Getting a replacement license in Florida takes one visit to the DMV and costs $20

A lost Florida driver's license is replaced through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). You will need to visit a driver license office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay the $20 replacement fee, and have your photo taken. The replacement license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is lost — you must appear in person.

If you need to drive before the replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the same visit. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and lets you drive legally while you wait for the permanent card.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Florida driver license office in person with proof of identity and one document showing your current address.
  • The replacement fee is $20, and you will have your photo taken during the visit.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; a temporary paper license issued at the office is valid for 30 days.
  • Bring your Social Security number or an official document with it, because the DHSMV will verify your identity before issuing a replacement.

What documents to bring to the driver license office

You need two categories of documents: one for identity and one for current address. For identity, bring a passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, or another government-issued ID. If you do not have a passport or birth certificate, a Social Security card alone is not enough — you will need a second identity document such as a school ID, work ID, or military ID.

For proof of current address, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. The document must show your name and the address where you currently live. A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of residency.

If you have moved recently and do not yet have a document in your new name at your new address, bring what you have and explain the situation to the clerk. You may be asked to bring additional documents or to return with proof once you receive it.

Finding the nearest driver license office and scheduling

The DHSMV website has a location finder at flhsmv.gov. Enter your county or ZIP code to see all driver license offices near you, along with their hours and phone numbers. Many offices accept walk-ins, but wait times vary widely — some offices have waits of 30 minutes, others two hours or more.

You can call ahead to ask about current wait times, or you can check the DHSMV website for offices that offer online appointment scheduling. Not all offices have this option, so availability depends on your location. If your office offers appointments, booking one online usually gets you in faster than walking in.

Go early in the day if you walk in without an appointment. Most offices are busiest between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Arriving before 10 a.m. or after 3 p.m. often means a shorter wait.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and tell the clerk you need a replacement license. You will be called to a window where the clerk will review your documents, verify your identity, and ask you to confirm your address and any restrictions on your license (such as corrective lenses or organ donor status). The clerk will also ask whether you want to register as an organ donor.

You will then have your photo taken. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in; the photo will be on your license for the next several years. After the photo, you will pay the $20 fee by cash, debit card, or credit card — payment methods vary by office, so ask when you arrive if you are unsure.

Before you leave, ask the clerk for a temporary paper license if you need to drive before your permanent license arrives. The temporary is issued on the spot and is valid for 30 days.

Delivery and what to do if your license does not arrive

Your replacement license is mailed to the address you provided at the office. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you move before your license arrives, you can request a replacement at your new address, but you will pay another $20 fee. To avoid this, update your address with the DHSMV before you move if possible.

If your license does not arrive within 10 business days, call the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-HELP-1 (1-844-354-3571). Have your driver's license number ready if you know it. The DHSMV can check the status of your replacement and reissue it if there was a problem with delivery.

If your license arrives damaged or with incorrect information, return to a driver license office with the damaged card and your documents. The clerk can issue a corrected replacement at no additional charge if the error was made by the DHSMV.

Replacing your license if it was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost, the process is the same — you still visit a driver license office with proof of identity and address, pay $20, and receive a replacement. You do not need a police report to get a replacement license, though filing one is a good idea if the theft included other documents or if you are concerned about identity theft.

If you believe your license information has been used fraudulently, contact the Florida Attorney General's office or the Federal Trade Commission to report identity theft. You can also place a fraud alert on your credit report by contacting one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion). A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.

Cost and payment methods

The replacement fee is $20. This is a flat fee regardless of how long your current license has been valid or how much time remains on it. You cannot pay online or by mail — payment is made in person at the driver license office when you pick up your temporary license.

Most offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may accept checks, but this varies. Call ahead or check the DHSMV website for your specific office's payment methods if you want to be certain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license without visiting an office in person?

No. Florida requires you to appear in person for a replacement license, even if your original license was valid for several more years. You cannot renew or replace by mail or online.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?

You can use a combination of other documents. Bring a Social Security card plus a school ID, work ID, military ID, or other government-issued photo ID. The DHSMV clerk will tell you if your combination is acceptable or if you need to bring additional documents.

How long is the temporary paper license valid?

The temporary license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. If your permanent license has not arrived by then, you will need to return to the office for another temporary or to check on the status of your replacement.

Do I have to pay again if my replacement license arrives damaged?

No. If the DHSMV damaged the card during production or mailing, they will issue a corrected replacement at no charge. Bring the damaged card and your documents to any driver license office.

What if I move before my replacement license arrives?

You can update your address with the DHSMV online at flhsmv.gov before you move, and your license will be mailed to your new address. If you do not update beforehand, you will need to visit a driver license office again and pay another $20 fee for a replacement with your new address.