How to Replace a Lost Driver's License in Florida

Getting a replacement license when yours is lost

You can replace a lost Florida driver's license in person at any Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office, or online through the DHSMV website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and costs $20. The online route, available only if your license hasn't expired and you haven't had a suspension, takes a few days and costs $7.50.

You do not need to file a police report for a lost license, though you may want to if you're concerned about identity theft. The replacement process itself is straightforward — you'll need to prove your identity and Florida residency, then pay the fee.

Key Takeaways

You can replace a lost license online for $7.50 if your current license is not expired and you have no active suspensions.
In-person replacement at any DHSMV office costs $20 and takes about 30 minutes, and works regardless of your license status.
You will need a valid form of ID (passport, birth certificate, or military ID) and proof of Florida residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement).
Your replacement license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you explore online, or you can get a temporary paper license when ready at an office visit.

Replacing your license online through DHSMV

The online replacement option is the fastest and cheapest route if you're may be able to access. Go to the DHSMV website, select "Replace a Lost License," and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You'll pay $7.50 by credit or debit card, and your replacement license will be mailed to the address on file.

You can only use the online option if your current license has not expired and you have no active suspensions or revocations. If either of those conditions applies to you, you must go in person to an DHSMV office.

The replacement license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, you can print a temporary digital license from your DHSMV account, though not all law enforcement officers accept it — calling ahead to confirm is safer than assuming.

Replacing your license in person at a DHSMV office

Walk into any DHSMV office with your documents and you can leave with a temporary paper license the same day. The permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The fee is $20.

Bring a valid form of ID (a passport, birth certificate, military ID, or state ID from another state) and proof of Florida residency. Residency proof can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy — anything dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current address.

DHSMV offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day; calling ahead or checking the DHSMV website for your nearest office can tell you what to expect. You do not need an appointment.

What documents you need to bring

For either the online or in-person route, have your driver's license number ready if you know it. If you don't, you can still proceed — the DHSMV can look it up using your date of birth and Social Security number.

For in-person replacement, bring one valid form of ID and one proof of residency. The ID must be current and show your photograph. Proof of residency must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you've recently moved and your ID doesn't reflect your new address, bring both your old address proof and new address proof.

If you're replacing a license for someone else (a minor or someone unable to visit in person), that person must be present at the DHSMV office, along with a parent or legal guardian if required by age.

If your license was suspended or revoked

You cannot replace a suspended or revoked license online. You must go to a DHSMV office in person. The office staff will tell you whether the suspension or revocation is still active and what you need to do to clear it before you can get a new license.

Common reasons for suspension in Florida include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or failure to appear in court. If your license is suspended, you may need to resolve the underlying issue before the DHSMV will issue a replacement. Ask the office staff what steps are required in your case.

Temporary paper license and driving while you wait

If you replace your license in person, you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while your permanent license is in the mail. Keep it with you when you drive — it serves as proof of your license status.

If you replace online and need to drive before your permanent license arrives, you can print a temporary digital license from your DHSMV account. However, acceptance of digital licenses varies by officer and jurisdiction. If you're uncertain, the safest option is to visit an office in person to get the paper temporary license.

Replacing a license that expired while lost

If your license expired before you realized it was lost, you cannot use the online replacement option. You must go to a DHSMV office and renew your license at the same time you replace it. The combined fee is $20 for the replacement plus the renewal fee, which depends on your license type and how long it expired.

Bring the same documents you would for a standard replacement: valid ID and proof of residency. The office will process both the replacement and renewal in one visit, and you'll receive a temporary paper license to drive on when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to report my lost license to the police?

No, a police report is not required to replace a lost license. However, if you're concerned about identity theft or fraud, filing a report can be useful for your records. Contact your local police non-emergency line if you want to file one.

Can I get a replacement license mailed to an address other than what's on file?

No. Your replacement license will be mailed to the address currently registered with the DHSMV. If you've moved recently and haven't updated your address, update it first through the DHSMV website or at an office before ordering your replacement.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still replace it online or in person at any Florida DHSMV office. You do not need to be in Florida to order a replacement online. If you're out of state and need to drive when ready, visit a DHSMV office in Florida when you return, or contact the DHSMV to ask about options for your situation.

How much does a replacement license cost?

Online replacement costs $7.50. In-person replacement costs $20. If your license expired while lost, add the renewal fee, which varies based on your license type and expiration date — typically $20 to $48 for a standard driver's license.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license from the mail?

Your replacement license is mailed to your registered address. Anyone at that address can receive it, but the license is only valid when you have it in your possession. Do not let someone else carry your license or use it.

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.