How to Replace a Lost Florida Driver's License

Get a replacement Florida driver's license by visiting your local Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office in person with proof of identity and residency

Florida requires you to replace a lost driver's license at a DHSMV office — you cannot do it by mail or online. You will need to bring two forms of identification (one photo ID and one document proving your identity), proof of your current Florida address, and payment for the replacement fee. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card is mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license was lost outside Florida or you are unsure whether it was lost or stolen, report it to the Florida Highway Patrol or your local police department first. This creates an official record and protects you if someone tries to use your information. Bring the police report number with you to the DHSMV office — it speeds up the process and documents that the license was not in your possession.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a DHSMV office in person with photo ID, proof of identity, proof of Florida address, and the replacement fee to get a new license.
A temporary paper license is issued when ready at the office, and your plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If your license was stolen rather than lost, file a police report first and bring the report number to the DHSMV office.
The replacement fee is $25 for a standard license, though the cost may differ if you need a REAL ID-compliant card or have other circumstances.
Find your nearest DHSMV office and check its hours on the official Florida DHSMV website before you go, as some offices have limited schedules.

What documents you need to bring

Bring one photo ID (such as a passport, military ID, or state ID from another state) and one document that proves your identity and current Florida address. Acceptable address documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A government check or tax return also works if it shows your name and address.

If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two non-photo identity documents instead — for example, a birth certificate and a Social Security card, plus your address proof. The DHSMV office staff can tell you whether a specific document will work; if you are unsure, call ahead or bring extra documents to be safe.

The replacement fee and payment methods

A standard Florida driver's license replacement costs $25. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal building access and domestic flights after May 2025), the fee is $35. Payment is cash, debit card, or credit card — the DHSMV office will not accept checks.

Some DHSMV offices also offer online appointment scheduling through the Florida DHSMV website. Scheduling ahead does not reduce the fee, but it can shorten your wait time, especially at busy locations. Walk-ins are always accepted, but you may wait longer during peak hours (typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays).

Finding your nearest DHSMV office and hours

Use the DHSMV office locator on the official Florida DHSMV website to find the office closest to you and check its current hours. Many offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, but some have extended evening hours or Saturday appointments. A few rural offices have limited schedules, so checking ahead prevents a wasted trip.

If you live in a county with multiple offices, the website shows wait times at each location (updated throughout the day). Visiting a less-busy office, even if it is slightly farther away, often saves you 30 minutes or more. The website also shows which offices offer online appointment scheduling.

What happens if your license was stolen

If you believe your license was stolen rather than lost, file a report with the Florida Highway Patrol or your local police department before going to the DHSMV office. You do not need to wait for the police to investigate — file the report in person or by phone, and ask for a report number. Bring that number to the DHSMV office when you explore for your replacement.

A theft report protects you if someone uses your license information fraudulently. It also flags your license in the DHSMV system, which can help prevent misuse. If you discover fraud after replacing your license, contact the police department again and provide them with the new report number.

Temporary license and card arrival timeline

You will receive a temporary paper license when ready after you complete your process at the DHSMV office. This temporary license is valid for driving and identification purposes while you wait for your plastic card. Write down the temporary license number in case you need it for insurance or other purposes.

Your plastic driver's license card is mailed to the address you provided at the DHSMV office within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the DHSMV to verify your mailing address and check the status of your card. If the card is lost in the mail, you can request a replacement at any DHSMV office.

Special situations and exceptions

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must accompany you to the DHSMV office. If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must replace it at a DHSMV office that handles CDL transactions — not all offices do, so check the website first. If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot replace it until the suspension or revocation is lifted; contact the DHSMV to check your status before visiting an office.

If you have changed your name since your license was issued, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. If you have moved out of Florida, you will need to obtain a license from your new state instead — Florida cannot issue a replacement to an out-of-state address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online or by mail?

No. Florida requires all driver's license replacements to be done in person at a DHSMV office. You cannot mail in an process or use an online service to replace a lost license. You must visit an office with your documents and payment.

What if I do not have proof of my current Florida address?

You need a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. If you just moved and do not have a recent document yet, bring a lease or purchase agreement for your new address plus a recent utility bill from your old address to explain the gap.

How long does the temporary paper license last?

Your temporary paper license is valid until your plastic card arrives, which is normally 7 to 10 business days. If your plastic card does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DHSMV to check the status. You can continue using the temporary license for driving and identification while you wait.

Do I need to take a new photo or pass a test to replace my license?

No. A replacement license uses your existing photo and does not require a new test or vision screening. You are straightforward getting a duplicate of your current license. If your photo is very old or you want a new one, you can request it, but it is not required.

What if my license was lost in another state?

Report the loss to the police in the state where it was lost, then bring the police report number to your nearest Florida DHSMV office. The report creates an official record and protects you from fraud. Proceed with the normal replacement process at the DHSMV office.

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.