Quick Summary:
- Report the loss promptly, then note the report number and station.
- Call your car hire provider, ask what documents they will accept.
- Use passport plus digital DVLA check as proof of entitlement.
- Prepare for extension or return with backups, photos, and receipts.
Losing your UK driving licence while travelling in Florida is stressful, especially if you are mid rental and relying on the car. The good news is that most situations are manageable if you act quickly, document everything, and understand what the rental desk needs to see. Whether you can keep the car depends on your rental agreement, the provider’s policies, and your ability to prove you are licensed and insured to drive.
This guide walks through the exact steps to take, in the right order, so you stay legal, reduce the risk of being refused at an extension, and avoid complications at return.
First, can you legally keep driving in Florida without the physical licence?
In general, you are expected to have your driving licence with you while driving. If you have lost it, that does not automatically mean your UK entitlement to drive disappears, but it can create practical problems during any traffic stop or if you need to deal with the rental company.
Your priority is to (1) create an official record of the loss, (2) gather alternative identification and evidence of entitlement, and (3) confirm with the rental provider what they will accept for the remainder of the hire.
If you are car hiring in Miami or collecting from a major hub, policies can be strict because desk agents must follow audit rules. If your trip involves a pickup at Miami Airport or Downtown or you are operating around Miami Beach, plan for extra checks before any change to the booking.
Step 1, confirm it is lost and lock down your ID backups
Before you start reporting anything, do a structured search. Check your wallet compartments, bags, jacket pockets, hotel safe, the car’s door bins and centre console, and any place you showed ID. If you used a beach bag, check every pocket. It is common for a licence to slip behind cards in a wallet.
Then immediately secure your backups. If you have a photo of your licence (front and back) on your phone, keep it available. If you do not, do not create a new “reconstruction” image, just gather what you already have. Make sure you have your passport and any other travel ID safe and accessible. If your licence was lost together with bank cards, contact your bank separately and secure your accounts.
Step 2, file a police report or obtain an incident record
Florida rental desks often ask for a police report number when a customer reports a lost licence. Even if the police will not issue a full report for a simple loss, ask for an incident number, a case number, or written confirmation that you attended. Record the station name, phone number, date, time, and the officer’s name if provided.
Why this matters for car hire, it shows you acted responsibly and provides a reference if your licence is misused. It can also support any insurance paperwork if required. Keep a photo of any documentation you receive, plus a note in your phone with the case number.
Step 3, notify the rental company immediately and ask the right questions
Do not wait until you need an extension or until return day. Call the rental provider as soon as you have the report or incident number. Explain that the physical UK licence is lost, you have filed a report, and you can provide passport and other supporting evidence.
Be specific about what you need from them. Ask:
1) Can I keep the vehicle for the remaining rental period without presenting the physical licence again?
2) What documents will you accept if I need to extend, swap the car, add an additional driver, or change payment method?
3) Do you require the licence to be presented at return, or only at pickup?
4) Can the branch add a note to the rental agreement confirming the loss and the documents you provided?
If you are travelling between cities, this is critical. A different branch may handle your extension or return. A note on the contract helps avoid desk level disputes. This can be especially important around high volume locations such as Orlando or busy suburban networks like Doral.
Step 4, get DVLA evidence of your driving entitlement
UK licence entitlement is issued by the DVLA, and you can generate a driving licence check code to share your record. This can help demonstrate you are licensed, even if you cannot show the photocard. Not every US rental desk will accept it, but it is a strong supporting document, and it can reassure a manager when combined with other ID.
Practical tips:
Take screenshots of your DVLA summary and keep them offline in case you lose data access.
Keep the check code details in a secure notes app, and be ready to show it on request.
Make sure the name and address match your passport and booking details as closely as possible. If they differ, bring extra evidence like your booking confirmation and another piece of ID.
If you cannot access DVLA services due to phone verification issues abroad, ask a trusted person in the UK to help you troubleshoot. The goal is not perfection, it is to present consistent evidence that you are entitled to drive.
Step 5, assemble a “replacement document pack” for desk agents
Think like a rental desk auditor. They want to confirm identity, entitlement, and payment legitimacy. Put together a small pack you can present quickly.
Include:
Your passport.
A photo or scan of the lost licence, if you already have one.
Your police report or incident number details.
Your DVLA check summary and code.
