How to Replace a Lost Driver License in Florida

Get a replacement license from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

If you've lost your Florida driver license, you can replace it by visiting a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office in person, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The replacement process is straightforward, but the route you take depends on whether you need the license quickly and whether your record has changed since you got your current one.

A replacement license costs money — the fee varies depending on how long your current license is valid for, but expect to pay between $20 and $75. You'll receive a new license with a new number in most cases, though the expiration date stays the same as your original license would have had.

Key Takeaways

You can replace a lost Florida driver license in person at any DHSMV office, or by mail if your license hasn't expired and you haven't changed your name or address.
Bring your Social Security number, date of birth, and proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement all work.
In-person replacement usually takes a few minutes, while mail replacement takes one to two weeks.
If your license has expired or you've moved, you must go in person and may need to pass a vision test or written exam depending on how long it's been.

Replace your license in person at a DHSMV office

Walk into any DHSMV office with your Social Security number, date of birth, and proof of your current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all count as proof of address. You do not need to bring the lost license itself.

Tell the staff member you lost your license and need a replacement. They will pull up your record, verify your information, and take a new photo. If your current license hasn't expired and nothing about you has changed — your name, address, or vision — you'll walk out with a temporary paper license that day and receive your plastic card by mail within one to two weeks.

If your license has expired, you've moved, or it's been more than a certain number of years since your last renewal, the office may require you to pass a vision test or retake the written exam. Ask when you arrive whether you need to bring anything else or schedule an appointment, since some offices take walk-ins and others require you to book ahead.

Replace your license by mail if you're may be able to access

You can mail in a replacement request if your current license hasn't expired, your name and address haven't changed, and you don't need the license urgently. read the process for Duplicate Driver License form (HSMV 82053) from the Florida DHSMV website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order for the replacement fee to the address listed on the form.

Include proof of your current address — a copy of a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. Do not send your original documents; send copies only. Mail replacement takes one to two weeks from the time the DHSMV receives your envelope, so factor in postal time on both ends.

If you're unsure whether you're may be able to access to mail in your replacement, call the DHSMV customer service line at 1-844-33-FLHWY (1-844-335-4599) before you send anything. They can confirm your may be able to access in a few minutes.

What to do if your license has expired

If your license expired more than six months ago, you cannot use the mail-in replacement route. You must visit a DHSMV office in person, and you will likely need to pass a vision test. Depending on how long it's been since your license expired, you may also need to retake the written knowledge exam.

Bring the same documents you would for an in-person replacement: proof of Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. The office staff will tell you what else is required when you arrive or when you call ahead to schedule.

Handle a lost license if you've moved or changed your name

If your address or name has changed since you got your current license, you cannot use mail-in replacement. Go to a DHSMV office in person with proof of your new address and, if you changed your name, a document showing the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

The office will update your record, take a new photo, and issue a replacement license. This usually takes the same amount of time as a standard in-person replacement, though some offices may require additional steps if your name change was recent.

Find a DHSMV office near you

Use the DHSMV office locator on the Florida DHSMV website to find the nearest office, hours, and whether they take walk-ins or require appointments. Many offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening or Saturday hours.

Call ahead if you can — most offices have a phone number listed on their location page. A five-minute call can tell you whether you need to bring anything beyond the basics, whether they're currently busy, and whether you should book an appointment or can walk in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive without my license while I wait for the replacement?

If you received a temporary paper license at the DHSMV office, you can drive with that until your plastic card arrives. If you mailed in your replacement request, you should not drive until you receive your new license, because you have no proof of a valid license if stopped.

What if I lost my license and my address has changed since I got it?

You must go in person to a DHSMV office. Bring proof of your new address along with your Social Security number and date of birth. The office will update your record and issue a replacement with your new address on it.

How much does a replacement license cost?

The fee depends on how long your current license is valid for. Call the DHSMV at 1-844-335-4599 or check the website for the exact fee, as it can change. Most replacements fall between $20 and $75.

Will my new license have a different number?

In most cases, yes — your replacement license will have a new number. Your expiration date will stay the same as your original license would have had, so you won't have to renew sooner.

What counts as proof of address for a replacement?

A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your current address all work. The document must show your name and current address. Bring the original if you're going in person, or a copy if you're mailing your request.

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.