Lost Drivers License in Florida: What To Do and How To Get a Replacement


Lost Drivers License in Florida: What To Do and How To Get a Replacement

Dropping your driver’s license could be a annoying and inconvenient expertise. If you happen to’re a Florida resident who has misplaced or misplaced your driver’s license, do not panic. This is a pleasant information that will help you navigate the method of acquiring a substitute license.

The Florida Division of Freeway Security and Motor Autos (DHSMV) is accountable for issuing driver’s licenses within the state. To exchange your misplaced license, you will want to go to a DHSMV workplace or approved driver license agent workplace. Yow will discover a listing of those places of work right here.

As soon as you have positioned a close-by workplace, collect the required paperwork and knowledge required for the substitute course of. These sometimes embrace proof of identification, proof of residency, and the required charges. Full particulars of required paperwork right here.

misplaced drivers license florida

Dropping your driver’s license in Florida will be annoying. Listed here are 10 necessary factors to recollect:

  • Go to DHSMV workplace or agent.
  • Convey proof of identification and residency.
  • Pay the substitute payment.
  • Get a short lived license.
  • Wait on your new license to reach.
  • Report misplaced license to DMV.
  • Cancel previous license if discovered.
  • Get an ID card if wanted.
  • Renew license on time.
  • Be ready for delays.

By following these steps, you may reduce the inconvenience attributable to shedding your driver’s license in Florida.

Go to DHSMV workplace or agent.

As soon as you have gathered the required paperwork and knowledge, you must go to a DHSMV workplace or approved driver license agent workplace to use for a substitute license.

  • Find a close-by workplace: Use the DHSMV workplace locator right here to seek out the closest workplace or agent location.
  • Make an appointment: Whereas walk-ins are sometimes accepted, making an appointment can prevent time and scale back wait instances. You may schedule an appointment on-line or by calling the DHSMV.
  • Arrive early: It is a good suggestion to reach on the workplace a minimum of quarter-hour earlier than your scheduled appointment or the workplace’s opening time for those who’re a walk-in. This offers you sufficient time to finish any essential paperwork and keep away from delays.
  • Be ready to attend: Even with an appointment, you should still have to attend a while earlier than you are seen by a DHSMV consultant. Convey one thing to learn or do to occupy your time when you wait.

When you’re referred to as to the counter, the DHSMV consultant will assessment your paperwork, gather the required charges, and take your photograph for the brand new license. You may be issued a short lived license on the spot, which is able to can help you drive legally when you wait on your everlasting license to reach within the mail.

Convey proof of identification and residency.

When making use of for a substitute driver’s license in Florida, you will want to offer proof of your identification and residency. Acceptable types of identification embrace:

  • Legitimate U.S. passport or passport card.
  • Florida driver’s license or ID card (even when it is expired).
  • Florida hid weapon license.
  • U.S. navy ID card.

For proof of residency, you may present one of many following:

  • Utility invoice (electrical, water, gasoline, and many others.) dated inside the final 60 days.
  • Financial institution assertion dated inside the final 60 days.
  • Lease or rental settlement.
  • Mortgage assertion dated inside the final 60 days.

Be certain that the paperwork you present clearly present your identify and present Florida handle. In case your paperwork do not match your present handle, it’s possible you’ll want to offer further proof of residency.

Pay the substitute payment.

To acquire a substitute driver’s license in Florida, you will must pay a substitute payment. The present payment for a substitute license is $25. You may pay the payment utilizing money, bank card, or debit card at most DHSMV places of work and approved driver license agent places of work. Some places of work can also settle for checks, but it surely’s greatest to contact the workplace prematurely to verify their cost choices.

Along with the substitute payment, you might also must pay a payment for a short lived license. The payment for a short lived license is $7.50. A short lived license lets you legally drive when you wait on your everlasting license to reach within the mail, which generally takes 7-10 enterprise days.

Yow will discover extra details about charges related to driver’s license substitute on the Florida DHSMV web site: https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/duplicate-driver-licenses-and-id-cards

It is necessary to notice that the substitute payment is non-refundable, even when you find yourself discovering your previous driver’s license. So, make sure to totally search your private home and car earlier than making use of for a substitute.

By being ready and figuring out what to anticipate relating to the substitute payment, you may guarantee the method goes easily and effectively.

