How to Replace a Florida Driver's License

Where to get a replacement Florida driver's license

You can replace a Florida driver's license at any Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. The state operates driver's license offices in all 67 counties, and you do not have to go to the office in your home county — you can visit any location that is convenient.

You have three ways to replace your license: in person at a DHSMV office, by mail if your license is still valid and you only need a duplicate, or through the DHSMV website if you are renewing and your license has not expired more than six months ago. The method you choose depends on why you need the replacement and how quickly you need it.

Walk-in service is available at all offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The DHSMV website lists each office's address, phone number, and hours. You can call ahead to ask about current wait times before you go.

Key Takeaways

You can replace your Florida driver's license in person at any DHSMV office in the state, by mail if your current license is still valid, or online if you are renewing and your license expired less than six months ago.
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current Florida address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement all work.
The replacement fee is $25 for a standard license and $75 for a REAL ID-compliant license, and you pay at the DHSMV office when you submit your documents.
A standard replacement license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; a REAL ID license takes 30 to 45 days because it requires additional verification.
If your license was lost or stolen, report it to the DHSMV when you explore for the replacement so the old number is deactivated.

Documents you need to bring

You must bring three types of documents: a valid government-issued photo ID, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current Florida address. The DHSMV will not process your replacement without all three.

For photo ID, bring a passport, military ID, state ID from another state, or a tribal ID. A Social Security card, W-2 form, tax return, or Social Security statement counts as proof of your Social Security number. For your Florida address, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A P.O. box does not count as a residential address.

If your name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DHSMV will not issue a license under a new name without this proof.

In-person replacement at a DHSMV office

Walk into any DHSMV office during business hours with your documents and a completed process form. You can fill out the form at home before you go or at the office. The form is the process for Florida Driver's License, Permit, or Identification Card (HSMV 82053), and it is available on the DHSMV website as a PDF you can print.

At the office, you will have your photo taken, sign the process, and pay the fee. A standard driver's license costs $25; a REAL ID-compliant license costs $75. The DHSMV accepts cash, debit, and credit cards. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that you can use when ready while your permanent license is printed and mailed.

Your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days for a standard license. REAL ID licenses take 30 to 45 days because the DHSMV must verify your documents with federal agencies. The temporary paper license is valid during this time and is accepted at banks, airports, and other places that take a driver's license.

Mail-in replacement for a valid license

If your current Florida driver's license is still valid and you only need a duplicate — for example, because your license was lost — you can mail in your request instead of going to an office. You cannot use the mail-in method if your license has expired.

Complete the process for Florida Driver's License, Permit, or Identification Card (HSMV 82053) and mail it to the DHSMV address listed on the form, along with a check or money order for $25 (standard license) or $75 (REAL ID license). Include a copy of your proof of address and proof of Social Security number — do not send originals.

Mail your documents to DHSMV, Driver's License Section, Neil Kirkman Building, 605 Suwannee Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0500. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the DHSMV receives your envelope, plus mail delivery time in both directions. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so use this method only if you have time to wait.

Online renewal if your license expired recently

If your Florida driver's license expired less than six months ago, you may be able to renew it online through the DHSMV website without visiting an office or mailing documents. You cannot use online renewal if your license expired more than six months ago or if you need to change your name, address, or other information beyond a straightforward renewal.

Go to the DHSMV website, select the online renewal option, and follow the prompts. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will also need to upload a new photo or use the photo from your current license. The fee is $25 for a standard license or $75 for a REAL ID license, paid by credit or debit card.

Your new license is mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are only renewing an expired license and do not need to change any information.

What to do if your license was lost or stolen

Report the loss or theft to the DHSMV when you explore for your replacement. Tell the staff member at the office or note it on your process form if you are mailing in your request. The DHSMV will deactivate your old license number so it cannot be used fraudulently.

You do not have to file a police report to replace a lost or stolen license, but if you believe the license was stolen and used for fraud, contact the police and keep a copy of the report for your records. Some identity theft monitoring services ask for a police report number when you report the theft.

If your license was lost or stolen outside Florida, you can still replace it at any Florida DHSMV office or by mail. Bring the same documents you would bring for a standard replacement.

REAL ID versus standard license

A REAL ID-compliant driver's license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal identification standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. A standard Florida driver's license does not have the star and does not meet federal standards.

Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID license or a passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A standard driver's license will no longer be accepted for these purposes. You can still use a standard license to drive, vote, or open a bank account.

A REAL ID license costs $75 and takes 30 to 45 days to arrive because the DHSMV must verify your documents with federal agencies. A standard license costs $25 and takes 7 to 10 days. If you fly or enter federal buildings regularly, a REAL ID license is worth the extra cost and wait time. If you do not, a standard license is sufficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement license?

A standard driver's license takes 7 to 10 business days after you submit your process at a DHSMV office or mail in your request. A REAL ID license takes 30 to 45 days because the DHSMV must verify your documents with federal agencies. You receive a temporary paper license when ready at the office that is valid while you wait for your permanent license.

Can I use my temporary paper license right away?

Yes. The temporary paper license you receive at the DHSMV office is valid when ready and is accepted for driving, banking, and most other purposes. It is valid until your permanent license arrives or until the expiration date printed on it, whichever comes first.

What if I moved to Florida from another state?

You must get a Florida driver's license within 30 days of becoming a Florida resident. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Florida address to any DHSMV office. The fee is $25 for a standard license or $75 for a REAL ID license.

Can I replace my license if it is 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.

Do I need an appointment to replace my license at a DHSMV office?

No appointment is required. You can walk in during business hours at any DHSMV office. Wait times vary by location and time of day. Call the office ahead of time to ask about current wait times, or check the DHSMV website for estimated wait times at offices near you.

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.