Getting a replacement license in Florida takes about two weeks by mail, or you can walk in same-day at a Driver License office

You have two paths: order by mail through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), or visit a Driver License office in person. The mail route costs less and works if you can wait. The in-person route costs more but gives you a temporary license the same day and a permanent one within two weeks. Either way, you will need to prove your identity and Florida residency.

Florida does not mail replacement licenses automatically — you have to request one. The state will not reissue your old number; your new license gets a new number. If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot get a replacement until that status is cleared.

Key Takeaways

  • Mail-in replacement costs $25 and takes about two weeks; in-person replacement costs $48 and gives you a temporary license same-day plus a permanent one in two weeks.
  • You need a government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or another state's license) and proof of Florida residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).
  • The fastest in-person option is a Driver License office, which you can find and check wait times at GoRenew.com or the DHSMV website.
  • If your license was suspended or revoked, you must resolve that status before requesting a replacement.
  • A temporary license printed at a Driver License office is valid for 30 days and works for driving and identification until your permanent card arrives.

Ordering by mail through the DHSMV

The mail route is the cheapest option at $25. You fill out the process, gather your documents, and mail everything to the DHSMV. Processing takes about two weeks from the day they receive your package, and they mail the new license to your address on file.

read form HSMV 82053 from the DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov). Fill in your name, date of birth, and the address where you want the license mailed. You do not need to explain that your license was lost — the form does not ask. Include a copy of your government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or another state's driver's license) and a document showing Florida residency dated within 90 days (utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or insurance policy).

Mail the completed form, copies of your ID and residency proof, and a check or money order for $25 to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Keep a copy of everything you send. The DHSMV will mail your new license to the address you listed on the form, so make sure it is correct before you mail the package.

Getting a replacement in person at a Driver License office

Walking in to a Driver License office costs $48 but gets you a temporary license on the spot. The temporary license is valid for 30 days and works for driving and as ID. Your permanent license arrives by mail in about two weeks.

Find your nearest Driver License office on the DHSMV website or at GoRenew.com. GoRenew also shows current wait times, which vary widely by location and time of day. Bring your government-issued photo ID and proof of Florida residency (same documents as the mail route). You will fill out form HSMV 82053 in the office. Pay the $48 fee by card, check, or cash. The office prints your temporary license before you leave.

The permanent license arrives at your address on file within two weeks. If you need to change your address, tell the office staff before you leave — they can update it in the system so the permanent license goes to the right place.

What counts as proof of identity and residency

For identity, bring one government-issued photo ID. Acceptable documents are a U.S. passport, military ID, another state's driver's license, a passport card, or a tribal ID. A school ID, work badge, or library card does not count.

For residency, bring one document dated within 90 days of your visit showing your current Florida address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank or credit card statement, insurance policy, or property tax bill all work. A post office change-of-address form does not count. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from them saying you live there, plus the bill.

If you have moved recently and your ID still shows an old address, bring both the old ID and a residency document at your new address. The office will accept this combination.

If your license was suspended or revoked

You cannot get a replacement license while a suspension or revocation is active. You have to clear the status first. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, a DUI conviction, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations.

Check your suspension or revocation status on the DHSMV website using your driver's license number and date of birth. The website tells you the reason and what you need to do to clear it. For unpaid fines, you pay the court. For child support, you contact the Florida Department of Revenue. For a DUI, you may need to complete a substance abuse course or pay a reinstatement fee. Once the status is cleared, you can request a replacement license by mail or in person.

Temporary license validity and what to do if it expires before your permanent license arrives

A temporary license printed at a Driver License office is valid for 30 days. It works for driving and as a form of ID. If your permanent license has not arrived after 30 days, return to the Driver License office and they will print another temporary license for free while you wait for the permanent one.

Permanent licenses usually arrive within two weeks, but mail delays can happen. If more than three weeks have passed and you have not received it, contact the DHSMV at 1-844-33-DHSMV (1-844-333-4768) with your name, date of birth, and the address where it was mailed. They can check whether it was mailed and help you if it was lost in transit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license if I moved out of state?

No. A Florida replacement license must be mailed to a Florida address. If you have moved to another state, you will need to get a license from that state instead. Contact your new state's DMV for their process.

What if I lost my license and my ID at the same time?

You need a government-issued photo ID to get a replacement license. If you lost both, get a passport or passport card from the U.S. State Department first, or explore for a state ID from another state if you have one. Then use that to get your Florida license replaced.

Do I have to go to the office in my county?

No. You can visit any Driver License office in Florida, regardless of which county you live in. Choose whichever location is most convenient for you.

Will my new license have the same number as my old one?

No. Florida assigns a new number to every replacement license. Your old number is retired. This does not affect your driving record — all your violations and points stay with your name and date of birth.

How long does a replacement license stay valid?

A replacement license is valid for the same length of time as a regular license. In Florida, that is eight years for most adults. Your new license will expire eight years from the date it is issued.