Get a short lived license.

As soon as you have submitted your software, paid the required charges, and had your photograph taken, you will be issued a short lived driver’s license. The non permanent license is legitimate for 60 days and lets you legally drive when you wait on your everlasting license to reach within the mail.

  • Ask for a short lived license: Remember to request a short lived license once you apply on your substitute driver’s license. You might must pay a further payment for the non permanent license.
  • Test the expiration date: Be certain that to test the expiration date in your non permanent license and maintain observe of it. Driving with an expired non permanent license is against the law.
  • Carry your non permanent license with you: All the time carry your non permanent license with you once you’re driving. You might be requested to indicate it to regulation enforcement officers or different officers.
  • Destroy your non permanent license when your everlasting license arrives: When you obtain your everlasting license within the mail, destroy your non permanent license. It’s not legitimate and shouldn’t be used.

By following the following tips, you may guarantee that you’ve got a legitimate license to drive when you wait on your everlasting substitute license to reach.

Wait on your new license to reach.

After you have utilized for a substitute driver’s license in Florida and been issued a short lived license, you will want to attend on your new license to reach within the mail. The everyday processing time for a substitute license is 7-10 enterprise days. Nonetheless, it could take longer if there are any points together with your software or if there are delays within the mail.

Right here are some things to bear in mind when you’re ready on your new license:

  • Be affected person: It is necessary to be affected person when you’re ready on your new license to reach. The DHSMV processes numerous functions every day, so it could take a while on your software to be processed.
  • Test your mail frequently: Remember to test your mail frequently, particularly through the 7-10 enterprise day window after you have utilized on your substitute license. Your new license might be mailed to the handle you supplied in your software.
  • Contact the DHSMV if there is a delay: If you have not acquired your new license inside 10 enterprise days, you may contact the DHSMV to inquire concerning the standing of your software. You may attain the DHSMV by telephone at 1-850-617-2000 or by e mail at dhsmvweb@flhsmv.gov.

When you obtain your new license, make sure to test it fastidiously to ensure that all the data is right. If there are any errors, you must contact the DHSMV instantly.

By following the following tips, you may be certain that you obtain your new driver’s license in a well timed method and that all the data in your license is right.

Report misplaced license to DMV.

It is necessary to report your misplaced driver’s license to the DHSMV as quickly as doable. It will assist to guard you from identification theft and fraud, and it’ll additionally make it simpler to get a substitute license.

  • Report on-line: You may report your misplaced license on-line by means of the DHSMV web site: https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/lost-or-stolen-driver-license-or-id-card. You will want to offer your identify, driver’s license quantity, and date of delivery.
  • Report by telephone: You may also report your misplaced license by telephone by calling the DHSMV at 1-850-617-2000.
  • Report in individual: You may report your misplaced license in individual at any DHSMV workplace or approved driver license agent workplace.
  • Maintain a report of your report: Remember to maintain a report of your report, together with the date and time you reported your license misplaced and the identify of the DHSMV consultant you spoke with.

By reporting your misplaced license to the DHSMV, you take steps to guard your self from fraud and identification theft and guaranteeing which you could get a substitute license as quickly as doable.

Cancel previous license if discovered.

If you happen to occur to seek out your previous driver’s license after you have reported it misplaced and acquired a substitute, it is necessary to cancel the previous license instantly. It will forestall anybody from utilizing your previous license to commit fraud or identification theft.

To cancel your previous license, you may both:

  • Return it to a DHSMV workplace or approved driver license agent workplace: You may merely return your previous license to any DHSMV workplace or approved driver license agent workplace. They’ll cancel the license and destroy it for you.
  • Mail it to the DHSMV: You may also mail your previous license to the DHSMV. Remember to embrace a observe explaining that you’re canceling the license since you discovered your substitute license. The handle to mail your license to is:

Florida Division of Freeway Security and Motor Autos Driver License Cancellation Unit 2900 Apalachee Parkway, MS 51 Tallahassee, FL 32399-0511

Upon getting canceled your previous license, make sure to maintain a report of the cancellation, together with the date you canceled it and the identify of the DHSMV consultant you spoke with (for those who canceled it in individual).

By canceling your previous license, you might be defending your self from fraud and identification theft and guaranteeing that your substitute license is the one legitimate license in circulation.

