Shedding your driver’s license is usually a traumatic and inconvenient expertise. Should you’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 alternative license.
The Florida Division of Freeway Security and Motor Autos (DHSMV) is answerable for issuing driver’s licenses within the state. To switch your misplaced license, you may want to go to a DHSMV workplace or licensed driver license agent workplace. Yow will discover a listing of those workplaces right here.
As soon as you have situated a close-by workplace, collect the required paperwork and data required for the alternative course of. These usually embrace proof of identification, proof of residency, and the required charges. Full particulars of required paperwork right here.
misplaced drivers license florida
Shedding your driver’s license in Florida could be traumatic. Listed below are 10 essential factors to recollect:
- Go to DHSMV workplace or agent.
- Carry proof of identification and residency.
- Pay the alternative charge.
- 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 possibly can 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 data, you might want to go to a DHSMV workplace or licensed driver license agent workplace to use for a alternative license.
- Find a close-by workplace: Use the DHSMV workplace locator right here to search out the closest workplace or agent location.
- Make an appointment: Whereas walk-ins are usually accepted, making an appointment can prevent time and scale back wait occasions. You’ll be able to schedule an appointment on-line or by calling the DHSMV.
- Arrive early: It is a good suggestion to reach on the workplace at the least quarter-hour earlier than your scheduled appointment or the workplace’s opening time if you happen to’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. Carry 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 evaluate your paperwork, acquire the required charges, and take your photograph for the brand new license. You will be issued a short lived license on the spot, which is able to assist you to drive legally whilst you wait on your everlasting license to reach within the mail.
Carry proof of identification and residency.
When making use of for a alternative driver’s license in Florida, you may want to supply 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. army ID card.
For proof of residency, you possibly can present one of many following:
- Utility invoice (electrical, water, gasoline, and so forth.) 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 deal with. In case your paperwork do not match your present deal with, you could want to supply extra proof of residency.
Pay the alternative charge.
To acquire a alternative driver’s license in Florida, you may have to pay a alternative charge. The present charge for a alternative license is $25. You’ll be able to pay the charge utilizing money, bank card, or debit card at most DHSMV workplaces and licensed driver license agent workplaces. Some workplaces can also settle for checks, however it’s finest to contact the workplace prematurely to substantiate their fee choices.
Along with the alternative charge, you might also have to pay a charge for a short lived license. The charge for a short lived license is $7.50. A short lived license permits you to legally drive whilst 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 alternative 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 alternative charge 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 alternative.
By being ready and understanding what to anticipate relating to the alternative charge, 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 photograph taken, you may be issued a short lived driver’s license. The non permanent license is legitimate for 60 days and permits you to legally drive whilst you wait on your everlasting license to reach within the mail.
- Ask for a short lived license: Be sure you request a short lived license whenever you apply on your alternative driver’s license. Chances are you’ll have to pay a further charge for the non permanent license.
- Examine the expiration date: Be certain that to test the expiration date in your non permanent license and hold observe of it. Driving with an expired non permanent license is unlawful.
- Carry your non permanent license with you: At all times carry your non permanent license with you whenever you’re driving. Chances are you’ll be requested to indicate it to legislation 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 pointers, you possibly can guarantee that you’ve a legitimate license to drive whilst you wait on your everlasting alternative license to reach.
Wait on your new license to reach.
After you have utilized for a alternative driver’s license in Florida and been issued a short lived license, you may want to attend on your new license to reach within the mail. The standard processing time for a alternative license is 7-10 enterprise days. Nonetheless, it might take longer if there are any points along with your software or if there are delays within the mail.
Right here are some things to bear in mind whilst you’re ready on your new license:
- Be affected person: It is essential to be affected person whilst you’re ready on your new license to reach. The DHSMV processes numerous functions every day, so it might take a while on your software to be processed.
