Dropping your driver’s license generally is a tense 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 can assist you navigate the method of acquiring a substitute license.
The Florida Division of Freeway Security and Motor Automobiles (DHSMV) is liable for issuing driver’s licenses within the state. To interchange your misplaced license, you may want to go to a DHSMV workplace or licensed driver license agent workplace. You could find a listing of those workplaces right here.
As soon as you have situated a close-by workplace, collect the mandatory paperwork and knowledge required for the substitute course of. These usually embody proof of id, 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 tense. Listed below are 10 essential factors to recollect:
- Go to DHSMV workplace or agent.
- Convey proof of id and residency.
- Pay the substitute payment.
- Get a short lived license.
- Wait in 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 possibly can decrease the inconvenience attributable to dropping your driver’s license in Florida.
Go to DHSMV workplace or agent.
As soon as you have gathered the mandatory paperwork and knowledge, it’s essential to go to a DHSMV workplace or licensed 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 usually accepted, making an appointment can prevent time and cut 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 not less than 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 whilst you wait.
When you’re referred to as to the counter, the DHSMV consultant will assessment your paperwork, accumulate the required charges, and take your picture for the brand new license. You will be issued a short lived license on the spot, which can let you drive legally whilst you wait in your everlasting license to reach within the mail.
Convey proof of id and residency.
When making use of for a substitute driver’s license in Florida, you may want to offer proof of your id and residency. Acceptable types of identification embody:
- 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 possibly can present one of many following:
- Utility invoice (electrical, water, fuel, and so forth.) dated throughout the final 60 days.
- Financial institution assertion dated throughout the final 60 days.
- Lease or rental settlement.
- Mortgage assertion dated throughout the final 60 days.
Make certain 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 extra proof of residency.
Pay the substitute payment.
To acquire a substitute driver’s license in Florida, you may 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 workplaces and licensed driver license agent workplaces. Some workplaces may settle for checks, however it’s greatest to contact the workplace upfront to substantiate 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 brief license means that you can legally drive whilst you wait in your everlasting license to reach within the mail, which usually takes 7-10 enterprise days.
You could find 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 essential to notice that the substitute payment is non-refundable, even when you find yourself discovering your previous driver’s license. So, make sure you completely search your property and car earlier than making use of for a substitute.
By being ready and figuring out what to anticipate concerning the substitute payment, you possibly can 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 picture taken, you may be issued a short lived driver’s license. The momentary license is legitimate for 60 days and means that you can legally drive whilst you wait in your everlasting license to reach within the mail.
- Ask for a short lived license: Remember to request a short lived license while you apply in your substitute driver’s license. You might must pay a further payment for the momentary license.
- Examine the expiration date: Make certain to verify the expiration date in your momentary license and preserve monitor of it. Driving with an expired momentary license is illegitimate.
- Carry your momentary license with you: All the time carry your momentary license with you while you’re driving. You might be requested to point out it to regulation enforcement officers or different officers.
- Destroy your momentary license when your everlasting license arrives: When you obtain your everlasting license within the mail, destroy your momentary license. It’s not legitimate and shouldn’t be used.
By following the following tips, you possibly can guarantee that you’ve a legitimate license to drive whilst you wait in your everlasting substitute license to reach.
Wait in 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 may want to attend in your new license to reach within the mail. The standard processing time for a substitute license is 7-10 enterprise days. Nevertheless, 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 whilst you’re ready in your new license:
- Be affected person: It is essential to be affected person whilst you’re ready in your new license to reach. The DHSMV processes numerous purposes every day, so it could take a while in your software to be processed.
- Examine your mail frequently: Remember to verify your mail frequently, particularly in the course of the 7-10 enterprise day window after you have utilized in your substitute license. Your new license will probably be mailed to the handle you supplied in your software.
- Contact the DHSMV if there is a delay: If you have not obtained your new license inside 10 enterprise days, you possibly can contact the DHSMV to inquire concerning the standing of your software. You may attain the DHSMV by cellphone at 1-850-617-2000 or by electronic mail at dhsmvweb@flhsmv.gov.
When you obtain your new license, make sure you verify it rigorously to make it possible for all the data is right. If there are any errors, it is best to contact the DHSMV instantly.
By following the following tips, you possibly can make sure 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 essential to report your misplaced driver’s license to the DHSMV as quickly as potential. This may assist to guard you from id 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 via the DHSMV web site: https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/lost-or-stolen-driver-license-or-id-card. You’ll need to offer your identify, driver’s license quantity, and date of delivery.
- Report by cellphone: You can even report your misplaced license by cellphone 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 licensed driver license agent workplace.
- Hold a document of your report: Remember to preserve a document 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 id theft and guaranteeing you could get a substitute license as quickly as potential.
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 obtained a substitute, it is essential to cancel the previous license instantly. This may stop anybody from utilizing your previous license to commit fraud or id theft.
To cancel your previous license, you possibly can both:
- Return it to a DHSMV workplace or licensed driver license agent workplace: You may merely return your previous license to any DHSMV workplace or licensed driver license agent workplace. They are going to cancel the license and destroy it for you.
- Mail it to the DHSMV: You can even mail your previous license to the DHSMV. Remember to embody 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 Automobiles Driver License Cancellation Unit 2900 Apalachee Parkway, MS 51 Tallahassee, FL 32399-0511
After you have canceled your previous license, make sure you preserve a document 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’re defending your self from fraud and id theft and guaranteeing that your substitute license is the one legitimate license in circulation.
It is essential 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 possibly can apply for a Florida ID card. A Florida ID card is a non-driver identification card that can be utilized for most of the similar functions as a driver’s license, reminiscent of:
- Identification: You should use your Florida ID card to show your id 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 getting into age-restricted institutions.
