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 Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office, by mail, or online through the DHSMV website — but the method depends on why you need the replacement and whether your license is still valid. If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged but not expired, you can use the online option or mail route. If it's expired, you'll need to renew it instead, which involves a vision test and is a different process. The fastest option is usually an in-person visit to your local DHSMV office, which takes about 30 minutes and costs $25 for a standard replacement.
Key Takeaways
- A replacement for a lost, stolen, or damaged license costs $25 and can be ordered online, by mail, or in person at a DHSMV office.
- Online replacement through the DHSMV website is the fastest route if your license is valid and you have a recent digital photo on file or can upload one.
- Mail-in replacement takes 7 to 10 business days after DHSMV receives your process, plus mailing time in both directions.
- In-person replacement at a DHSMV office is completed the same day and requires proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency.
- If your license is expired, you cannot use the replacement process — you must renew it instead, which requires a vision test.
Replacing your license online through the DHSMV website
The online replacement option is available only if your Florida driver's license is currently valid (not expired) and you are replacing it because it is lost, stolen, or damaged. You will need to create or log into your DHSMV account on the official Florida DHSMV website, provide your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number, and either use a digital photo already on file or upload a new one. The system will charge your credit or debit card $25, and your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
This route works well if you do not need your license when ready and your current address is correct in the DHSMV system. If your address has changed, you will need to update it before ordering online, or the license will arrive at your old address. If you do not have a digital photo on file and cannot upload one, you will need to use the mail or in-person option instead.
Replacing your license by mail
To replace your license by mail, you will need to complete Form HSMV 80039 (process for Duplicate Driver License), which is available on the DHSMV website as a PDF. Print the form, sign it, and mail it along with a check or money order for $25 (made payable to DHSMV) to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your proof of identity — a passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID — and proof of your current Florida address, such as a utility bill or lease.
Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after DHSMV receives your process, and then your new license is mailed to you. The total time from when you drop the envelope in the mail to when you receive your new license is typically 2 to 3 weeks. This option is slower than in-person replacement but requires no trip to an office. If your address has changed since your last license was issued, include a separate proof of your new address in the envelope.
Replacing your license in person at a DHSMV office
Walk into any DHSMV office with your proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency, and you can walk out with a replacement license the same day. Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a military ID, or another government-issued photo ID. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your current address. You do not need to bring your old license if it is lost or stolen.
The $25 fee is paid at the office by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Wait times vary by location and time of day — offices are typically less crowded early in the morning on weekdays. You can check wait times for your nearest office on the DHSMV website before you go. Your new license is printed on the spot and is valid when ready.
What to do if your license was stolen and you suspect fraud
If your license was stolen and you are concerned someone may use it fraudulently, contact the DHSMV directly at 1-888-486-6136 to report it. The office can flag your license in the system, which alerts law enforcement and prevents the stolen license from being used for certain transactions. You can then proceed with the replacement process through any of the three routes above.
If you discover that someone has used your stolen license to obtain credit, get a ticket, or commit another crime in your name, file a report with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) or your local police department. Keep a copy of the report for your records, as you may need it to dispute fraudulent charges or clear your driving record.
Replacing an expired or soon-to-expire license
If your license is expired or will expire within the next 6 months, you cannot use the replacement process — you must renew it instead. Renewal requires a vision test, which the replacement process does not. You can renew in person at a DHSMV office, by mail if you meet certain age and medical requirements, or online if you are between 18 and 79 and your license has been valid for at least 5 years. Renewal costs $48 for a standard 8-year license.
If you have lost your expired license and need to renew, bring your proof of identity and residency to a DHSMV office and complete the renewal process in person. The vision test takes a few minutes, and your new license is issued the same day.
Documents you need for each replacement method
| Method | Documents Needed | Cost | Time to Receive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Driver's license number, date of birth, Social Security number, digital photo | $25 | 7–10 business days |
| By Mail | Form HSMV 80039, proof of identity, proof of residency, check or money order | $25 | 2–3 weeks |
| In Person | Proof of identity, Social Security number, proof of residency | $25 | Same day |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a temporary replacement license while I wait for my new one?
If you replace your license in person at a DHSMV office, you receive your new license when ready and do not need a temporary one. If you order online or by mail, there is no temporary license issued — you will need to wait for your new license to arrive. If you need to drive before it arrives, you can carry a copy of your online replacement confirmation or mail receipt as proof that you have ordered a replacement.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
If you are replacing your license online, update your address in your DHSMV account before you order. If you are replacing by mail, include a separate proof of your new address in the envelope with your process. If you are replacing in person, bring proof of your new address to the office, and the DHSMV will update your record and print your new license with the correct address.
Do I need to bring my old license to replace it?
No. If your license is lost or stolen, you do not need to bring it. If you have it but it is damaged, you can bring it to an in-person appointment, but it is not required. The DHSMV will deactivate your old license in the system once your replacement is issued.
How much does a replacement license cost?
A replacement Florida driver's license costs $25, regardless of whether you order it online, by mail, or in person. This fee covers the cost of the card and processing. If your license is expired, you must renew instead of replace, which costs $48.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license at the DHSMV office?
No. If you order your replacement online or by mail, it is mailed to your address on file. If you order in person, you receive it when ready at the office. The DHSMV does not release licenses to anyone other than the person named on the license.