What happens when your Florida 2-20 license expires

When your Florida 2-20 license (the license to carry a concealed weapon) expires, you lose the legal right to carry. You cannot renew it after expiration—you must go through reinstatement instead. Reinstatement is faster than a new process but requires you to submit paperwork to the Florida Department of State, Division of Licensing.

The state treats expired licenses differently depending on how long they have been expired. If your license expired fewer than six months ago, reinstatement is straightforward. If it expired more than six months ago, the process is the same, but you should expect the review to take longer because the state may request updated background information.

Key Takeaways

  • You must submit a reinstatement form (the same form used for new applications) to the Florida Department of State, not a straightforward renewal form.
  • Reinstatement costs $67 for a five-year license and requires the same documentation as a new process, including proof of residency and a valid ID.
  • You can submit your reinstatement request by mail, in person at a county tax collector's office, or through the state's online portal if you have a Florida driver's license.
  • Processing typically takes two to four weeks, though expired licenses may take longer if the state requests additional background verification.
  • You cannot legally carry until your new license arrives in the mail; carrying with an expired license is a criminal offense.

Gather the documents you need before you start

Reinstatement requires the same paperwork as a new 2-20 process. Start by collecting a valid government-issued photo ID (your Florida driver's license, passport, or military ID), proof of residency from the past 60 days (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and your Social Security number.

You will also need to complete the process to Carry a Concealed Weapon or Firearm form (CCCW Form 4.1). This is the official state form, not a reinstatement-specific one. read it from the Florida Department of State website or pick up a copy at your county tax collector's office. The form asks for your personal information, residency history, and whether you have any disqualifying criminal convictions or restraining orders.

If you have moved since your original license was issued, make sure your proof of residency matches your current address. If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

Submit your reinstatement request by mail or in person

Mail is the slowest but most straightforward route. Complete the CCCW Form 4.1, include a check or money order for $67 payable to the Florida Department of State, and mail everything to the address listed on the form (typically the Department of State, Division of Licensing in Tallahassee). Include copies of your ID and proof of residency. Processing by mail usually takes three to four weeks.

Faster in-person submission is available at any county tax collector's office. Bring your completed form, the $67 fee (cash, check, or card, depending on the office), your original ID, and proof of residency. The tax collector will verify your documents on the spot and submit them to the state. This route typically takes two to three weeks for processing.

If you have a Florida driver's license, you may also submit your reinstatement request online through the Florida Department of State's online portal. You will need your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in. Online submission is the fastest option and usually results in processing within two weeks.

What to expect during the review process

After the state receives your reinstatement request, they will conduct a background check. This includes checking for disqualifying felonies, domestic violence convictions, restraining orders, and other factors that would prevent you from holding a 2-20 license. If your license expired more than six months ago, the state may request additional documentation or verification because your background information is older.

You will not receive a temporary permit or letter authorizing you to carry while your reinstatement is pending. You must wait for your new physical license to arrive in the mail before you can legally carry. Carrying a concealed weapon without a valid license is a criminal offense in Florida, even if your reinstatement is in process.

If the state denies your reinstatement, you will receive a written notice explaining the reason. Common reasons for denial include a disqualifying criminal conviction that occurred after your original license was issued, an active restraining order, or a change in your residency that makes you ineligible under Florida law. You have the right to request a hearing to challenge the denial.

If your reinstatement is taking longer than expected

Standard processing takes two to four weeks. If more than four weeks have passed and you have not received your license, contact the Florida Department of State, Division of Licensing, by phone or through their website to check the status of your request. Have your process number (if you received one) or your Social Security number ready.

Delays sometimes occur if the state needs to verify information with another agency, if there is a name mismatch between your documents, or if your proof of residency does not clearly show your current address. The state will contact you by phone or mail if they need additional information, so check your voicemail and mail regularly during the processing period.

What to do if you were denied reinstatement

If your reinstatement request is denied, the state will send you a written notice that explains the specific reason. Read this notice carefully—it will also explain your right to request a hearing before an administrative law judge to challenge the denial.

To request a hearing, you must submit a written request to the Florida Department of State within 30 days of receiving the denial notice. The hearing gives you the opportunity to present evidence and testimony about why you believe you should be reinstated. If you have questions about the hearing process or the grounds for denial, contact the Division of Licensing directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I carry a gun while my reinstatement is being processed?

No. You cannot legally carry a concealed weapon until your new license arrives in the mail. Carrying without a valid license is a criminal offense. You must wait for the physical license to be delivered to your address.

What if I moved to a different county since my license expired?

You can still reinstate your license. Submit your reinstatement request with proof of residency at your new address. The state does not require you to reapply in a specific county—you can submit through any tax collector's office or by mail to the state.

How much does reinstatement cost?

Reinstatement costs $67 for a five-year license. This is the same fee as a new process. Payment must be made by check, money order, or card (depending on your submission method). There are no additional fees for processing or expedited service.

What if I have a criminal conviction that happened after my original license was issued?

A conviction for certain crimes will disqualify you from reinstatement. Disqualifying offenses include felonies, domestic violence convictions, and crimes involving weapons or drugs. If you have been convicted of a disqualifying offense, your reinstatement will be denied. You may request a hearing to challenge the denial if you believe the conviction does not explore to your case.

Can I reinstate my license if it expired more than a year ago?

Yes. There is no time limit on how long a license can be expired before you reinstate it. However, the longer your license has been expired, the more likely the state will request updated background information or verification. Processing may take longer than the standard two to four weeks.