Get a replacement license from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
You can replace a lost Florida driver license by visiting a local DHSMV office in person, by mail, or through the DHSMV website if you meet certain conditions. The fastest route is in-person at a driver license office, which takes about 30 minutes and costs $25 for a standard replacement. If you cannot visit an office, you can mail your request with a completed form and payment, though this takes two to three weeks.
Before you go or mail anything, check whether you are may be able to access for online replacement. The DHSMV allows online replacement if your license has not expired, you have not had more than two licenses suspended or revoked in the past five years, and your address on file is current. If you meet these conditions, you can order a replacement through the DHSMV website without leaving home.
Key Takeaways
- In-person replacement at a DHSMV office costs $25 and takes about 30 minutes; mail replacement costs $25 and takes two to three weeks.
- You can replace your license online if it has not expired and you have not had multiple suspensions or revocations in the past five years.
- Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and payment to an in-person appointment.
- If your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to report it to local police and mention the report number when you explore for replacement.
What documents and information you need to bring
For an in-person replacement, bring your Social Security number (you will need to state it verbally or provide it on a form), proof of your current Florida address, and $25 in cash or card. Proof of residency can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address on it. The document must be dated within the past 60 days.
You will also need to provide your date of birth and the license number if you remember it. If you do not remember your license number, the DHSMV staff can look it up using your name and date of birth. Bring your original proof of residency document — a photocopy is not accepted.
How to replace your license in person at a DHSMV office
Find your nearest DHSMV driver license office using the office locator on the DHSMV website. You do not need an appointment for a replacement license, but you can schedule one online to reduce wait time. Walk-ins are accepted during regular business hours, which vary by location but typically run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
When you arrive, take a number at the entrance and wait to be called. Tell the staff member that you need a replacement license. They will ask you to verify your identity, confirm your address, and take a new photo. You will sign the back of your new license before you leave. Your replacement license is valid when ready, though the physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
How to replace your license by mail
read and complete Form HSMV 80051 (process for Duplicate Driver License) from the DHSMV website. Print the form, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $25 payable to "DHSMV" to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the past 60 days.
Mail your packet to the DHSMV address shown on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date they receive your mail. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on file. If you do not receive it within four weeks, contact the DHSMV to confirm they received your request.
How to replace your license online through the DHSMV website
Visit the DHSMV website and select the option to order a duplicate license online. You will need to log in with your Florida driver license number and date of birth, or create an account if you do not have one. The system will verify your identity and confirm that you meet the conditions for online replacement.
If you are approved, you will pay $25 by debit or credit card and confirm your mailing address. Your replacement license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive an email confirmation with a tracking number so you can monitor delivery.
What to do if your license was stolen rather than lost
If someone stole your license, consider filing a report with your local police department. You do not have to file a report to replace your license, but having a report number can be useful if the license is used fraudulently. When you explore for replacement, mention that the license was stolen and provide the police report number if you have one.
After you receive your replacement license, monitor your credit report and bank accounts for suspicious activity. You can request a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If you notice fraudulent charges or accounts opened in your name, contact your bank and the credit bureaus when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a temporary license while I wait for my replacement?
If you replace your license in person at a DHSMV office, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card arrives by mail. This temporary license is acceptable for driving and identification. If you replace by mail or online, you do not receive a temporary license, so plan accordingly if you need to drive before your replacement arrives.
What if my address on file is outdated?
You can update your address at the same time you request a replacement. If you are replacing in person, tell the staff member your new address and bring proof of residency at that address. If you are replacing by mail, write your new address on the process form and include proof of residency. If you are replacing online, update your address through your account before you submit the replacement request.
Do I need to take a new photo for a replacement license?
If you replace in person, yes — the DHSMV takes a new photo. If you replace by mail or online, the DHSMV uses your existing photo from your current license. Your replacement license will look the same as your original except for the issue date.
How much does a replacement license cost?
A replacement Florida driver license costs $25 regardless of whether you replace in person, by mail, or online. This is the replacement fee only and does not include any additional fees for address changes or other updates.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You can still replace your Florida license by mail or online from anywhere. If you are in another state and need to drive, contact that state's motor vehicle department to ask whether you can use a temporary permit or replacement license while you wait for your Florida replacement to arrive.