Report the theft to the California Department of Motor Vehicles right away
If your California driver license has been stolen, contact the DMV as soon as you discover it is missing. You can report the theft by phone, online, or in person at a DMV office. The fastest way is usually the phone line: call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 and tell them your license number, date of birth, and that your license was stolen. Have your Social Security number ready.
You can also report it online through the DMV website by logging into your account or filling out a report form if you do not have an account yet. Reporting the theft creates an official record and protects you if someone tries to use your stolen license to get a job, open accounts, or commit fraud in your name.
Do not wait to see if the license turns up. The sooner you report it, the sooner the DMV can flag your file and issue you a replacement.
Key Takeaways
- Report your stolen license to the DMV by phone (1-800-777-0133), online, or in person within the same day if possible.
- You will need to pay a replacement fee (currently $32 for a standard driver license) and provide proof of identity and California residency.
- A replacement license typically arrives by mail within 10 to 14 business days, but you can request an interim license to use while you wait.
- Consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to protect yourself from identity theft.
- If your license was stolen along with other documents, report those separately to the relevant agencies (Social Security Administration, banks, insurance companies).
Get a replacement license at a DMV office or by mail
After you report the theft, you have two main ways to get a replacement license. You can visit a DMV office in person and walk out with a temporary paper license the same day, or you can request a replacement by mail and wait for it to arrive.
To get a replacement in person, bring your proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or other state ID), proof of California residency (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or insurance document dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. You will pay the replacement fee at the time of your visit. The DMV will issue you an interim license on the spot—a paper document you can use to drive legally while your permanent replacement is being printed and mailed to you.
If you choose to request a replacement by mail, you will need to fill out an process form and mail it to the DMV with copies of your identity and residency documents. This route takes longer (10 to 14 business days after the DMV receives your process) and you will not have a valid license to drive during that time unless you also request an interim license in person.
Understand the replacement fee and what documents you need
The California DMV charges a replacement fee for a stolen driver license. The current fee is $32 for a standard driver license. This fee is separate from any other charges and must be paid when you request your replacement, whether you do it in person or by mail.
You will need to provide two documents: one for identity and one for California residency. Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, permanent resident card, or a valid ID from another state. For residency, the DMV accepts utility bills, rental agreements or leases, mortgage documents, property tax statements, insurance policies, or bank statements—all dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have two separate documents, ask the DMV office which single documents they accept as proof of both.
You will also need your Social Security number. If you do not have one or cannot provide it, you can request a waiver from the DMV, but this may delay your replacement.
Request an interim license if you need to drive before your replacement arrives
An interim license is a temporary paper document the DMV issues on the spot when you visit an office in person. It is valid for 60 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent replacement license to arrive by mail. If you requested your replacement by mail and did not get an interim license at the time, you can still visit a DMV office later and request one.
The interim license is not a physical card—it is a printed document you must carry with you while driving. It serves the same legal purpose as your permanent license during those 60 days. Once your permanent replacement arrives, the interim license is no longer valid.
Protect yourself from identity theft after your license is stolen
A stolen driver license can be used to commit fraud or identity theft. Beyond reporting it to the DMV, consider taking steps to protect your credit and personal information. Contact the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—and ask to place a fraud alert on your credit file. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.
You can also request a free credit freeze, which prevents anyone from opening new credit accounts using your information without your permission. To place a fraud alert or freeze, call or visit the websites of each bureau. Equifax: 1-800-685-1111; Experian: 1-888-397-3742; TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289.
Monitor your credit reports for suspicious activity. You are may have access to to one free credit report per year from each bureau through AnnualCreditReport.com. If you see accounts or inquiries you did not authorize, report them to the bureau and to the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov.
Report the theft to other agencies if your license was stolen with other documents
If your wallet or bag was stolen along with your driver license, you may also need to report the theft to other agencies. If your Social Security card was in the wallet, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to report it. If credit cards or debit cards were stolen, call your banks and card issuers when ready to cancel them and request replacements.
If your passport was stolen, report it to the U.S. State Department. If your insurance cards were stolen, contact your insurance companies. Each agency has its own process for handling stolen documents, and reporting promptly limits your liability and protects you from fraud.
Keep a record of all the agencies you contact and the dates you reported the theft. This documentation can help you if you need to dispute fraudulent charges or accounts later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive without a license while I wait for my replacement?
No, unless you have an interim license. If you visit a DMV office in person to request your replacement, ask for an interim license at the same time. The DMV will print it on the spot and it is valid for 60 days. Without it, driving is illegal even if you have reported the theft.
How long does it take to get a replacement license by mail?
A replacement license typically arrives within 10 to 14 business days after the DMV receives your process. Processing time can vary depending on how busy the DMV is. If you need to drive sooner, visit a DMV office in person to get an interim license.
What if I find my stolen license after I report it?
Once you report a license as stolen, the DMV flags it as invalid. Even if you find it, you cannot use it to drive. You must use your replacement license instead. The old license will remain invalid in the DMV system.
Do I have to pay the replacement fee if the license was stolen?
Yes. California charges a replacement fee for a stolen license just as it does for a lost or damaged license. The current fee is $32. There is no waiver for theft; the fee applies regardless of how the license went missing.
Should I file a police report for a stolen license?
You are not required to file a police report with the DMV, but you may want to if your entire wallet was stolen or if you suspect identity theft. A police report creates an official record and can help you if fraudulent accounts are opened in your name. Contact your local police department's non-emergency line to file a report.