Florida replaces lost or damaged licenses through the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, either in person at a local office or by mail
Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) handles all driver license replacements. You have two main routes: visit a local driver license office in person, or request a replacement by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route is faster — typically same-day or within a few days — but requires a trip to an office during business hours. The mail route takes longer but works if you cannot visit an office or prefer to handle it remotely.
Your replacement license will have the same number as your original, so your driving record and points stay attached to it. The cost is the same whether you replace it in person or by mail. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready (in person) or within a few days (by mail) that is valid for driving while you wait for the plastic card.
Key Takeaways
- In-person replacement at a DHSMV office takes a few hours and produces a temporary license you can use the same day.
- Mail replacement requires you to send in your process, a check or money order, and an acceptable ID — processing takes two to three weeks.
- You must bring or send proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency to replace your license.
- A replacement license costs the same as a renewal and is valid for the same number of years as your original license had remaining.
- If your license was suspended, revoked, or expired more than six months ago, you cannot use the replacement process — you must renew or reinstate instead.
In-person replacement at a driver license office
Visit any DHSMV driver license office with the required documents. Bring a government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or another state's driver license), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of Florida residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days). If your name has changed since your original license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.
You will fill out Form HSMV 80051 (process for Duplicate Driver License) at the office. Staff will take a new photo and process your replacement on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while the plastic card is mailed to your address on file. The plastic card typically arrives within five to seven business days. The fee varies depending on how many years remain on your original license, but expect to pay between $20 and $48.
DHSMV offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations offering Saturday hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day. You can find your nearest office and check current wait times on the DHSMV website. No appointment is required for a replacement, but some offices allow you to reserve a time slot online to reduce waiting.
Mail replacement if you cannot visit an office
You can request a replacement by mail if your license is still valid (not suspended, revoked, or expired more than six months ago) and you have not had a replacement issued in the past 12 months. Complete Form HSMV 80051 and mail it to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for the replacement fee. Include a copy of your proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency — originals are not required, but copies must be clear and legible.
Mail your process to DHSMV, Driver License Bureau, P.O. Box 5775, Tallahassee, FL 32314-5775. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DHSMV receives your process. You will receive a temporary paper license by mail within a few days, valid for 30 days. The plastic card follows separately and typically arrives within two weeks after the temporary license.
Do not send cash through the mail. Payment must be by check or money order made payable to the State of Florida. If your process is incomplete or documents are unclear, DHSMV will contact you by mail, which adds time to the process. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.
What counts as proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency
For proof of identity, DHSMV accepts a current or expired U.S. passport, military ID, passport card, federal employee ID, or another state's driver license or ID card. The document must show your name and photo. If you do not have any of these, you can use a combination of documents such as a certified birth certificate plus a Social Security card, or a school ID plus a utility bill.
For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 or 1099 form, a tax return, or a benefit statement from Social Security. A copy is acceptable if it is clear and legible.
For proof of Florida residency, DHSMV accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, homeowners insurance policy, bank or credit card statement, or government-issued mail (such as a tax notice or voter registration card) dated within 90 days of your process. The document must show your name and current Florida address. A utility bill in your name is the most straightforward option.
When you cannot use the replacement process
The replacement process is only for licenses that are currently valid. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired more than six months ago, you must go through reinstatement or renewal instead, which involves additional steps and fees. Contact DHSMV to find out your license status before you explore for a replacement.
You also cannot use the replacement process if you have already received a replacement in the past 12 months. If you lost or damaged your replacement license within that year, you must wait until 12 months have passed since the replacement was issued, or contact DHSMV to discuss your situation.
If your license was lost or stolen and you are concerned about identity theft, you can request that DHSMV flag your record. Contact your local driver license office or call DHSMV to report the loss and ask about additional security measures.
Cost and timeline comparison
| Route | Cost | Temporary License | Plastic Card Arrival | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-person at office | $20–$48 (varies by years remaining) | Same day, paper | 5–7 business days | A few hours plus mail time |
| By mail | $20–$48 (varies by years remaining) | Within a few days, by mail | 2–3 weeks from receipt | 2–3 weeks plus mail time |
The in-person route is faster if you need to drive when ready. You walk out with a temporary license valid for 30 days. The mail route is slower but requires no office visit and no time off work. Choose based on how urgently you need to drive and whether you can reach an office during business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if it expired more than six months ago?
No. If your license expired more than six months ago, you must renew it instead of replacing it. Renewal involves a vision test and may require a new photo. Contact DHSMV or visit a driver license office to start the renewal process.
What if I lost my license out of state and I am not in Florida right now?
You can request a replacement by mail from anywhere. Complete Form HSMV 80051, include copies of your required documents, and mail everything to the DHSMV address. The temporary and plastic licenses will be mailed to your Florida address on file. If you need to drive before the replacement arrives, check whether your current state will issue you a temporary license or ID.
Do I need to take a new photo for a replacement?
Yes, if you replace your license in person at an office. DHSMV will take a new photo as part of the replacement process. If you replace by mail, DHSMV uses your photo from the original license, so no new photo is taken.
How long is a replacement license valid?
Your replacement license is valid for the same number of years as your original license had remaining. If your original license was set to expire in three years, your replacement will also expire in three years from the date it is issued.
What if my name changed since I got my original license?
Bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change when you replace your license in person. If you are replacing by mail, include a copy of the name change document with your process. DHSMV will update your name on the replacement license.