What you need to do to get a replacement license
You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged driver's license by visiting your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency in person. Most states let you order a replacement online or by mail if your license is straightforward damaged or expired, but a lost or stolen license usually requires an in-person visit. The process is faster than getting your first license — you already have a record on file — and typically takes a few minutes at the counter, though the new card arrives by mail within one to three weeks.
The exact steps and fees vary by state. Some states charge $10 to $30 for a replacement; others charge more. A few states offer free replacements if your license was stolen and you file a police report. You will need to bring proof of identity and proof of your current address, just as you did for your original license.
Key Takeaways
- A lost or stolen license usually requires an in-person visit to your DMV, while a damaged license can often be replaced online or by mail.
- You will need the same documents you brought for your original license: proof of identity and proof of your current address.
- Replacement fees range from free (in some states with a police report) to $30 or more, depending on your state.
- Your new license arrives by mail in one to three weeks; you can request a temporary paper license to use while you wait.
- If your license was stolen, file a police report first — some states waive the replacement fee with proof of the report.
Lost or stolen: what to do first
If your license was stolen, file a police report before you go to the DMV. You do not need to wait for the report to be completed; most DMVs will accept a report number or a copy of the report itself. A few states waive the replacement fee if you show proof of the theft, so the police report can save you money.
If your license was lost, you do not need a police report, but you should still notify your DMV as soon as you can. Some states flag lost licenses in their system to prevent fraud. The sooner you report it, the sooner you can get a replacement and the sooner you can use your new license to drive legally.
Documents you will need to bring
Bring the same documents you brought when you first got your license. This means one form of government-issued photo ID (a passport, military ID, or state ID card) and one document showing your current address (a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or insurance card). If you have changed your name since your original license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.
Some states also accept a combination of documents instead of a single address proof — for example, two documents with your name and address, even if neither is a utility bill. Call your state DMV or check its website before you go to confirm what it accepts. Bringing the wrong documents means a wasted trip.
In-person replacement at the DMV
Walk into your local DMV office during business hours with your documents and tell the staff you need a replacement license. You will fill out a form (usually the same one you filled out for your original license, with updated information if anything has changed). You will have your photo taken unless your state allows you to keep your old photo on file.
The whole process at the counter usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. You will pay the replacement fee at that time. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, arriving in one to three weeks depending on your state's processing time and mail speed.
Ask the DMV staff for a temporary paper license or a receipt you can use to drive legally while you wait for your new card to arrive. Not all states issue temporary licenses, but many do, and it is worth asking.
Online and mail-in replacement options
If your license is damaged but not lost or stolen, many states let you order a replacement online through the DMV website. You will upload a photo of the damaged license, pay the fee with a credit or debit card, and your new license will be mailed to you. This process takes a few minutes and you never have to leave home.
Some states also accept mail-in requests for damaged licenses. You mail the damaged license itself, a completed form, and a check or money order to your state DMV. This is slower than online ordering — allow four to six weeks instead of one to three — but it works if you do not have internet access or prefer not to use it.
Online and mail-in options are not available for lost or stolen licenses in most states, because the DMV needs to verify your identity in person and update its records to flag the lost license. A few states have started offering online replacement for lost licenses if you can verify your identity through other means, such as answering security questions or uploading documents, but this is still uncommon.
Fees and how to pay
Replacement license fees range from free to $35 depending on your state. Most states charge between $10 and $25. Some states charge less for a replacement than for a new license, since you already have a record on file. A few states charge the same amount for both.
If your license was stolen and you have a police report, check your state's DMV website to see if you may have access to for a fee waiver. Some states offer this; others do not. You will usually need to bring the police report number or a copy of the report itself to claim the waiver.
At the DMV, you can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card — most offices accept all three. If you are ordering online, you will pay with a credit or debit card. If you are mailing in a request, you can pay with a check or money order; do not send cash through the mail.
How long it takes to get your new license
If you visit the DMV in person, your new license will arrive by mail in one to three weeks. The exact timeline depends on your state and how busy the DMV is. During peak times (early January, after the holidays, or during summer), processing can take closer to three weeks. During slower periods, you might have your license in 10 days.
Online and mail-in replacements for damaged licenses follow the same timeline: one to three weeks for online orders, four to six weeks for mail-in requests. A few states offer expedited processing for an extra fee, usually $10 to $20, if you need your license faster.
While you wait, ask for a temporary paper license at the DMV or print one from your state's website if your state offers that option. This temporary license is valid for driving and is usually good for 30 to 60 days, giving you time to receive your new card.
What to do if your address has changed
If you have moved since your original license was issued, tell the DMV staff when you explore for your replacement. You will need to bring proof of your new address. Your new license will be mailed to this new address, not to the address on your old license.
Some states let you update your address online without ordering a replacement license. If you only need to change your address and your license is not lost, stolen, or damaged, check your state DMV website to see if you can do this for free or for a small fee. This is faster and cheaper than getting a full replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while I wait for my replacement license to arrive?
Yes, if you have a temporary paper license or receipt from the DMV. Ask for one when you explore for your replacement. If your state does not issue temporary licenses, you may be able to print one from the DMV website. Check your state's rules before you leave the DMV office.
What if I moved and my replacement license was mailed to my old address?
Contact your state DMV right away and ask them to reissue your license to your new address. You may have to pay a second replacement fee, or the DMV may remail it for free depending on your state's policy. If your old address is no longer yours, ask the current resident to forward it to you or contact your DMV to arrange pickup.
Do I need to retake the written or road test to get a replacement license?
No. A replacement license is straightforward a new card with the same information and driving record. You do not retake any tests unless your license was suspended or revoked, in which case you would need to follow your state's reinstatement process instead.
Can I get a replacement license if my name has changed?
Yes. Bring proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will update your record and issue a new license with your current name. This counts as a replacement, not a new license.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You must get a replacement from the state that issued your license, not from the state where you lost it. Contact that state's DMV by phone or website to find out whether you can order a replacement by mail or online, or whether you need to visit a DMV office in person the next time you are in that state.