A Florida CDL replacement is required for any commercial license that has been lost, stolen or significantly damaged. Commercial drivers must replace CDL license cards as soon as possible after realizing the document is mutilated or missing, to avoid complications from driving without a valid CDL. All applications for a duplicate CDL license must be processed through Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).

The process to replace lost CDL drivers licenses must take place in person at an FLHSMV office, even though the department offers online replacement for other types of licenses. Each duplicate CDL license will have the same privileges, endorsements and restrictions as the original document. Review the following sections to learn how to replace a CDL license and find out how much you can expect to pay in commercial driver license replacement fees.

When do you need to get a duplicate CDL license in Florida?

Getting a CDL replacement can be necessary following many types of situations. Usually, a lost CDL drivers license is the most common reason for commercial drivers to request a duplicate license. However, if you have reason to believe that your card was stolen, it is wise to report it to your local law enforcement agency. Quickly filing for a police report can help guard against identity theft and other fraudulent use of your original commercial driving credential. In addition, CDL replacement fees may be waived if you can provide documentation of the theft via police report.

Additional reasons for DMV CDL replacement in FL include changing your name after getting married or getting divorced, or altering your appearance enough that a new photo is required. You will also need a duplicate CDL license if the card becomes faded, creased or otherwise mutilated to the point that portions of it are no longer readable. You also must also use the driver license renewal process to replace your CDL if the photo portion of your document is so damaged that a law enforcement officer would not be able to use it to verify your identity.

You must replace CDL license cards promptly because it can protect you from potential problems, such as losing your commercial driving job. Getting a CDL replacement right away is much less expensive than paying traffic citation fines or losing your driving privileges.

Documents Required to Replace a CDL in Florida

The documents you need to apply for a duplicate CDL in Florida are the same that are required for other types of driver license replacements and renewals. Examples of the documents needed for a CDL replacement vary according to your citizenship status and whether you have applied for REAL ID or not. Some acceptable documents for each type of status are as follows:

• U.S. Citizen: Bring a primary form of identification, such as a U.S. birth certificate, valid passport or Certificate of Citizenship. You must also validate your Social Security Number to replace your CDL, by showing your Social Security card or tax/employer forms printed with the number. Finally, bring a lease agreement, mortgage statement, utility bills or other proof of Florida residency.
• Immigrant: Bring a primary ID document to your appointment, such as an alien registration receipt card (green card), an I-551 stamp in a foreign passport, or an immigration judge’s order. You will also need to validate your SSN by showing your card or providing a letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Proof of in-state residency is also required for you to apply for a duplicate CDL, in the form of a mortgage statement, lease agreement, voter ID card or another document with your current address.
• Non-Immigrant: Primary identification can be proven with a valid employment authorization card issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), such as Form I-688B or Form I-766. If you are unsure which DHS or United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) documents are needed for a duplicate CDL license, bring all of your DHS and USCIS documents to your appointment. Non-immigrants must also provide proof of SSN, if available and residential address verification via a lease agreement, vehicle registration, utility bill or other approved document.
• Canadian: Canadians requesting a CDL replacement can provide ID with a valid Canadian passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate or Canadian certificate of citizenship. They must also provide SSN verification when applicable. Proof of Florida residency is required and can be provided through mortgage or lease documents, automobile insurance documents and tax forms.

All proof of identification documents are scanned into your FLHSMV record and returned to you immediately. Your personal information is stored in a secure database and will only be used for official purposes.

Note that all documents you provide to replace a CDL license must be original or certified copies; photocopied documents will be rejected.

How to Replace a Florida CDL in Person

Commercial drivers may only apply for a duplicate CDL in person at a local driver license and motor vehicle service center. After locating your nearest driver license office, visit during normal business hours and bring the documents listed above that apply to your situation. The clerk will review your documents and process your application. You must be prepared to pay the CDL replacement fees by one of the methods outlined below.

CDL Replacement Fees in Florida

The current Florida CDL replacement fee is $25. Accepted payment forms may vary by location, but most FLHSMV driver license offices will accept cash, checks, money orders and major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. Call ahead to learn which payment forms your local office will accept.

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