What to do when ready after losing your California driver license
If you have lost your California driver license, you need to report it to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and request a replacement. The DMV will cancel your old license so it cannot be used by someone else, and issue you a new one with the same number. You can report the loss and order a replacement online, by mail, or in person at a DMV field office.
Do not wait to report it. A lost license in someone else's hands can be used to commit identity fraud or open accounts in your name. Reporting it when ready protects you and stops the old license from being valid for any purpose.
The fastest route is the DMV website (dmv.ca.gov). You can report the loss and pay for a replacement card without leaving home. If you cannot use the website, you can mail a form to the DMV or visit a field office in person.
Key Takeaways
- Report your lost license to the DMV as soon as possible by visiting dmv.ca.gov, mailing a form, or going to a field office in person.
- A replacement license costs $32 and takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail, or you can get a temporary license the same day at a field office.
- You will need to prove your identity and residence with documents like a passport, birth certificate, utility bill, or bank statement.
- If your license was lost outside California, you may need to file a police report before the DMV will issue a replacement.
- You can drive legally while waiting for your replacement if you have the DMV receipt showing you reported the loss.
Report your lost license online through the DMV website
Go to dmv.ca.gov and select "Report a Lost or Stolen Driver License or ID Card" from the main menu. You will need your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The DMV will ask you to confirm your identity by answering security questions based on your DMV record.
Once you complete the report, you can order a replacement card for $32. You will receive a confirmation number and a temporary digital license you can show on your phone if you are stopped by police. Your physical replacement card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If you do not have your license number memorized, you can still report the loss if you can answer the security questions correctly. The DMV uses information from your original process to verify who you are.
Mail a replacement request form to the DMV
If you cannot report the loss online, you can mail Form DL 44 (process for California Driver License or Identification Card) or Form DL 43 (process for Replacement or Duplicate Driver License or Identification Card) to the DMV. Form DL 43 is faster if you are only replacing a lost license and not changing your address or other information.
Include a check or money order for $32 payable to the Department of Motor Vehicles. You must also include proof of identity and proof of California residence. Acceptable documents for identity include a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or military ID. For residence, use a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your name and address.
Mail your form and documents to the DMV address listed on the form itself, as different regions have different mailing addresses. Processing by mail takes 2 to 3 weeks after the DMV receives your envelope. Keep a copy of everything you send.
Get a replacement in person at a DMV field office
Visit any DMV field office with proof of identity and proof of residence. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. You will fill out Form DL 43 at the office, pay $32, and have your photo taken. The DMV will issue you a temporary license on paper that is valid for 60 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed.
Bring documents that match the name on your lost license. If you have changed your name since your license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. The DMV will not issue a replacement if the name on your proof of identity does not match their records.
Field offices are busiest on Mondays, Tuesdays, and the first week of the month. You can check wait times on dmv.ca.gov before you go, or make an appointment online to skip the line. Appointments are often available within a few days.
What documents you need to prove your identity and residence
The DMV requires one document proving your identity and one proving your California residence. These can be the same document if it shows both your name and address.
| Proof of Identity | Proof of Residence |
|---|---|
| U.S. passport | Utility bill (gas, electric, water) |
| Birth certificate | Lease or rental agreement |
| Military ID | Bank or credit card statement |
| Tribal ID | Mortgage statement |
| Foreign passport with U.S. visa | Property tax bill |
| Certificate of naturalization | Insurance policy |
| Social Security card | DMV registration or renewal notice |
Documents must be current or recently expired. A utility bill or bank statement must be dated within the last 60 days. A lease or mortgage must show your current address. If you have moved recently and your documents show an old address, bring a second document with your new address, such as a change of address confirmation from the post office.
If your license was lost outside California
If you lost your license in another state or country, the DMV may ask you to file a police report before issuing a replacement. This protects you from liability if someone uses your lost license to commit a crime or get into an accident.
Contact the police department in the city or country where you lost the license and file a report. Ask for a report number or a copy of the report. Send this to the DMV with your replacement request, or bring it to a field office. The police report does not have to be filed in California — a report from anywhere will satisfy the DMV requirement.
If you cannot obtain a police report, contact the DMV directly at 1-800-777-0133 to ask whether you can proceed without one. Some field offices will waive the requirement if you can explain the circumstances.
Can you drive while waiting for your replacement
Yes. If you reported your lost license to the DMV online or received a confirmation number from a field office, you can legally drive while your replacement is in the mail. Keep your confirmation number or receipt with you in case you are stopped by police.
If you reported the loss by mail, you should receive a confirmation letter from the DMV. Keep this letter in your vehicle. Police can verify your report by calling the DMV or checking their system, but having the letter makes the stop faster.
A temporary paper license issued at a field office is valid for 60 days and serves the same purpose. It is a legal form of identification while driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a replacement license cost?
A replacement California driver license costs $32. This fee is the same whether you order online, by mail, or in person. If you are replacing a license that was lost or stolen, you do not pay an additional fee for reporting the loss.
Can someone else report my lost license for me?
No. Only you can report your lost license to the DMV. You must answer security questions or provide proof of identity to verify that you are the license holder. A family member or friend cannot do this on your behalf, even with your permission.
What if I find my old license after I order a replacement?
Your old license will be invalid once you report it lost. Do not use it. Destroy it or return it to the DMV. If you find it after your replacement arrives, straightforward discard the old one. Using an old license that has been reported lost can cause legal problems.
How long does it take to get a replacement license by mail?
A replacement license ordered online or by mail takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive after the DMV processes your request. Processing itself takes 2 to 3 business days. If you need a license faster, visit a field office to get a temporary paper license the same day.
Do I need to take a new photo for my replacement license?
If you order online or by mail, the DMV will use your existing photo from your lost license. If you visit a field office in person, they will take a new photo. You cannot request a new photo online — you must go to a field office if you want to update your photo.