- Examine your mail repeatedly: Be sure you test your mail repeatedly, particularly in the course of the 7-10 enterprise day window after you have utilized on your alternative license. Your new license might be mailed to the deal with 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 possibly can contact the DHSMV to inquire in regards to the standing of your software. You’ll be able to 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 you test it fastidiously to make it possible for the entire data is right. If there are any errors, you must contact the DHSMV instantly.
By following the following pointers, you possibly can be sure that you obtain your new driver’s license in a well timed method and that the entire 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 doable. This may assist to guard you from identification theft and fraud, and it’ll additionally make it simpler to get a alternative license.
- Report on-line: You’ll be able to report your misplaced license on-line by the DHSMV web site: https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/lost-or-stolen-driver-license-or-id-card. You will want to supply your identify, driver’s license quantity, and date of delivery.
- Report by telephone: You can even report your misplaced license by telephone by calling the DHSMV at 1-850-617-2000.
- Report in particular person: You’ll be able to report your misplaced license in particular person at any DHSMV workplace or licensed driver license agent workplace.
- Preserve a file of your report: Be sure you hold a file 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’re taking steps to guard your self from fraud and identification theft and guaranteeing you can get a alternative license as quickly as doable.
Cancel previous license if discovered.
Should you occur to search out your previous driver’s license after you have reported it misplaced and acquired a alternative, it is essential to cancel the previous license instantly. This may stop anybody from utilizing your previous license to commit fraud or identification theft.
To cancel your previous license, you possibly can both:
- Return it to a DHSMV workplace or licensed driver license agent workplace: You’ll be able to merely return your previous license to any DHSMV workplace or licensed driver license agent workplace. They may cancel the license and destroy it for you.
- Mail it to the DHSMV: You can even mail your previous license to the DHSMV. Be sure you embrace a word explaining that you’re canceling the license since you discovered your alternative license. The deal with 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
After getting canceled your previous license, make sure you hold a file of the cancellation, together with the date you canceled it and the identify of the DHSMV consultant you spoke with (if you happen to canceled it in particular person).
By canceling your previous license, you’re defending your self from fraud and identification theft and guaranteeing that your alternative 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.
Should you should not have 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 need to 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 need to use your Florida ID card to show your age when buying alcohol or tobacco merchandise, or when coming into age-restricted institutions.
- Voting: You need to 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 will want to supply proof of your identification and residency, and you have to to pay a charge. The charge for a Florida ID card is $25.
After getting been issued a Florida ID card, it is possible for you to to make use of it for the entire similar functions as a driver’s license, aside from driving.
Getting a Florida ID card is an efficient possibility for individuals who should not have 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 unlawful and can lead to fines and different penalties.
In Florida, you possibly can renew your driver’s license as much as 18 months earlier than it expires. You’ll be able to renew your license on-line, by mail, or in particular person 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 getting created an account, you possibly can log in and observe the directions to resume your license. You will want to supply your driver’s license quantity, date of delivery, and Social Safety quantity. Additionally, you will have to pay a renewal charge. The charge 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 getting accomplished the appliance, you possibly can mail it to the DHSMV together with a test or cash order for the renewal charge.
To resume your license in particular person, you possibly can go to any DHSMV workplace or licensed driver license agent workplace. You will want to convey your present driver’s license, proof of identification, and proof of residency. Additionally, you will have to pay the renewal charge.
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 legislation.
Be ready for delays.
When making use of for a alternative driver’s license in Florida, it is essential to be ready for potential delays.
- Excessive demand: Throughout sure occasions 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 occasions and delays.
- Staffing shortages: The DHSMV might expertise staffing shortages attributable to sickness, holidays, or different elements. This could additionally contribute to delays in processing driver’s license functions.
- Technical points: Sometimes, the DHSMV might expertise technical points with their laptop methods or tools. This could additionally trigger delays in processing driver’s license functions.
- Incomplete functions: In case your software is incomplete or lacking required paperwork, it might be delayed and even rejected. Be certain that to fastidiously evaluate the necessities and supply all essential paperwork when submitting your software.
