How to Get a Replacement Driver's License in Florida

What you need to do to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Florida driver's license

You can replace a Florida driver's license in person at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office, or by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and costs $25 for a standard replacement. The mail route takes longer but works if you cannot reach an office. You cannot replace your license online, but you can renew it online if you are not replacing it for damage, loss, or theft.

The difference matters: a replacement is what you get when your current license is gone or damaged. A renewal is what you get when your license is still valid but expiring. Florida treats these as separate transactions with different fees and timelines.

Key Takeaways

In-person replacement at a DHSMV office costs $25, takes about 30 minutes, and you walk out with a temporary license the same day.
Mail replacement takes 7 to 10 business days and requires a completed process, proof of identity, and proof of Florida residency sent to the address on file.
You cannot replace a suspended or revoked license by mail; you must go to an office in person.
Bring your Social Security number or an ITIN, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), and proof of current Florida address to any DHSMV office.

In-person replacement at a DHSMV office

Walk into any DHSMV office with your Social Security number or ITIN, a form of identification, and proof of your current Florida address. Bring your old license if you still have it, though it is not required. The staff will take your photo, print a temporary license on the spot, and mail your permanent replacement card within 7 to 10 business days.

Proof of identity can be a U.S. passport, birth certificate, military ID, or permanent resident card. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a current address on file with DHSMV, bring two documents showing your new address.

DHSMV offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations open Saturday mornings. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but wait times vary. Check the DHSMV website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times before you go.

Mail replacement if your license is valid

You can mail in a replacement request only if your license is not suspended or revoked. read the process for Duplicate Driver License (Form HSMV 82039) from the DHSMV website, fill it out completely, and mail it with copies of your proof of identity and proof of address to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $25 made out to DHSMV.

The mail route takes 7 to 10 business days from the day DHSMV receives your envelope. There is no way to track your process by mail, so plan ahead if you need your license by a specific date. If your license is suspended or revoked, you must go to an office in person; mail replacement is not an option.

What happens if your license is suspended or revoked

You cannot get a replacement license by mail if your driving privilege is suspended or revoked. You must appear in person at a DHSMV office. The office staff will check your status and tell you what you need to do to restore your privilege before they can issue a replacement.

Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or unpaid child support. Revocation is more serious and usually requires a hearing or court action to restore. If you are unsure whether your license is suspended or revoked, call the DHSMV at 850-617-2000 before you go to an office.

Getting a temporary license and waiting for your permanent card

When you replace your license in person, DHSMV prints a temporary license on cardstock before you leave the office. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and works everywhere a regular license works—at traffic stops, to rent a car, or to board a domestic flight. Your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If your permanent card does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DHSMV office where you applied. Keep your temporary license until your permanent card arrives. Once the permanent card comes, the temporary one is no longer valid.

Replacing a license that was lost, stolen, or damaged

The process is the same whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. You do not need to file a police report or provide proof of theft to DHSMV. Bring the same documents you would bring for any replacement: proof of identity, proof of address, and your Social Security number or ITIN.

If your license was stolen and you are concerned about identity theft, you can place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) at the same time you replace your license. That is a separate process from the license replacement and is handled directly with the credit bureaus, not DHSMV.

Fees and what they cover

A replacement license costs $25 in Florida, whether you do it in person or by mail. This fee covers the new card and the processing. If you are replacing a license that expired more than six months ago, you may need to renew instead of replace, which has a different fee structure and requirements.

The $25 fee is the standard rate for a regular driver's license replacement. Commercial driver's license (CDL) replacements cost more. If you are not sure whether you have a regular license or a CDL, check the top of your current license or call DHSMV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if it expired?

If your license expired less than six months ago, you can replace it for $25. If it expired more than six months ago, you need to renew instead of replace, which requires a vision test and may cost more. Check your license expiration date or call DHSMV at 850-617-2000 to find out which process applies to you.

How long does a replacement license take by mail?

Mail replacement takes 7 to 10 business days from the day DHSMV receives your envelope, plus time for your envelope to arrive. Plan for two to three weeks total. There is no tracking system for mail replacements, so if you need your license by a specific date, go in person instead.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number. Bring the same proof of identity and address you would bring with a Social Security number. If you do not have either, call DHSMV at 850-617-2000 to find out what documents you can use.

Do I need my old license to get a replacement?

No. If your old license is lost or stolen, you can still replace it. Bring your proof of identity, proof of address, and Social Security number or ITIN. If you still have your old license, bring it, but it is not required.

Can I replace my license online?

No. Florida does not offer online replacement. You can renew your license online if it is still valid and not damaged, but replacement must be done in person or by mail. Check the DHSMV website to see whether your situation qualifies for online renewal instead.

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.