How to Replace a Stolen Driver's License in Florida

Get a replacement at your local Florida DMV office with your ID and a police report

Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) issues replacement licenses for stolen IDs at any of its regional offices. You will need to bring a police report documenting the theft, a valid form of identification, and proof of your Social Security number. The process takes about 30 minutes in person, and you can walk out with a temporary license the same day while your permanent replacement is mailed to you.

The replacement license costs $25 and is valid for eight years from your birth month. You do not need to retake the written or vision test — DHSMV treats a stolen license as a straightforward replacement rather than a new issuance. If your license was also involved in fraud or identity theft beyond the physical theft, you may want to file a separate report with the Florida Attorney General's office, but that is separate from the replacement process itself.

Key Takeaways

File a police report with your local law enforcement agency first, because DHSMV will not issue a replacement without one.
Bring the police report, a valid ID (passport, military ID, or birth certificate with photo ID), and proof of your Social Security number to any DHSMV office.
You will receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent replacement by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
The replacement fee is $25, and you do not need to pass any tests or provide new photos if your current license photo is still on file.

File a police report before visiting DHSMV

DHSMV requires a police report number before they will issue a replacement license. Call your local police department's non-emergency line or visit their station to file a report for the stolen license. You do not need to wait for a full investigation — the officer will give you a report number when ready, and that is what DHSMV needs.

If your license was stolen along with other items (wallet, purse, bag), include all of them in the report. If you suspect the theft involved fraud — someone using your license to open accounts or make purchases — mention that to the officer, but the replacement process itself does not depend on proving fraud. Keep the report number handy; you will need it when you visit DHSMV.

Gather the documents DHSMV requires

Bring the following to your DHSMV office visit: your police report number, a valid form of ID, and proof of your Social Security number. Valid IDs include a U.S. passport, military ID, birth certificate with a photo ID from another source, or a foreign passport with a U.S. visa. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a combination of documents — DHSMV publishes a full list on its website under "Proof of Identification."

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you have lost your Social Security card as well, bring a document that shows your number, such as a bank statement or insurance card. DHSMV will not accept a verbal statement of your number.

Visit a DHSMV office in person

Find your nearest DHSMV office using the office locator on the DHSMV website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require an appointment. Check your local office's page before you go, because appointment availability changes by location and season.

Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get separated. The wait time varies — busy offices in urban areas may have a 30-minute to 2-hour wait, while smaller offices may see you within 15 minutes. Arrive early in the day if possible, as wait times tend to grow in the afternoon.

Receive your temporary license and wait for the permanent replacement

Once DHSMV processes your replacement request, you will receive a temporary license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used for all purposes — driving, identification, age verification — just like your permanent license. Keep it with you at all times while you wait for your permanent replacement.

Your permanent replacement license will be mailed to the address on file with DHSMV within 7 to 10 business days. If you have moved since your last license renewal, update your address with DHSMV before you leave the office, or your new license will go to your old address. Once your permanent license arrives, the temporary one is no longer valid, though you do not need to return it.

Update other agencies if your license was used fraudulently

If you suspect someone used your stolen license to commit fraud — opening credit accounts, getting traffic citations, or obtaining services in your name — file a report with the Florida Attorney General's office in addition to your police report. You can file online at the Attorney General's website under "Consumer Complaint." This creates a separate record that may help if fraudulent charges or citations appear later.

Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). A fraud alert is free and lasts one year; a credit freeze is also free and lasts until you remove it. Both make it harder for someone to open new accounts using your identity. These steps are not required for the license replacement itself, but they protect you if the theft involved identity theft as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license without filing a police report?

No. DHSMV requires a police report number for any stolen license replacement. You must file the report first, even if you do not expect the police to investigate. The report takes minutes to file and gives you the number you need to proceed.

What if I do not have a valid ID to bring to DHSMV?

DHSMV accepts combinations of documents if you do not have a single valid ID. A birth certificate plus a utility bill, or a school ID plus a bank statement, may work. Check the DHSMV website for the full list of acceptable combinations, or call your local office to ask what you can bring.

How long does the permanent license take to arrive?

Most permanent licenses arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If yours does not arrive within two weeks, contact DHSMV to confirm your address is correct. Mail delays occasionally happen, and DHSMV can reissue if needed.

Do I have to retake my driving test to get a replacement?

No. A stolen license replacement does not require you to retake the written or vision test. DHSMV treats it as a duplicate of your existing license, not a new one.

What if my license was stolen out of state?

You must replace it in Florida if it is a Florida license. File your police report in the state where the theft occurred, then bring that report number to a Florida DHSMV office. If you are out of state and cannot travel to Florida when ready, you can mail your documents to DHSMV, though this takes longer than an in-person visit.

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.