Florida issues new plates through the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, and the process depends on whether you need a replacement, a different design, or a plate for a newly registered vehicle

If your current plate is damaged, lost, or stolen, you can request a replacement through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). If you want to switch to a different plate design — such as a specialty plate, a new standard design, or a plate with a different county — that also goes through DHSMV but follows a slightly different path. For a newly purchased vehicle, your dealer typically handles the initial registration and plate issuance. The method you use to request a new plate (online, by mail, or in person) affects how long you wait and what documents you need.

The cost and timeline vary by the type of plate you need. A replacement plate for a lost, stolen, or damaged plate costs $10. Specialty plates and new standard designs may cost $15 to $25 depending on the type. Most orders arrive within 7 to 10 business days by mail, but you can get a temporary plate the same day at a tax collector's office if you need to drive when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • Replacement plates for lost, stolen, or damaged plates cost $10 and can be ordered online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or at a tax collector's office.
  • Specialty plates and new standard designs require a separate request and may have additional fees ranging from $15 to $25 depending on the plate type.
  • Online ordering through the DHSMV website is the fastest route for replacements and typically takes 7 to 10 business days for delivery.
  • You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration number, and driver's license number to order a replacement plate online.
  • If you order in person at a tax collector's office, you can receive a temporary plate when ready while waiting for your permanent plate to arrive.

Ordering a replacement plate online

The DHSMV website allows you to order a replacement plate without visiting an office. Go to the DHSMV's online services portal, select "Replace License Plate," and enter your vehicle information. You will need your current registration number, VIN, driver's license number, and the reason for replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged). The fee is $10, paid by credit or debit card during checkout.

After you submit your order, the DHSMV mails your new plate to the address on file with your registration. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you order. You can continue driving your vehicle with your old plate until the new one arrives. If your plate was stolen, consider filing a police report first — some insurance policies require it, and it creates a record in case the plate is used fraudulently.

Replacing a plate in person at a tax collector's office

Florida's 67 county tax collector offices handle plate replacements and can often issue a temporary plate on the spot. Bring your current registration, driver's license, and proof of the plate's condition (if damaged) or a police report (if stolen). The replacement fee is still $10, and you pay at the tax collector's office.

A temporary plate is a paper tag valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent plate to arrive by mail. This option is useful if you need to drive when ready and cannot wait for mail delivery. The tax collector's office can tell you the expected arrival date for your permanent plate when you complete the transaction. Find your county's tax collector office location and hours on the DHSMV website.

Switching to a specialty or new standard plate design

Florida offers specialty plates supporting causes, universities, and organizations, as well as new standard designs that change periodically. Switching to a different plate design requires a separate request from a straightforward replacement. You can order through the DHSMV website by selecting "Change License Plate Design" or visit a tax collector's office.

Specialty plates typically cost $15 to $25 in addition to your standard registration renewal fee, depending on the plate type. Some specialty plates donate a portion of the fee to the organization they support. The DHSMV website shows all available designs, their fees, and which organizations benefit. Processing time is usually 7 to 10 business days for mail delivery, or you can receive a temporary plate when ready at a tax collector's office.

What to do if your plate was stolen

A stolen plate creates a fraud risk because someone could use it on another vehicle. File a police report with your local law enforcement agency and keep a copy of the report number. When you order a replacement through the DHSMV, note that the plate was stolen; this creates a record that the old plate is no longer valid.

Some insurance policies cover the cost of a stolen plate replacement or reimburse the $10 fee. Check your policy or contact your agent. If the stolen plate is later found on another vehicle or used in a crime, the police report protects you by establishing that you reported it missing. The DHSMV can also flag the old plate in their system to prevent misuse.

Plates for newly registered vehicles

When you buy a new or used vehicle in Florida, the dealer's office typically handles registration and issues your initial plate. You receive a temporary plate (usually paper or cardboard) when ready, valid for 30 days while your permanent plate is produced. The dealer collects the registration fee and plate fee at the time of sale.

Your permanent plate arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you buy from a private seller, you must register the vehicle yourself at a tax collector's office or through the DHSMV website. Bring the title, bill of sale, and proof of insurance. The tax collector will issue a temporary plate and process your registration, with your permanent plate arriving by mail.

Transferring a plate to a different vehicle

If you own multiple vehicles and want to move your current plate to a different one, you can transfer it through the DHSMV or a tax collector's office. This is useful if you have a personalized or specialty plate you want to keep. Bring your current registration, the title or registration of the new vehicle, and your driver's license.

The transfer fee varies but is typically $10 to $15. Processing takes a few business days, and you receive a temporary plate for the new vehicle while your permanent plate is transferred. Your old vehicle will need a new plate, which you can order at the same time. Some personalized and specialty plates have restrictions on transfer, so check the DHSMV website or ask at the tax collector's office before assuming your plate can move.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a new plate in Florida?

Mail delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days after you order. If you order in person at a tax collector's office, you receive a temporary plate when ready and your permanent plate arrives by mail within the same timeframe. Online orders are processed the fastest because there is no office visit delay.

Can I keep my old plate number when I get a new plate?

Yes, if your plate is not damaged or stolen, you can transfer it to a new vehicle. If your plate is damaged or stolen, you receive a new number. Personalized plates can usually be transferred, but specialty plates have different rules depending on the type — check with the DHSMV or your tax collector's office.

What if I need a plate before the mail arrives?

Visit a tax collector's office in person and request a temporary plate. You will receive a paper tag valid for 30 days while your permanent plate is mailed to you. This is the only way to get a plate the same day you order.

Do I need my old plate to order a replacement?

No. If your plate is lost or stolen, you do not need it to order a replacement. You will need your vehicle registration number, VIN, and driver's license number. If your plate is damaged, having it helps but is not required — you can describe the damage when you order.

Can I order a new plate by phone?

The DHSMV does not take plate orders by phone. You can order online through their website, by mail using a form from the DHSMV website, or in person at any tax collector's office. Online is the fastest option.