It is necessary to notice that you shouldn’t destroy your previous license your self. Solely the DHSMV has the authority to cancel and destroy driver’s licenses.

Get an ID card if wanted.

If you happen to do not need a legitimate driver’s license, however you continue to want a type of identification, you may apply for a Florida ID card. A Florida ID card is a non-driver identification card that can be utilized for lots of the similar functions as a driver’s license, resembling:

  • Identification: You should use your Florida ID card to show your identification when cashing checks, opening a checking account, or making use of for a job.
  • Age verification: You should use your Florida ID card to show your age when buying alcohol or tobacco merchandise, or when coming into age-restricted institutions.
  • Voting: You should use your Florida ID card to vote in elections.

To use for a Florida ID card, you will want to go to a DHSMV workplace or approved driver license agent workplace. You will want to offer proof of your identification and residency, and you will want to pay a payment. The payment for a Florida ID card is $25.

Upon getting been issued a Florida ID card, it is possible for you to to make use of it for all the similar functions as a driver’s license, aside from driving.

Getting a Florida ID card is an effective possibility for individuals who do not need a driver’s license, however nonetheless want a type of identification. It is usually a superb possibility for individuals who have had their driver’s license suspended or revoked.

Renew license on time.

It is necessary to resume your driver’s license on time to keep away from driving with an expired license. Driving with an expired license is against the law and can lead to fines and different penalties.

In Florida, you may renew your driver’s license as much as 18 months earlier than it expires. You may renew your license on-line, by mail, or in individual at a DHSMV workplace or approved driver license agent workplace.

To resume your license on-line, you will want to create an account on the DHSMV web site. Upon getting created an account, you may log in and observe the directions to resume your license. You will want to offer your driver’s license quantity, date of delivery, and Social Safety quantity. Additionally, you will must pay a renewal payment. The payment for renewing a driver’s license is $48.

To resume your license by mail, you may obtain a renewal software from the DHSMV web site or request one by calling the DHSMV at 1-850-617-2000. Upon getting accomplished the applying, you may mail it to the DHSMV together with a test or cash order for the renewal payment.

To resume your license in individual, you may go to any DHSMV workplace or approved driver license agent workplace. You will want to carry your present driver’s license, proof of identification, and proof of residency. Additionally, you will must pay the renewal payment.

By renewing your driver’s license on time, you might be guaranteeing that you’ve got a legitimate license to drive and that you’re complying with the regulation.

Be ready for delays.

When making use of for a substitute driver’s license in Florida, it is necessary to be ready for potential delays.

  • Excessive demand: Throughout sure instances of the yr, such because the summer time months or round holidays, there could also be a better demand for driver’s license providers, which might result in longer wait instances and delays.
  • Staffing shortages: The DHSMV might expertise staffing shortages resulting from sickness, holidays, or different elements. This will additionally contribute to delays in processing driver’s license functions.
  • Technical points: Often, the DHSMV might expertise technical points with their pc techniques or tools. This will additionally trigger delays in processing driver’s license functions.
  • Incomplete functions: In case your software is incomplete or lacking required paperwork, it could be delayed and even rejected. Be certain that to fastidiously assessment the necessities and supply all essential paperwork when submitting your software.

To attenuate the affect of potential delays, it is a good suggestion to plan forward and apply on your substitute license nicely prematurely of once you want it. You may also attempt to go to a DHSMV workplace throughout off-peak hours or on weekdays to keep away from lengthy traces. In case you have any questions or considerations concerning the substitute course of, you may contact the DHSMV for help.

FAQ

Listed here are some ceaselessly requested questions and solutions associated to misplaced driver’s licenses in Florida:

Query 1: What ought to I do if I lose my driver’s license in Florida?

Reply: If you happen to lose your driver’s license in Florida, you must report it misplaced to the DHSMV as quickly as doable. You are able to do this on-line, by telephone, or in individual at a DHSMV workplace or approved driver license agent workplace. You will want to offer your identify, driver’s license quantity, and date of delivery. Upon getting reported your license misplaced, you may apply for a substitute license.

Query 2: How do I apply for a substitute driver’s license in Florida?

Reply: To use for a substitute driver’s license in Florida, you will want to go to a DHSMV workplace or approved driver license agent workplace. You will want to offer proof of identification, residency, and pay the substitute payment. Additionally, you will must cross a imaginative and prescient screening and have your photograph taken. As soon as your software is processed, you can be issued a short lived license. Your everlasting license might be mailed to you inside 7-10 enterprise days.

