How to Replace Your Florida Driver's License or ID Card

What you need to know about replacing a Florida license

You can replace a Florida driver's license or ID card in person at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office, by mail, or online through the DHSMV website — but which route works depends on why you're replacing it and whether your current license is still valid. If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you can use any of these methods. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew it in person. If you've had a name change, address change, or need to correct information, the process varies by what changed.

The fastest option for most people is the online replacement through the DHSMV website, which takes about 7 to 10 business days and costs $25. In-person replacement at a DHSMV office takes the same day if you go early, but you'll need to bring specific documents and may wait in line. Mail-in replacement takes 7 to 10 business days and costs $27.50.

Key Takeaways

Online replacement through the DHSMV website is the fastest and cheapest option for a lost, stolen, or damaged license that expired less than five years ago.
In-person replacement at a DHSMV office requires a valid form of identification, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency, and you'll receive your license the same day.
Mail-in replacement requires you to complete the process form, include copies of required documents, and mail everything to the DHSMV address — processing takes 7 to 10 business days.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot replace it online or by mail and must go to a DHSMV office in person.
The cost varies by method: $25 online, $27.50 by mail, and $25 in person, but fees may be higher if you need a Real ID or duplicate card.

Replacing your license online through the DHSMV website

The online replacement process works only if your license expired within the last five years, was lost or stolen, or was damaged. Go to the DHSMV website, select "Replace License or ID Card," and follow the prompts. You'll need your current or expired license number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card). The system will verify your information against DHSMV records.

After you submit your process online, the DHSMV will mail your new license to the address on file. The card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You'll receive a confirmation number by email that you can use to track your order. If you need to drive before the new card arrives, you can print a temporary driving permit from the DHSMV website, which is valid for 30 days.

Replacing your license in person at a DHSMV office

Walk into any DHSMV office with the right documents and you'll walk out with your new license the same day. Bring your current or expired license, a valid form of identification (such as a passport, military ID, or birth certificate), proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of Florida residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If your name has changed, bring the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Arrive early — DHSMV offices get busy by mid-morning, and wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the DHSMV website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times before you go. The replacement fee is $25, and you can pay by cash, check, or card. You'll fill out the process form (Form HSMV 82053) at the office, and staff will take your photo and process your new license on the spot.

Replacing your license by mail

To replace your license by mail, read and complete Form HSMV 82053 from the DHSMV website. Make copies of your current or expired license, a valid form of identification, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency. Include a check or money order for $27.50 made out to "DHSMV." Do not send cash.

Mail everything to the address listed on the DHSMV website — the address changes depending on your county, so check the site before you send anything. Include a note with your phone number or email so the DHSMV can contact you if there's a problem. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the DHSMV receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file.

What to do if your license expired more than five years ago

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot use the online or mail-in replacement process. You must go to a DHSMV office in person and complete a renewal instead of a replacement. Bring the same documents you would for an in-person replacement: your expired license, a valid form of identification, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency.

The renewal process is similar to replacement — you'll fill out the process, have your photo taken, and pay the fee. The cost is the same ($25), and you'll receive your new license the same day. If you're over 79 years old, you may need to pass a vision test or provide a medical certificate, depending on your age and when your license last expired.

Replacing a Real ID or getting a duplicate card

If your license is a Real ID (marked with a gold star in the upper right corner), you can replace it using the same methods as a standard license. The cost is the same online ($25) and in person ($25), but mail-in replacement of a Real ID costs $27.50, the same as a standard license by mail.

If you need a duplicate card — for example, if you want a second copy of your current valid license — you can order one online for $25 or in person for $25. You cannot order a duplicate by mail. A duplicate card has the same expiration date as your original and is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Tracking your replacement and what to do if it doesn't arrive

If you replaced your license online, you received a confirmation number by email. Use that number on the DHSMV website to track your order. If you replaced it by mail or in person, your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If more than 10 business days have passed and you haven't received it, contact the DHSMV by phone or through their website to report the issue.

If your replacement license arrives damaged or with incorrect information, contact the DHSMV when ready. You can request a replacement at no additional cost if the error was made by the DHSMV. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, remember that you can print a temporary driving permit from the DHSMV website, which is valid for 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if it's suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot replace a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the DHSMV. Contact the DHSMV to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it.

What if I've moved and my address is wrong on my license?

If you're replacing your license anyway, you can update your address during the replacement process. If you're not replacing it, you can update your address online through the DHSMV website or in person at a DHSMV office. Updating your address alone does not require a new card.

Do I need a Real ID to replace my license?

No. You can replace a standard license with another standard license at no extra cost. Real ID is optional in Florida. If you want to upgrade to a Real ID during replacement, the cost is the same, but you'll need to bring additional documents proving citizenship and residency.

Can I replace my license if I'm not a Florida resident?

No. You must be a Florida resident to hold a Florida driver's license or ID card. If you've moved out of state, you should explore for a license in your new state. If you've moved to Florida, you can explore for a new Florida license.

What if my name changed since I got my current license?

Bring the document that shows your name change — such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — when you replace your license in person. If you're replacing by mail, include a copy of the name change document. Online replacement may not work if your name has changed; contact the DHSMV to confirm before you try.

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.