Getting a replacement license in Florida

To replace a lost Florida driver's license, you need to visit a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and have your photo taken. You cannot do this by mail or online. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Florida does not charge extra for a replacement license — you pay the same renewal fee you would pay if your license were expiring. That fee depends on how long your license is valid for. If your license is not expired, the replacement will be valid for the same expiration date as your original. If your license has already expired, you'll need to renew it at the same time, which costs more.

Key Takeaways

  • You must go to a DHSMV office in person with a government-issued ID and proof you live in Florida.
  • The replacement fee is the same as a renewal fee and depends on whether your license is expired.
  • You receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card arrives by mail in about a week.
  • If your license is expired, you must renew it at the same time you replace it, which costs more than a replacement alone.
  • You can find your nearest DHSMV office and check wait times on the Florida DHSMV website before you go.

What documents to bring to the DHSMV office

Bring one government-issued photo ID — a passport, passport card, military ID, or ID from another state all work. You also need one document that proves you live in Florida right now. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address works. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

If you've changed your name since your license was issued, bring a document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you don't have the required documents, the DHSMV office staff can tell you what else they will accept, but it's faster to bring what's on the list.

How much it costs and what affects the price

A replacement license costs $20 if your current license has not expired yet. If your license expired more than six months ago, you must renew it instead of straightforward replacing it, and renewal costs $48. If your license expired less than six months ago, you can still do a replacement for $20, but you'll need to renew within six months anyway.

You pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at the DHSMV office. Some offices may have limits on which payment methods they accept, so calling ahead can save time. The fee covers the temporary paper license you get when ready and the mailed plastic card.

Finding a DHSMV office and what to expect when you arrive

Florida has DHSMV offices in every county. You can find the address, phone number, and current wait time for your nearest office on the official Florida DHSMV website. Many offices use an online reservation system where you can book a time slot, which usually reduces your wait. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary widely depending on the time of day and day of the week.

When you arrive, check in at the front desk with your documents. A staff member will take your photo, verify your information, and process your replacement. The whole visit usually takes 20 to 40 minutes. Before you leave, you'll receive a temporary paper license that's valid for 30 days — long enough for your plastic card to arrive by mail.

What happens after you leave the office

Your new plastic driver's license will be mailed to the address you provided at the DHSMV office. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer during holidays or if mail is delayed. The temporary paper license you received is valid during this time, so you can use it to drive or show as ID.

If your plastic card doesn't arrive within two weeks, contact the DHSMV by phone or through their website to check the status. Keep your temporary license until the plastic card arrives. Once the plastic card comes, the temporary license is no longer valid.

If your license was lost outside Florida

If you lost your Florida license while traveling or living temporarily out of state, you still need to go to a Florida DHSMV office to replace it — you cannot do it remotely. When you return to Florida, follow the same process as above. If you won't be back in Florida soon, you can request that your replacement be mailed to an out-of-state address, but you must still visit an office in person to explore.

If you've moved to another state permanently and no longer have a Florida license, you'll need to get a license from your new state instead. Each state has its own process for new residents.

If your license was suspended or revoked

If your Florida license was suspended or revoked, you cannot get a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the DHSMV to find out the reason and what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges. This might involve paying a reinstatement fee, completing a course, or waiting out a suspension period.

Once your status is cleared, you can then replace your lost license using the standard process described above. The DHSMV staff can tell you over the phone whether your license is currently suspended or revoked, so you can find out before making a trip to the office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license by mail if I lost it?

No. Florida requires you to appear in person at a DHSMV office to replace a lost license. You cannot mail in an process or use an online service to complete a replacement.

What if I don't have proof of residency dated within 60 days?

Call the DHSMV office before you go and ask what other documents they will accept. Some offices accept older utility bills, letters from government agencies, or other documents if you explain the situation. It's better to ask first than to make a trip and be turned away.

Can I get a replacement license the same day?

You receive a temporary paper license the same day you visit the office, which is valid for 30 days. Your plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. There is no option to get the plastic card the same day.

What if my address changed since I lost my license?

Tell the DHSMV staff when you explore for the replacement. Your new license will have your current address on it. Bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days.

Do I need to report my license lost to police before I replace it?

No. You do not need a police report to replace a lost license in Florida. The DHSMV will issue a replacement based on your identity documents alone. However, if you're concerned about identity theft, you can file a report with local police or the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for your own records.