Query 3: How a lot does it value to interchange a misplaced driver’s license in Florida?

Reply: The payment to interchange a misplaced driver’s license in Florida is $25. Additionally, you will must pay a payment for a short lived license for those who want one. The payment for a short lived license is $7.50.

Query 4: How lengthy does it take to get a substitute driver’s license in Florida?

Reply: It sometimes takes 7-10 enterprise days to obtain a substitute driver’s license in Florida. Nonetheless, it could take longer if there are any points together with your software or if there are delays within the mail.

Query 5: Can I drive with a short lived license in Florida?

Reply: Sure, you may drive with a short lived license in Florida. A short lived license is legitimate for 60 days. Nonetheless, you have to carry your non permanent license with you always if you end up driving.

Query 6: What ought to I do if I discover my misplaced driver’s license after I have been issued a substitute?

Reply: If you happen to discover your misplaced driver’s license after you have been issued a substitute, you must cancel the previous license instantly. You are able to do this by returning it to a DHSMV workplace or approved driver license agent workplace, or by mailing it to the DHSMV. It’s best to maintain a report of the cancellation, together with the date you canceled it and the identify of the DHSMV consultant you spoke with.

Query 7: Can I get an ID card if I haven’t got a driver’s license in Florida?

Reply: Sure, you will get a Florida ID card if you do not have a driver’s license. A Florida ID card is a non-driver identification card that can be utilized for lots of the similar functions as a driver’s license, resembling identification, age verification, and voting.

Closing Paragraph: I hope this FAQ has answered a few of your questions on misplaced driver’s licenses in Florida. In case you have every other questions, you may contact the DHSMV for help.

Now that what to do for those who lose your driver’s license in Florida, listed here are a couple of suggestions that will help you keep away from shedding it within the first place:

Ideas

Listed here are a couple of sensible suggestions that will help you keep away from shedding your driver’s license in Florida:

Tip 1: Maintain your driver’s license in a protected place.

Select a selected place in your pockets, purse, or automotive the place you all the time maintain your driver’s license. It will provide help to keep away from misplacing it or forgetting the place you set it.

Tip 2: Make a duplicate of your driver’s license.

Make a photocopy of your driver’s license and maintain it in a separate location from the unique. This may be useful for those who lose your authentic license and want to offer proof of your identification.

Tip 3: Concentrate on your environment.

Take note of the place you set your driver’s license if you end up out and about. Be particularly cautious if you end up in crowded or unfamiliar locations.

Tip 4: Report your license misplaced instantly for those who do lose it.

If you happen to lose your driver’s license, report it misplaced to the DHSMV as quickly as doable. It will assist to guard you from identification theft and fraud, and it’ll additionally make it simpler to get a substitute license.

Closing Paragraph: By following the following tips, you may assist to scale back the danger of shedding your driver’s license and the inconvenience that comes with it.

Keep in mind, shedding your driver’s license could be a annoying expertise, but it surely’s necessary to know which you could take steps to guard your self and get a substitute license rapidly and simply.

Conclusion

Dropping your driver’s license in Florida could be a irritating and inconvenient expertise, but it surely’s necessary to know that you simply’re not alone and that there are steps you may take to get a substitute license rapidly and simply.

To summarize the details:

  • Report your misplaced license to the DHSMV instantly. It will assist to guard you from identification theft and fraud, and it’ll additionally make it simpler to get a substitute license.
  • Collect the required paperwork and knowledge. You will want to offer proof of identification, residency, and pay the substitute payment.
  • Go to a DHSMV workplace or approved driver license agent workplace. You may apply for a substitute license in individual or by mail.
  • Be ready for delays. It might take a while to course of your software and obtain your substitute license.
  • Take steps to keep away from shedding your license sooner or later. Maintain your license in a protected place, make a duplicate of it, and concentrate on your environment if you end up out and about.

Keep in mind, the DHSMV is there that will help you. In case you have any questions or considerations concerning the substitute course of, do not hesitate to contact them for help.

Closing Message: By following these steps and suggestions, you may reduce the inconvenience of shedding your driver’s license and get again on the highway safely and rapidly.