Your rental agreement and booking confirmation.
A second piece of ID if you have it, such as a UK PASS card, employee ID, or a credit card with your name matching the reservation.
This pack helps most in three moments: if you are stopped by law enforcement, if you need to extend, and if a branch asks to re verify at a vehicle swap.
What happens if you need to extend the rental?
Extensions are where people get caught out. Many companies treat an extension like a new transaction, and some agents will want to see the physical driving licence again, even if you already passed checks at pickup.
To reduce the risk of refusal:
Request the extension as early as possible, ideally 24 to 48 hours before the scheduled return.
Ask if the extension can be processed by the original pickup branch or by phone with a supervisor.
Keep the same payment card, avoid changing cardholder names mid hire.
Offer your document pack upfront, rather than waiting for the agent to ask.
If the agent cannot proceed, politely ask for a manager review. The combination of passport, contract note, police report number, and DVLA evidence often unlocks a solution.
What if you are stopped by police while driving?
If you are pulled over, stay calm and explain that your UK driving licence was lost, you have reported it, and you have alternative identification. Present your passport and the rental agreement. Provide the incident number if requested. Do not argue roadside. If the officer issues guidance or documentation, keep it with your records.
Importantly, do not rely on a digital photo alone as “a licence”. It is a helpful reference, but it is not the physical document. Your best approach is transparency and paperwork, plus limiting unnecessary driving until you have spoken to the rental provider.
Return day, how to avoid delays, charges, or disputes
Most returns are straightforward because the desk is primarily checking the car condition, fuel level, tolls, and whether the contract is closed correctly. However, some locations may request ID again, especially for after hours issues, damage discussions, or if you need a printed receipt at the counter.
To keep things smooth:
Return during staffed hours if possible, so you can resolve questions immediately.
Take clear photos and a short video of the exterior, interior, fuel gauge, and mileage.
Ask for a final receipt and confirmation that the agreement is closed.
If the agent asks for the physical licence, explain the loss and present your pack. Refer to any note added to the contract.
If you used a brand specific counter through Hola Car Rentals, you may be dealing with a partner brand desk, for example Dollar in Orlando or Avis in Miami. Desk policies can vary slightly, so the advance phone call and the contract note are valuable.
Replacement licence logistics, what you can and cannot do from Florida
DVLA replacement processes are generally designed around UK residency and delivery addresses. If you are temporarily in Florida, you may not be able to receive a replacement photocard in time. In practice, your goal is to manage the remainder of the trip safely and compliantly, then handle replacement when you are back or via a trusted UK address if permitted under DVLA rules.
Do not attempt to use unofficial “international licence” sellers or documents that are not recognised. A genuine International Driving Permit, if you had one before travel, may help alongside your passport, but it does not replace your UK licence. Focus on verifiable documents and official reference numbers.
How to reduce the chance of this happening again on your next car hire
When travelling, keep your licence and your main payment card in separate places. Take a secure photo of both sides of your licence before flying and store it in an encrypted vault. Keep a printed copy of your booking confirmation separate from your wallet. If you are travelling with family, split key documents across two people so one loss does not take everything out at once.
Finally, if you know you will be doing a long Florida road trip with multiple hotel stops, consider planning your pickup and return at major locations where support is easier to access, such as Miami Airport or Downtown or Orlando, and keep customer service numbers saved offline.
FAQ
Can I keep the rental car if I lose my UK driving licence in Florida? Often yes for the remaining period, but only if the rental company agrees and you can prove identity and entitlement. Call immediately and ask for a note on your contract.
Do I need a police report for a lost licence in Florida? It is strongly recommended. Even if it is logged as lost property rather than theft, an incident or case number helps with rental company checks and any later disputes.
Will a photo of my UK driving licence be accepted at the rental desk? A photo can support your explanation, but many desks will not treat it as a substitute for the physical licence. Combine it with a passport, DVLA check evidence, and the incident number.
What if I need to extend the car hire but cannot show the licence? Request the extension early, provide your document pack upfront, and ask for a supervisor review. Extensions can trigger fresh ID checks, so do not leave it to the last day.
Could I be refused at return because I do not have my licence? It is uncommon, but delays can happen if the branch needs to re verify identity for receipts, disputes, or contract changes. Returning during staffed hours and carrying your supporting documents reduces problems.
