Where to go and what to bring

You can replace your Florida driver's license at any Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. Walk in during business hours with your current license (or ID card), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current Florida address. If your license was lost or stolen, bring a police report or a signed statement saying it was lost.

The DHSMV office will take a new photo, process your replacement, and issue a temporary license on the spot. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can find your nearest office and current hours on the DHSMV website.

If you cannot visit an office in person, you can order a replacement online through the DHSMV website if your license is not suspended or revoked and you have not had a name change. Online replacement costs less and takes the same amount of time to arrive.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace your license at any DHSMV office by bringing your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
  • If your license was lost or stolen, bring a police report or a signed statement to the office.
  • You receive a temporary license when ready and your permanent license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • You can order a replacement online if your license is not suspended or revoked and you have not changed your name.
  • Replacement fees vary depending on how long your new license will be valid, but typically range from $25 to $75.

What documents count as proof of address

The DHSMV accepts a limited list of documents to prove you live at your current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail with your name and address all work. The document must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days.

If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents from a longer list that includes bank statements, insurance policies, or paycheck stubs. The DHSMV website lists the full acceptable documents. Bring the originals — copies are not accepted.

Proof of Social Security number

You need to show a document with your Social Security number on it. Your Social Security card itself works. So do a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a pay stub, or a bank statement with your full Social Security number printed on it.

If you do not have any of these documents, you can sign an affidavit at the DHSMV office swearing that you do not have proof of your Social Security number. The office will then contact the Social Security Administration to verify your number before issuing your license.

Replacing a lost or stolen license

If your license was lost or stolen, you still bring the same documents to the DHSMV office. The difference is that you also bring a police report from the agency where you filed the report, or a signed statement from you saying the license was lost or stolen.

A police report moves faster because the DHSMV can verify it when ready. If you do not have a police report, the signed statement works just as well — the office provides the form. Either way, the DHSMV will flag your old license as invalid so it cannot be used.

Online replacement and what disqualifies you

You can order a replacement online if all of these are true: your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not changed your name since your last license was issued, you are not a commercial driver's license (CDL) holder, and your license is not expired by more than five years. Online replacement costs less than in-person replacement and takes the same 7 to 10 business days to arrive.

If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you must visit an office in person. If your license is suspended or revoked, you will need to resolve that issue before you can get a replacement. If you changed your name, you need to bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order to the office.

Temporary license and what it covers

When you visit a DHSMV office, you receive a temporary paper license before you leave. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and works for driving, identification, and age verification just like your permanent license. You can use it to drive, board a plane, or enter a federal building during those 30 days.

Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Once it arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid. If your permanent license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DHSMV office where you applied to check the status.

Fees and payment methods

Replacement license fees depend on how long your new license will be valid. A four-year license costs $25, a six-year license costs $48, and an eight-year license costs $75. You can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card at the office. Online replacement costs $25 regardless of the license length.

Some DHSMV offices accept payment by phone or mail if you are ordering online, but most require you to pay at the office when you pick up your temporary license. Check with your local office about payment methods before you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with my temporary license if my permanent one has not arrived yet?

Yes. Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date you received it at the DHSMV office. You can drive, use it for identification, and use it for age verification during that time. Once your permanent license arrives by mail, the temporary license expires.

What if I need my license before the mail arrives?

Your temporary license is valid when ready and works for all driving and identification purposes. If you need your permanent license sooner than 7 to 10 business days, contact the DHSMV office where you applied — they may be able to print it on-site in some cases, though this is not may provide.

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

Most DHSMV offices accept walk-ins, but some locations require appointments. Check the DHSMV website for your local office to see whether appointments are required or recommended. During busy times, offices may have long wait times for walk-ins.

What happens if I move after I order a replacement online?

If you ordered online and then moved, contact the DHSMV before your license arrives. You may be able to update your address before the license ships. If it arrives at your old address, you can pick it up from the new resident or contact the DHSMV to have it reissued to your new address.

Can someone else pick up my temporary license for me?

No. You must be present at the DHSMV office to have your photo taken and to receive your temporary license. Your permanent license can be picked up by someone else if you provide written authorization, but you must visit the office yourself for the initial replacement.