Where to go and what you need

You can replace your Florida driver's license at any Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. Walk in during business hours — no appointment needed — with your current ID and proof of your Social Security number. If your license was lost or stolen, bring a police report or the report number. If it was damaged, bring the card itself.

The replacement fee is $25 for a standard license valid for eight years. You pay at the counter when you submit your paperwork. The office will take a new photo and print your replacement on the spot; you leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to your address on file.

If your address has changed since your last license, bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days. The DHSMV will update your record and mail the replacement to your new address.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit any DHSMV office with your current ID, proof of your Social Security number, and any police report if your license was stolen.
  • The replacement costs $25 and takes about 15 minutes; you receive a temporary paper license when ready and the plastic card by mail within two weeks.
  • If your address changed, bring a recent utility bill or bank statement so the new license goes to the correct address.
  • If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot replace it until the suspension or revocation is lifted.

Finding your nearest DHSMV office

The DHSMV website has a location finder at flhsmv.gov. Enter your county or city and the tool shows all nearby offices, their hours, and which services each one offers. Most full-service offices handle replacements; a few smaller satellite locations do not.

Hours vary by location. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some opening on Saturday mornings. Call ahead if you are traveling more than 30 minutes — a few offices close for lunch or have reduced hours on certain days.

What happens if your license was suspended or revoked

If your license is under suspension or revocation, the DHSMV will not issue a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted. This includes suspensions for unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or failure to appear in court.

Check your status on the DHSMV website before you go to the office. Go to flhsmv.gov, select "Check Driver License Status," and enter your license number and date of birth. The system will tell you whether your license is valid, suspended, or revoked, and why. If it is suspended, the page will show what you need to do to restore it — usually paying a fine, clearing a court date, or resolving a child support issue.

Replacing a license that expired while you were out of state

If your Florida license expired while you lived outside Florida, you can still replace it at any DHSMV office. Bring your expired license, current ID from another state, and proof of your Social Security number. You will need to pass a vision test and provide your current address.

If you have been out of state for more than five years, the DHSMV may require you to retake the written driving test as well. Call the office before you go to confirm what tests you will need.

Getting a replacement by mail if you cannot visit an office

You cannot replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license by mail. The DHSMV requires an in-person visit so they can take a new photo and verify your identity.

If you are temporarily out of state or have a medical condition that prevents you from visiting an office, contact the DHSMV at 1-844-353-0136 to discuss your situation. They may be able to direct you to an office near you or explain what documents you will need when you return to Florida.

What to do if your replacement does not arrive

Your replacement license should arrive by mail within 10 to 14 days. If it does not arrive within three weeks, contact the DHSMV at 1-844-353-0136 with your temporary paper license number. They can check whether the card was mailed and, if it was lost in transit, issue a second replacement.

Keep your temporary paper license until the plastic card arrives. It is valid for 30 days and counts as your legal driver's license during that time. If the 30 days pass before your replacement arrives, you can return to any DHSMV office and request an extension of your temporary license.

Replacing a license with a different name

If your name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring proof of the change along with your current ID and proof of your Social Security number. Acceptable proof includes a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order of name change.

The DHSMV will update your name in the system and issue a new license with the correct name. The process is the same as a standard replacement and costs $25.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if I do not have my Social Security card?

You do not need the card itself. Bring any document that shows your Social Security number — a tax return, W-2, bank statement, or insurance document. If you do not have any of those, call the DHSMV at 1-844-353-0136 to ask what other documents they will accept.

What if I lost my license and do not have a police report?

You can still replace it without a police report. The DHSMV does not require one, though having a report number speeds up the process if your license was stolen and used fraudulently. If you want to file a report, contact your local police non-emergency line.

How long is the temporary paper license good for?

The temporary license is valid for 30 days from the date you receive it at the DHSMV office. It counts as your legal driver's license during that time. If your plastic card has not arrived by day 30, return to any DHSMV office and ask them to extend your temporary license.

Can I replace my license online?

No. Florida requires an in-person visit for all replacements so the DHSMV can take a new photo and verify your identity. You must visit a DHSMV office.

What if my address on file is wrong and I do not have proof of my new address?

Bring whatever proof you have — a lease, utility bill, or bank statement. If you cannot provide any proof, the DHSMV will mail your replacement to the address currently on file. You can update your address later by visiting another DHSMV office or by mail if you submit the correct form.