To attenuate the impression of potential delays, it is a good suggestion to plan forward and apply on your alternative license properly prematurely of whenever 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 in regards to the alternative course of, you possibly can contact the DHSMV for help.
FAQ
Listed below 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: Should you 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 particular person at a DHSMV workplace or licensed driver license agent workplace. You will want to supply your identify, driver’s license quantity, and date of delivery. After getting reported your license misplaced, you possibly can apply for a alternative license.
Query 2: How do I apply for a alternative driver’s license in Florida?
Reply: To use for a alternative driver’s license in Florida, you have to to go to a DHSMV workplace or licensed driver license agent workplace. You will want to supply proof of identification, residency, and pay the alternative charge. Additionally, you will have to go a imaginative and prescient screening and have your photograph taken. As soon as your software is processed, you’ll 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 charge to interchange a misplaced driver’s license in Florida is $25. Additionally, you will have to pay a charge for a short lived license if you happen to want one. The charge for a short lived license is $7.50.
Query 4: How lengthy does it take to get a alternative driver’s license in Florida?
Reply: It usually takes 7-10 enterprise days to obtain a alternative driver’s license in Florida. Nonetheless, it might take longer if there are any points along 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 short lived license is legitimate for 60 days. Nonetheless, you should carry your non permanent license with you always when you’re driving.
Query 6: What ought to I do if I discover my misplaced driver’s license after I have been issued a alternative?
Reply: Should you discover your misplaced driver’s license after you have been issued a alternative, you must 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. You must hold a file 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 understand what to do if you happen to lose your driver’s license in Florida, listed here are just a few ideas that will help you keep away from shedding it within the first place:
Suggestions
Listed below are just a few sensible ideas that will help you keep away from shedding your driver’s license in Florida:
Tip 1: Preserve your driver’s license in a secure place.
Select a particular place in your pockets, purse, or automobile the place you at all times hold your driver’s license. This may show you how 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 hold it in a separate location from the unique. This may be useful if you happen to lose your authentic license and want to supply proof of your identification.
Tip 3: Concentrate on your environment.
Take note of the place you set your driver’s license when you’re out and about. Be particularly cautious when you’re in crowded or unfamiliar locations.
Tip 4: Report your license misplaced instantly if you happen to do lose it.
Should you lose your driver’s license, report it misplaced to the DHSMV as quickly as doable. This may assist to guard you from identification theft and fraud, and it’ll additionally make it simpler to get a alternative license.
Closing Paragraph: By following the following pointers, you possibly can assist to scale back the chance of shedding your driver’s license and the inconvenience that comes with it.
Keep in mind, shedding your driver’s license is usually a traumatic expertise, however it’s essential to know you can take steps to guard your self and get a alternative license shortly and simply.
Conclusion
Shedding your driver’s license in Florida is usually a irritating and inconvenient expertise, however it’s essential to know that you simply’re not alone and that there are steps you possibly can take to get a alternative license shortly and simply.
To summarize the details:
- Report your misplaced license to the DHSMV instantly. This may assist to guard you from identification theft and fraud, and it’ll additionally make it simpler to get a alternative license.
- Collect the required paperwork and data. You will want to supply proof of identification, residency, and pay the alternative charge.
- Go to a DHSMV workplace or licensed driver license agent workplace. You’ll be able to apply for a alternative license in particular person or by mail.
- Be ready for delays. It could take a while to course of your software and obtain your alternative license.
- Take steps to keep away from shedding your license sooner or later. Preserve your license in a secure place, make a duplicate of it, and pay attention to your environment when you’re out and about.
Keep in mind, the DHSMV is there that will help you. In case you have any questions or issues in regards to the alternative course of, do not hesitate to contact them for help.
Closing Message: By following these steps and ideas, you possibly can reduce the inconvenience of shedding your driver’s license and get again on the highway safely and shortly.