- Voting: You should use your Florida ID card to vote in elections.
To use for a Florida ID card, you have to to go to a DHSMV workplace or licensed driver license agent workplace. You’ll need to offer proof of your id and residency, and you have to to pay a payment. The payment for a Florida ID card is $25.
After you have 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 efficient 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 essential to resume your driver’s license on time to keep away from driving with an expired license. Driving with an expired license is illegitimate and may end up in fines and different penalties.
In Florida, you possibly can 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 licensed driver license agent workplace.
To resume your license on-line, you have to to create an account on the DHSMV web site. After you have created an account, you possibly can log in and comply with the directions to resume your license. You’ll need 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 possibly can obtain a renewal software from the DHSMV web site or request one by calling the DHSMV at 1-850-617-2000. After you have accomplished the applying, you possibly can mail it to the DHSMV together with a verify or cash order for the renewal payment.
To resume your license in individual, you possibly can go to any DHSMV workplace or licensed driver license agent workplace. You’ll need to convey your present driver’s license, proof of id, and proof of residency. Additionally, you will must pay the renewal payment.
By renewing your driver’s license on time, you’re guaranteeing that you’ve 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 essential to be ready for potential delays.
- Excessive demand: Throughout sure instances of the yr, such because the summer season months or round holidays, there could also be the next demand for driver’s license providers, which might result in longer wait instances and delays.
- Staffing shortages: The DHSMV could expertise staffing shortages resulting from sickness, holidays, or different components. This will additionally contribute to delays in processing driver’s license purposes.
- Technical points: Sometimes, the DHSMV could expertise technical points with their laptop programs or tools. This will additionally trigger delays in processing driver’s license purposes.
- Incomplete purposes: In case your software is incomplete or lacking required paperwork, it could be delayed and even rejected. Make certain to rigorously 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 in your substitute license effectively upfront of while you want it. You can even attempt to go to a DHSMV workplace throughout off-peak hours or on weekdays to keep away from lengthy strains. In case you have any questions or issues concerning the substitute course of, you possibly can contact the DHSMV for help.
FAQ
Listed below are some regularly 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, it is best to report it misplaced to the DHSMV as quickly as potential. You are able to do this on-line, by cellphone, or in individual at a DHSMV workplace or licensed driver license agent workplace. You’ll need to offer your identify, driver’s license quantity, and date of delivery. After you have reported your license misplaced, you possibly can 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 have to to go to a DHSMV workplace or licensed driver license agent workplace. You’ll need to offer proof of id, residency, and pay the substitute payment. Additionally, you will must go a imaginative and prescient screening and have your picture taken. As soon as your software is processed, you may be issued a short lived license. Your everlasting license will probably 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 usually takes 7-10 enterprise days to obtain a substitute driver’s license in Florida. Nevertheless, 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 possibly can drive with a short lived license in Florida. A brief license is legitimate for 60 days. Nevertheless, you will need to carry your momentary license with you always when you find yourself 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, it is best to cancel the previous license instantly. You are able to do this by returning it to a DHSMV workplace or licensed driver license agent workplace, or by mailing it to the DHSMV. It is best to preserve a document 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 may 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 most of the similar functions as a driver’s license, reminiscent of 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 another questions, you possibly can contact the DHSMV for help.
Now that you realize what to do for those who lose your driver’s license in Florida, listed below are just a few suggestions that can assist you keep away from dropping it within the first place:
Suggestions
Listed below are just a few sensible suggestions that can assist you keep away from dropping your driver’s license in Florida:
Tip 1: Hold your driver’s license in a protected place.
Select a particular place in your pockets, purse, or automobile the place you at all times preserve your driver’s license. This may show you how to keep away from misplacing it or forgetting the place you place it.
Tip 2: Make a duplicate of your driver’s license.
Make a photocopy of your driver’s license and preserve it in a separate location from the unique. This may be useful for those who lose your unique license and wish to offer proof of your id.
Tip 3: Pay attention to your environment.
Take note of the place you place your driver’s license when you find yourself out and about. Be particularly cautious when you find yourself 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 potential. This may assist to guard you from id theft and fraud, and it’ll additionally make it simpler to get a substitute license.
Closing Paragraph: By following the following tips, you possibly can assist to scale back the chance of dropping your driver’s license and the inconvenience that comes with it.
Bear in mind, dropping your driver’s license generally is a tense expertise, however it’s essential to know you could take steps to guard your self and get a substitute license rapidly and simply.
Conclusion
Dropping your driver’s license in Florida generally is a irritating and inconvenient expertise, however it’s essential to know that you just’re not alone and that there are steps you possibly can take to get a substitute license rapidly and simply.
To summarize the details:
- Report your misplaced license to the DHSMV instantly. This may assist to guard you from id theft and fraud, and it’ll additionally make it simpler to get a substitute license.
- Collect the mandatory paperwork and knowledge. You’ll need to offer proof of id, residency, and pay the substitute payment.
- Go to a DHSMV workplace or licensed driver license agent workplace. You may apply for a substitute license in individual or by mail.
- Be ready for delays. It could take a while to course of your software and obtain your substitute license.
- Take steps to keep away from dropping your license sooner or later. Hold your license in a protected place, make a duplicate of it, and pay attention to your environment when you find yourself out and about.
Bear in mind, the DHSMV is there that can assist you. In case you have any questions or issues concerning the substitute course of, do not hesitate to contact them for help.
Closing Message: By following these steps and suggestions, you possibly can decrease the inconvenience of dropping your driver’s license and get again on the highway safely and rapidly.
