Get a replacement license at your local Florida DMV office or through the mail

If you have lost your Florida driver's license, you can replace it in person at a Department of Motor Vehicles office or by mail. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and you leave with a temporary license the same day. The mail route takes two to three weeks but requires no office visit. Both cost $25 for a standard replacement license (or $10 if you are over 80).

You do not need to retake the written or road test — a replacement license is straightforward a new copy of your current license with a new number and expiration date. Your driving record and restrictions stay the same.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person replacement at a DMV office takes about 30 minutes and costs $25; you get a temporary license to drive home with.
  • Mail replacement takes two to three weeks but requires only a completed form, payment, and a copy of your ID sent by mail.
  • You will need to prove your identity with a birth certificate, passport, or other government-issued ID — a photo is not required for mail replacement.
  • Your new license will have a different number and expiration date, but your driving record and any restrictions carry over unchanged.
  • If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot replace it until the suspension or revocation is lifted.

What documents you need to bring in person

For an in-person replacement at a DMV office, bring one document that proves your identity and current address. A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works. You also need one document that proves your identity — a birth certificate, U.S. passport, or passport card are the most common. A Social Security card alone is not enough.

If you do not have a current address document, bring two forms of ID instead. Bring your Social Security number written down or memorized, because you will need it to complete the form. Bring cash or a debit card — not all DMV offices accept credit cards.

How to replace your license by mail

read form HSMV 82053 from the Florida DMV website or ask for one at any DMV office. Fill in your name, address, and driver's license number (if you remember it — the form has a space for "unknown"). Make a photocopy of one side of your birth certificate, passport, or passport card. Make a photocopy of one document showing your current address, such as a utility bill or lease.

Mail the completed form, both photocopies, and a check or money order for $25 to the address listed on the form — it varies by county. Do not send cash. Include a note with your phone number so the DMV can contact you if something is missing. Mail takes two to three weeks; your new license will arrive by mail at the address you listed on the form.

Finding your nearest DMV office and checking wait times

Go to the Florida DMV website and use the office locator tool to find the DMV office closest to you. The tool shows hours, services offered, and current wait times at most offices. Some offices are appointment-only; others take walk-ins. If your office takes appointments, you can book one online through the same website — appointments usually have shorter waits than walk-ins.

Wait times vary widely by location and time of day. Offices in smaller towns often have no wait. Offices in urban areas can have waits of 45 minutes to two hours during lunch and late afternoon. Early morning (right when the office opens) and mid-morning on weekdays tend to be quieter.

What happens if your license was suspended or revoked

If your Florida license was suspended or revoked — for unpaid traffic fines, DUI, or other violations — you cannot replace it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. The DMV system will flag your record when you try to explore, and the office will tell you what you need to do first.

Contact the DMV directly to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps are required to restore it. Some suspensions require payment of fines or fees. Others require completion of a course or a hearing. Once the suspension or revocation is cleared, you can replace your license normally.

Getting a temporary license to drive while you wait

If you replace your license in person, the DMV will give you a temporary paper license before you leave the office. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while your permanent license is being printed and mailed. You do not need to do anything special to get it — it is issued automatically as part of the replacement process.

If you replace by mail, you will not have a temporary license. Your new permanent license will arrive by mail in two to three weeks. If you need to drive before it arrives, you can request a temporary license by visiting a DMV office in person and paying an additional $5 fee.

If you lost your license outside Florida

If you lost your Florida license while traveling or living out of state, you can still replace it by mail using the process described above. You can also visit any Florida DMV office when you return to the state. Some states have reciprocal agreements that allow you to replace a Florida license at their DMV offices, but this is not common — call ahead to ask.

If you have moved to another state and no longer live in Florida, you should get a driver's license from your new state instead. You can keep your Florida license as a second ID, but most states require you to get a local license within 30 to 60 days of moving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to retake the written or road test to replace my lost license?

No. A replacement license is straightforward a new copy of your current license. Your driving record, restrictions, and endorsements all stay the same. You do not retake any tests.

Can I replace my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets?

Unpaid traffic tickets do not prevent you from replacing a lost license. However, if your license was suspended because of unpaid tickets, you must pay them or set up a payment plan before the DMV will issue a replacement.

What if I do not remember my driver's license number?

You do not need your license number to replace your license. The form has a space for "unknown." The DMV will look up your record using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

If you replace by mail, your new license arrives at the address you provide — no one needs to pick it up. If you replace in person, you must be present to receive the temporary license. Some DMV offices may allow a family member to pick up a replacement on your behalf, but policies vary — call your local office to ask.

How long is a replacement license valid?

Your replacement license is valid for the same length of time as your original license. If your original license expired in 2028, your replacement also expires in 2028. The expiration date does not reset when you replace a lost license.