Where to go and what you need

You can replace your Florida driver's license at any Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. The fastest option is usually your local county tax collector's office — most counties let you renew or replace a license there without an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Before you go, gather these documents: your Social Security number, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and a form of identification. If your license was lost or stolen, you do not need to report it to police first, though you may want to for your own records if cards were in your wallet.

The replacement fee is $25 for a standard license valid for eight years. If you need it faster, you can pay an additional $10 for a temporary paper license issued on the spot while you wait for the plastic card to arrive by mail — this takes about 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit your county tax collector's office or any DHSMV office in person; no appointment is required at most locations.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency from the last 90 days, and a valid ID.
  • The standard replacement fee is $25, and you can pay $10 extra for a temporary paper license valid when ready.
  • Your new plastic license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; the temporary paper version works for driving in the meantime.

Step-by-step process at the office

Walk in with your documents and tell the clerk you need a replacement license. They will ask you to verify your address and confirm your signature. You will then sit for a new photo — wear something you are comfortable in, as you cannot retake it.

After your photo, you pay the $25 fee (or $35 if you want the temporary paper license). The clerk will hand you either a temporary paper license or a receipt, depending on which option you chose. Keep this document — it is valid for driving until your plastic card arrives.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you moved recently and updated your address at the office, the card goes to your new address. If you have not updated your address yet, update it now or the card will go to your old location.

What to do if you do not have proof of residency

Proof of residency must be a document showing your name and current Florida address, dated within the last 90 days. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, and bank statements all work. If you just moved and do not have a 90-day-old document yet, bring two documents showing your name and address — one can be older.

If you have no documents at all, you can bring an affidavit of residency signed by a notary public. The DHSMV office can direct you to a notary, or you can find one at most banks, UPS stores, or online notary services. This costs extra (usually $10 to $25 depending on the notary) but solves the problem.

Replacing a license that was suspended or revoked

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward replace it. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with DHSMV. This usually means paying a reinstatement fee, completing a required course, or handling a traffic court matter.

Contact DHSMV directly at 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639) to find out why your license was suspended and what you need to do. Once that is cleared, you can replace the physical card at your tax collector's office as normal.

Using your temporary paper license while you wait

The temporary paper license is valid for driving, but it is not valid for other purposes like boarding a plane or entering a federal building. It works only for driving in Florida and is accepted by law enforcement during traffic stops.

Keep your temporary license in your wallet or car until the plastic card arrives. Once the new card comes in the mail, the temporary license is no longer valid — throw it away. If your plastic card does not arrive within 14 business days, call DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW to check the status.

Replacing a license with a different address

If you moved to a new address in Florida, tell the clerk at the tax collector's office before you pay. They will update your address in the system, and your new license will be mailed to the correct location. This does not cost extra — it is part of the replacement process.

If you moved out of Florida, you will need to get a license from your new state instead. Florida will not mail a license to an out-of-state address. Contact your new state's DMV to find out what documents you need.

Finding your nearest tax collector or DHSMV office

Search for "Florida tax collector" plus your county name online, or visit the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov to find office locations and hours. Most tax collector offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, with some offering Saturday hours. Call ahead if you want to know the current wait time.

If you cannot get to an office in person, you cannot replace your license by mail or online. Florida requires you to appear in person for a new photo and signature. Some counties offer online scheduling to reduce wait times — check your local tax collector's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online or by mail?

No. Florida requires you to appear in person at a tax collector's office or DHSMV office for a new photo and signature. You cannot complete a replacement remotely.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still replace it at any Florida tax collector's office or DHSMV office if you have your Social Security number and proof of residency. Proof of residency can be any document showing your Florida address from the last 90 days, even if you are currently out of state.

How long does the plastic card take to arrive?

Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within 14 business days, contact DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW to check the status. Delays sometimes happen due to mail processing, but DHSMV can investigate if it is significantly late.

Do I need to bring my old license?

No. If you lost it, you do not have it to bring. If you still have it, you can bring it, but it is not required. The clerk will take it if you do, but the replacement process works the same either way.

Can I get a REAL ID compliant license at the same time?

Yes. A REAL ID license costs $5 more ($30 total instead of $25) and requires one additional document: a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers. If you want REAL ID compliance, tell the clerk before you pay, and bring the extra document.