Get a replacement license at your local Florida DMV office with proof of identity and the theft report

If your Florida driver's license was stolen, you can replace it at any Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. You will need to bring a government-issued ID (passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card work), proof of your Social Security number, proof of Florida residency, and a police report documenting the theft. The replacement license costs $20 and typically takes about 30 minutes to process in person.

You do not have to file a police report to get a replacement license, but doing so protects you if the thief uses your license for fraud or other crimes. If you file a report, bring a copy or the report number to the DMV — staff can note it in your file.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government-issued ID, proof of Social Security number, proof of Florida residency, and your police report number to any DHSMV office to replace a stolen license.
  • The replacement costs $20 and you can walk out with a temporary license the same day; your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • File a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office to create a record of the theft, which protects you if the license is misused.
  • You can also request a replacement online through the DHSMV website if you have a valid Florida license number and can verify your identity, though you will still pick it up in person.

File a police report before or after visiting the DMV

Contact your local police department or sheriff's office to report the theft. You can file in person, by phone, or online depending on your county. When you report it, give them the license number if you know it, the date and location of the theft, and any details about how it was stolen. The police will give you a report number or a copy of the report.

Bring this report number or a copy to the DMV. The DHSMV will flag your file so that if someone tries to use your stolen license, there is a record that you reported it missing. This matters if the thief uses your license to get a ticket, open a credit card, or commit fraud — the report creates a paper trail showing you were not the one who did it.

What to bring to the DHSMV office

Gather these documents before you go:

  • Government-issued photo ID: A valid passport, U.S. military ID, or certified birth certificate. If you do not have any of these, call your local DHSMV office to ask what else they will accept.
  • Proof of Social Security number: Your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form.
  • Proof of Florida residency: A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your name and current address must be on the document.
  • Police report: The report number or a copy of the report filed with your local police or sheriff's office.

If you do not have all of these, call the DHSMV before you go. Different offices sometimes accept different documents, and staff can tell you what will work in your case.

Get a temporary license on the spot

When you complete your replacement at the DHSMV office, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days. This temporary license has your photo, license number, and expiration date printed on it and works for driving, voting, or other ID purposes while you wait for your permanent license.

Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, call the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-HELP-1 (1-844-354-3571) to check the status. Keep the temporary license until the permanent one arrives.

Replace your license online if you have your license number

You can start the replacement process on the DHSMV website without going to an office first. Go to flhsmv.gov and select "Replace a Driver License" under the Driver License section. You will need your current Florida license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity online.

After you complete the online request, you will still need to visit a DHSMV office in person to have your photo taken and pick up your temporary license. The online step just saves you time filling out forms at the office. Bring the same documents listed above when you go in.

Protect yourself from identity theft after reporting the theft

A stolen driver's license can be used to open credit accounts, get loans, or commit fraud in your name. After you report it to police and the DHSMV, consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A fraud alert is free and tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts. A credit freeze is also free and blocks creditors from accessing your credit report entirely.

You can place a fraud alert by calling any one of the three bureaus; they will notify the other two. To place a credit freeze, you have to contact each bureau separately. Both steps take about 15 minutes and can prevent someone from using your stolen license to open accounts in your name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if I do not have a police report?

Yes. A police report is not required to get a replacement license at the DHSMV. You can replace it with just your ID, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. However, filing a report protects you if the thief uses your license for fraud, so it is worth doing even if it is not mandatory.

How much does a replacement license cost?

A replacement license costs $20. You pay this fee at the DHSMV office when you explore. If you renew your license online, the fee is the same.

What if my address has changed since my stolen license was issued?

Bring proof of your current Florida address to the DHSMV office. Your new address will be printed on your replacement license. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

Can someone use my stolen license to get a driver's license in another state?

It is possible but difficult. Most states check the National Driver Register before issuing a license, which would show your Florida license is active. However, if you are concerned, you can call the DHSMV at 1-844-354-3571 and ask them to flag your file as stolen, which adds an extra layer of protection.

How long does it take to get my permanent license in the mail?

Your permanent plastic license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days, so you have time to wait. If you do not receive it after two weeks, contact the DHSMV to check the status of your order.