Dropping your driver’s license could be a tense and inconvenient expertise. In case you’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 chargeable for issuing driver’s licenses within the state. To interchange your misplaced license, you will want to go to a DHSMV workplace or licensed driver license agent workplace. You’ll find a listing of those places of work right here.
As soon as you’ve got positioned a close-by workplace, collect the mandatory paperwork and knowledge required for the substitute course of. These usually embrace 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 could be tense. Listed here are 10 necessary factors to recollect:
- Go to DHSMV workplace or agent.
- Convey proof of id and residency.
- Pay the substitute payment.
- Get a brief 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 dropping your driver’s license in Florida.
Go to DHSMV workplace or agent.
As soon as you’ve got gathered the mandatory paperwork and knowledge, it’s good 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 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 instances. You possibly can 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 in case you’re a walk-in. This will provide you with sufficient time to finish any crucial 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 may be issued a brief license on the spot, which is able to permit you to drive legally whilst you wait on 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 will want to offer proof of your id 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 possibly can 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.
Make certain 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 might want to offer extra proof of residency.
Pay the substitute payment.
To acquire a substitute driver’s license in Florida, you will have to pay a substitute payment. The present payment for a substitute license is $25. You possibly can pay the payment utilizing money, bank card, or debit card at most DHSMV places of work and licensed driver license agent places of work. Some places of work might also settle for checks, however it’s greatest to contact the workplace prematurely to substantiate their fee choices.
Along with the substitute payment, you might also have to pay a payment for a brief license. The payment for a brief license is $7.50. A short lived license means that you can legally drive whilst you wait on your everlasting license to reach within the mail, which generally takes 7-10 enterprise days.
You’ll 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 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 own home and car earlier than making use of for a substitute.
By being ready and realizing what to anticipate concerning the substitute payment, you possibly can guarantee the method goes easily and effectively.
Get a brief license.
As soon as you’ve got submitted your software, paid the required charges, and had your picture taken, you will be issued a brief driver’s license. The momentary license is legitimate for 60 days and means that you can legally drive whilst you wait on your everlasting license to reach within the mail.
- Ask for a brief license: You should definitely request a brief license if you apply on your substitute driver’s license. You might have to pay a further payment for the momentary license.
- Examine the expiration date: Make certain to examine the expiration date in your momentary license and maintain 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 if you’re driving. You might be requested to indicate it to legislation 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 sound license to drive whilst you wait on your everlasting substitute license to reach.
Wait on your new license to reach.
After you’ve got utilized for a substitute driver’s license in Florida and been issued a brief 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. Nevertheless, it could 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 remember whilst you’re ready on your new license:
- Be affected person: It is necessary to be affected person whilst you’re ready on your new license to reach. The DHSMV processes a lot of purposes every day, so it could take a while on your software to be processed.
- Examine your mail usually: You should definitely examine your mail usually, particularly throughout the 7-10 enterprise day window after you’ve got utilized on your substitute 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 concerning the standing of your software. You possibly can attain the DHSMV by telephone at 1-850-617-2000 or by electronic mail at dhsmvweb@flhsmv.gov.
When you obtain your new license, make sure to examine it rigorously to ensure that all the info is appropriate. If there are any errors, you must 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 info in your license is appropriate.
Report misplaced license to DMV.
It is necessary to report your misplaced driver’s license to the DHSMV as quickly as attainable. It will 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 possibly can 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 will want to offer your identify, driver’s license quantity, and date of beginning.
- Report by telephone: You too can report your misplaced license by telephone by calling the DHSMV at 1-850-617-2000.
- Report in particular person: You possibly can report your misplaced license in particular person at any DHSMV workplace or licensed driver license agent workplace.
- Hold a report of your report: You should definitely 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 id theft and making certain that you would be able to get a substitute license as quickly as attainable.
Cancel previous license if discovered.
In case you occur to search out your previous driver’s license after you’ve got reported it misplaced and acquired a substitute, it is necessary to cancel the previous license instantly. It will 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 possibly can 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 too can mail your previous license to the DHSMV. You should definitely embrace a be aware explaining that you’re canceling the license since you discovered your substitute license. The deal with 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 to maintain a report of the cancellation, together with the date you canceled it and the identify of the DHSMV consultant you spoke with (in case you canceled it in particular person).
