqualifying violations or address changes. Mail and in-person routes take longer but work if you need to update information or prefer not to use the online system.

Florida charges $25 for a standard replacement license, whether you order online, by mail, or in person. The fee is the same regardless of how much time remains on your current license. Processing time varies: online orders typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days, mail orders take 2 to 3 weeks, and in-person replacements are issued the same day at the office.

Key Takeaways

The DHSMV online portal is the fastest route and works if your license was lost or stolen within the last five years and you have no recent violations or address changes.
You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and the driver's license number from your lost or stolen license to order online.
If you cannot order online, you can mail a completed form to the DHSMV or visit a driver license office in person for same-day replacement.
Florida charges $25 for a replacement license regardless of the method you choose, and you can pay by credit card online or by check or money order by mail.

Ordering online through the DHSMV website

Go to the DHSMV online services portal at gorenew.com, which is the official Florida driver license renewal and replacement system. Click "Replace a Lost or Stolen License" and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and confirm your current address and other details.

Review the information on screen. If your address, name, or other details have changed since your license was issued, you cannot complete the replacement online — you must use the mail or in-person route instead. If everything is correct, proceed to payment. You can pay the $25 fee with a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card. After payment, the system will confirm your order and provide a confirmation number.

Your replacement license will be mailed to the address on file. DHSMV estimates delivery within 7 to 10 business days, though it may arrive sooner. You do not need to do anything else — no form to print or mail, no office visit required.

Replacing your license by mail

read or request the form HSMV 44029 (process for Duplicate Driver License). You can read it from the DHSMV website or call the DHSMV customer service line at 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639) to request a copy by mail. Fill out the form completely, including your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and current address.

Include a check or money order for $25 payable to "DHSMV." Do not send cash. Mail the completed form and payment to the address listed on the form — typically the DHSMV headquarters in Tallahassee, though the form will specify the correct mailing address. Include a return address so DHSMV can send your replacement license back to you.

Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date DHSMV receives your form. There is no tracking system for mail orders, so if your replacement does not arrive within four weeks, contact DHSMV customer service to verify receipt and check the status of your order.

Getting a replacement license in person at a driver license office

Locate your nearest driver license office using the DHSMV office locator on their website. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, a document proving your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and proof of identity such as a passport or birth certificate. If you do not have your original license number, bring any document that shows it.

Walk in during office hours — no appointment is required for a replacement license, though wait times vary by location and time of day. The office staff will verify your identity, confirm your information, take a new photo, and process your replacement on the spot. You will pay the $25 fee at the office by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

You will receive your replacement license when ready. The office will give you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is being produced, though in most cases the permanent card arrives within a few days.

What to do if your information has changed

If your address, name, or other details on your license are no longer correct, you cannot use the online replacement system. Instead, visit a driver license office in person or mail form HSMV 44029 along with documentation of the change. For an address change, bring a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days. For a name change, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the new name.

The in-person route is faster — you can update your information and receive your replacement license the same day. The mail route takes 2 to 3 weeks. Either way, the fee remains $25.

Payment methods and fees

Florida charges a flat $25 fee for a replacement driver's license, regardless of how long your current license is valid or which method you use to order. Online orders accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Mail orders require a check or money order — do not send cash. In-person orders at a driver license office accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

There are no additional fees for expedited processing or special handling. If you need your license faster than the standard 7 to 10 business days for online or 2 to 3 weeks for mail, the in-person route is your only option for same-day issuance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order a replacement if my license expired?

Yes. A replacement for a lost or stolen license is separate from renewal. You can order a replacement at any time, regardless of whether your original license is still valid or has expired. If your license has expired, you will need to renew it separately after you receive your replacement.

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

For online orders, you will need your license number to start the process. If you do not have it, use the mail or in-person route instead. At an office, staff can look up your number using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. By mail, leave that field blank and include a note explaining that you do not have the number.

How long does it take to receive a replacement license by mail?

DHSMV estimates 2 to 3 weeks from the date they receive your form. Delivery time depends on postal service speed and DHSMV processing volume. If your replacement does not arrive within four weeks, contact DHSMV customer service at 1-844-357-3639 to check the status.

Can I get a replacement license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or suspension?

A replacement for a lost or stolen license is different from a renewal. You can order a replacement even if you have an outstanding ticket or suspension. However, you will not be able to drive legally until any suspension is lifted. Contact DHSMV or the court handling your case to resolve the suspension before using your replacement license.

What happens if I find my original license after ordering a replacement?

You can use either license — there is no penalty for finding your original after ordering a replacement. If you prefer, you can destroy the original or keep both. You do not need to notify DHSMV.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.