Have you lost or misplaced your Florida driver's license? Do you have a damaged license that needs replacing? Whatever the reason, getting a replacement driver's license in Florida is a simple process that can be done quickly and easily.
In this page, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about replacing a Florida driver's license, including the required documents, fees, and steps involved. Whether you're new to Florida or just need a replacement, we've got you covered.
Replacing a Florida driver's license is a relatively straightforward process, and it can typically be completed within a single visit to the local driver license office. However, it's important to gather the necessary documents and information before you go to the office to ensure a smooth and efficient experience. In the following sections, we will guide you through the steps involved in replacing your Florida driver's license, including the required documents, fees, and steps involved.
Replace Driver's License Florida
Lost or damaged license? Here's how to replace it:
- Gather documents
- Pay replacement fee
- Visit driver license office
- Pass vision test
- Take new photo
- Receive temporary license
- Get new license by mail
With the right documents and a visit to the driver license office, you can easily replace your Florida driver's license.
Gather documents
Before you head to the driver license office, you'll need to gather the following documents:
1. Proof of identity:
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Florida driver's license or ID card
- Birth certificate
- Social Security card
2. Proof of Florida residency:
- Utility bill
- Bank statement
- Lease agreement
- Voter registration card
3. Proof of lawful presence:
- U.S. birth certificate
- Permanent resident card
- Employment Authorization Document
4. Fee:
- $25 for a replacement driver's license
- $18 for a duplicate driver's license
It's important to bring all of the required documents with you to the driver license office. If you're missing any documents, you may be asked to return at another time.
Pay replacement fee
Once you have gathered all of the required documents, you will need to pay the replacement fee.
- Replacement driver's license: $25
- Duplicate driver's license: $18
You can pay the fee in cash, with a check, or with a credit or debit card. Please note that some driver license offices may not accept credit or debit cards, so it's always a good idea to call ahead to confirm.
Visit driver license office
Once you have gathered the required documents and paid the replacement fee, you will need to visit a driver license office to complete the process.
- Find a driver license office: You can use the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website to find a driver license office near you.
- Prepare for your visit: When you arrive at the driver license office, you will need to take a number and wait to be called. You may also be asked to fill out a form.
- Submit your documents: Once you are called to the counter, you will need to submit your documents to the driver license examiner.
- Take a vision test: You will be required to take a vision test as part of the replacement process.
After you have completed all of the required steps, you will be issued a temporary driver's license. Your new driver's license will be mailed to you within 7-10 business days.
Pass vision test
As part of the driver license replacement process, you will be required to take a vision test. This test is designed to ensure that you have the visual acuity to safely operate a motor vehicle.
- What to expect: The vision test is a simple process. You will be asked to read letters and numbers from a chart that is placed 20 feet away.
- Passing the test: In order to pass the vision test, you must be able to read at least 20/40 with both eyes open. If you wear corrective lenses, you must wear them during the test.
- If you fail the test: If you fail the vision test, you will not be issued a new driver's license. You will need to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor to get your vision checked. Once you have a prescription for corrective lenses, you can return to the driver license office and take the vision test again.
If you have any concerns about your vision, you should see an eye doctor before you visit the driver license office.
Take new photo
After you have passed the vision test, you will need to take a new photo for your driver's license.
- What to wear: You should wear clothing that is appropriate for a professional setting. Avoid wearing hats, sunglasses, or other items that may obstruct your face.
- Smile: You are allowed to smile in your driver's license photo, but it is not required. Just make sure that your expression is natural and that your eyes are open.
- Look straight ahead: When you are taking your photo, look straight ahead at the camera. Do not tilt your head or look to the side.
- Keep your mouth closed: Your mouth should be closed when you are taking your photo. Do not smile with your mouth open.
The driver license examiner will take your photo using a digital camera. The photo will be printed on your new driver's license.
Receive temporary license
Once you have completed all of the required steps, you will be issued a temporary driver's license.
- What is a temporary license? A temporary license is a document that allows you to drive while you are waiting for your new driver's license to arrive in the mail.
- How long is a temporary license valid for? A temporary license is valid for 30 days.
- What do I need to do with my temporary license? You must carry your temporary license with you at all times when you are driving. You must also surrender your temporary license to law enforcement officers upon request.
Your new driver's license will be mailed to you within 7-10 business days. Once you receive your new driver's license, you should destroy your temporary license.
Get new license by mail
Your new driver's license will be mailed to you within 7-10 business days.
- What to do when you receive your new license: When you receive your new driver's license, you should check to make sure that all of the information is correct. If there are any errors, you should contact the DHSMV immediately.
- Destroy your old license: Once you receive your new driver's license, you should destroy your old license. You can do this by shredding it or cutting it up into small pieces.
- Carry your new license with you: You must carry your driver's license with you at all times when you are driving. You must also surrender your driver's license to law enforcement officers upon request.
Your driver's license is an important document that allows you to drive legally. It is important to keep your driver's license up-to-date and to carry it with you at all times.
FAQ
Have more questions about replacing a driver's license in Florida? Here are some frequently asked questions and answers:
Question 1: How much does it cost to replace a driver's license in Florida?
Answer 1: The fee to replace a driver's license in Florida is $25. The fee to replace a duplicate driver's license is $18.
Question 2: What documents do I need to bring to the driver license office?
Answer 2: You will need to bring the following documents to the driver license office: proof of identity, proof of Florida residency, proof of lawful presence (if applicable), and the required fee.
Question 3: Do I need to take a vision test?
Answer 3: Yes, you will be required to take a vision test as part of the replacement process.
Question 4: What if I fail the vision test?
Answer 4: If you fail the vision test, you will not be issued a new driver's license. You will need to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor to get your vision checked. Once you have a prescription for corrective lenses, you can return to the driver license office and take the vision test again.
Question 5: How long does it take to get a new driver's license?
Answer 5: You will be issued a temporary driver's license at the driver license office. Your new driver's license will be mailed to you within 7-10 business days.
Question 6: What should I do with my old driver's license?
Answer 6: Once you receive your new driver's license, you should destroy your old license. You can do this by shredding it or cutting it up into small pieces.
Question 7: What should I do if I lose my driver's license?
Answer 7: If you lose your driver's license, you should report it to the DHSMV immediately. You can do this online, by phone, or in person at a driver license office. You will need to apply for a replacement driver's license.
Closing: We hope this FAQ has answered your questions about replacing a driver's license in Florida. If you have any other questions, you can contact the DHSMV for more information.
Now that you know the steps involved in replacing a Florida driver's license, here are a few tips to make the process go smoothly:
Tips
Here are some tips to make the process of replacing your Florida driver's license go smoothly:
Tip 1: Gather your documents in advance.
Make sure you have all of the required documents before you go to the driver license office. This will save you time and hassle.
Tip 2: Arrive early at the driver license office.
Driver license offices can be busy, so it's a good idea to arrive early to avoid long lines.
Tip 3: Be prepared to pay the fee.
The fee to replace a driver's license in Florida is $25. You can pay the fee in cash, with a check, or with a credit or debit card.
Tip 4: Bring your old driver's license with you.
Even if your old driver's license is expired or damaged, you should still bring it with you to the driver license office. This will help the process go faster.
Closing: By following these tips, you can make the process of replacing your Florida driver's license quick and easy.
Now that you know how to replace your Florida driver's license and have some tips to make the process go smoothly, you can be confident that you'll be able to get a new license quickly and easily.