By canceling your previous license, you might be defending your self from fraud and id theft and making certain 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.
In case you do not need a sound 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 lots of the similar functions as a driver’s license, comparable to:
- 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 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’ll need to go to a DHSMV workplace or licensed driver license agent workplace. You will want to offer proof of your id and residency, and you’ll need 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 effective choice for individuals who do not need a driver’s license, however nonetheless want a type of identification. It’s also a very good choice 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 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 possibly can 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’ll need 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 will want to offer your driver’s license quantity, date of beginning, and Social Safety quantity. Additionally, you will have to 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 appliance, you possibly can mail it to the DHSMV together with a examine or cash order for the renewal payment.
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 deliver your present driver’s license, proof of id, and proof of residency. Additionally, you will have to pay the renewal payment.
By renewing your driver’s license on time, you might be making certain that you’ve a sound license to drive and that you’re complying with the legislation.
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 season months or round holidays, there could also be a better demand for driver’s license companies, which may result in longer wait instances and delays.
- Staffing shortages: The DHSMV could expertise staffing shortages attributable to sickness, holidays, or different elements. This will additionally contribute to delays in processing driver’s license purposes.
- Technical points: Often, the DHSMV could expertise technical points with their laptop techniques 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 crucial paperwork when submitting your software.
To reduce the influence of potential delays, it is a good suggestion to plan forward and apply on your substitute license nicely prematurely of if you want it. You too can attempt to go to a DHSMV workplace throughout off-peak hours or on weekdays to keep away from lengthy traces. You probably have any questions or issues concerning the substitute course of, you possibly can 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: In case you lose your driver’s license in Florida, you must report it misplaced to the DHSMV as quickly as attainable. 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 offer your identify, driver’s license quantity, and date of beginning. 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’ll need to go to a DHSMV workplace or licensed driver license agent workplace. You will want to offer proof of id, residency, and pay the substitute payment. Additionally, you will have to cross a imaginative and prescient screening and have your picture taken. As soon as your software is processed, you may be issued a brief license. Your everlasting license might be mailed to you inside 7-10 enterprise days.
Query 3: How a lot does it price to switch a misplaced driver’s license in Florida?
Reply: The payment to switch a misplaced driver’s license in Florida is $25. Additionally, you will have to pay a payment for a brief license in case you want one. The payment for a brief 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 along with your software or if there are delays within the mail.
Query 5: Can I drive with a brief license in Florida?
Reply: Sure, you possibly can drive with a brief license in Florida. A short lived license is legitimate for 60 days. Nevertheless, you have to carry your momentary license with you always if 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: In case you discover your misplaced driver’s license after you’ve got 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 licensed driver license agent workplace, or by mailing it to the DHSMV. It is 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 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 lots of the similar functions as a driver’s license, comparable to 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. You probably have every other questions, you possibly can contact the DHSMV for help.
Now that you recognize what to do in case you lose your driver’s license in Florida, listed below are a number of suggestions that can assist you keep away from dropping it within the first place:
Ideas
Listed here are a number of 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 secure place.
Select a selected place in your pockets, purse, or automotive the place you all the time maintain your driver’s license. It will aid you 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 in case you lose your authentic license and wish to offer proof of your id.
Tip 3: Pay attention to your environment.
Take note of the place you set your driver’s license if you find yourself out and about. Be particularly cautious if you find yourself in crowded or unfamiliar locations.
Tip 4: Report your license misplaced instantly in case you do lose it.
In case you lose your driver’s license, report it misplaced to the DHSMV as quickly as attainable. It will 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 could be a tense expertise, however it’s necessary to know that you would be able to 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, however it’s necessary to know that you simply’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. It will 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 will want to offer proof of id, residency, and pay the substitute payment.
- Go to a DHSMV workplace or licensed driver license agent workplace. You possibly can apply for a substitute license in particular person 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 secure place, make a duplicate of it, and concentrate on your environment if you find yourself out and about.
Bear in mind, the DHSMV is there that can assist you. You probably 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 reduce the inconvenience of dropping your driver’s license and get again on the street safely and rapidly.
