How to Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Driver's License at the DMV

Where to go and what to bring when your license needs replacing

To replace your driver's license, you visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in person with proof of identity and proof of residency. The exact documents you need depend on your state, but a passport or birth certificate usually works for identity, and a recent utility bill or lease works for address. You will pay a replacement fee—typically between $15 and $30—and receive either a temporary paper license on the spot or a new plastic card in the mail within one to three weeks.

The process is faster if you know whether your state allows online or mail-in replacement for lost or damaged licenses. Some states let you order a replacement without visiting an office; others require you to appear in person. Stolen licenses have stricter rules in most states because you may need to file a police report or sign a statement swearing the license was taken.

Your replacement license will have the same number and expiration date as your original, unless your state requires you to renew at the same time. If your license is expired or expiring soon, you may need to complete a renewal instead of a straightforward replacement, which takes longer and costs more.

Key Takeaways

You will need a government-issued photo ID and proof of your current address to replace your license at the DMV.
Replacement fees range from $15 to $30 depending on your state, and you may receive a temporary license when ready or wait for a new card by mail.
Some states allow you to replace a lost or damaged license online or by mail, while others require an in-person visit to an office.
A stolen license may require a police report or a signed statement, depending on your state's rules.
If your license is expired or will expire within a certain period, your state may require a full renewal instead of a replacement.

Replacement for a lost license

If you have lost your driver's license, contact your state DMV to report it and find out whether you can replace it by mail, online, or in person. Many states allow mail-in or online replacement for a lost license without requiring you to visit an office. You will typically need to provide your driver's license number, date of birth, and a copy of an acceptable ID.

The replacement card usually arrives within one to three weeks. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask the DMV whether they issue a temporary paper license or temporary plastic card at the time you request the replacement. Some states give you one when ready; others do not. If your state does not provide a temporary license and you need to drive right away, you may be able to request an expedited replacement for an additional fee.

Keep a record of the date you reported the loss and the confirmation number the DMV gives you. If your lost license is later found and used fraudulently, this record helps prove you reported it missing before the fraud occurred.

Replacement for a stolen license

A stolen license requires more caution than a lost one because someone else has it. Most states ask you to file a police report and bring the report number or a copy to the DMV, or to sign a statement under oath saying the license was stolen. This protects you if the license is used for fraud or identity theft.

Contact your local police department's non-emergency line to file a report. You do not need to visit the station in person for most jurisdictions; you can file by phone or online. Get the report number and keep it with your other documents. Then contact your DMV to find out whether you can submit the police report by mail or online, or whether you must bring it in person.

Some states also recommend that you place a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) when your license is stolen, to reduce the risk of identity theft. This is a separate step from the license replacement but worth doing at the same time.

Replacement for a damaged or unreadable license

If your license is damaged—torn, faded, water-damaged, or the barcode no longer scans—you can replace it by visiting your DMV office or, in some states, by mail. Bring the damaged license itself if you still have it, along with proof of identity and proof of residency. The DMV will take the old license and issue a new one with the same number and expiration date.

Damaged license replacements are usually processed faster than lost or stolen replacements because the DMV can verify your information against the old card. You may receive a temporary license on the spot in some states, or the new card may arrive within one to two weeks.

Documents you will need at the DMV

Bring one government-issued photo ID (such as a passport, military ID, or birth certificate if your state accepts it) and one proof of your current address. A recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement usually works for address proof. Some states accept a pay stub or tax return if it shows your name and address.

If you are replacing a stolen license, also bring the police report number or a copy of the report itself. If you are replacing a damaged license, bring the damaged card. If you are replacing a lost license and your state requires an in-person visit, bring your driver's license number if you remember it, or be prepared to answer security questions to verify your identity.

Check your state DMV's website before you go to confirm the exact documents they accept, because rules vary. Some states accept a wider range of documents than others, and some require documents to be originals rather than copies.

Processing time and temporary licenses

A replacement license typically arrives within one to three weeks if you order by mail or online. If you visit an office in person, you may receive a temporary paper license or temporary plastic card when ready, which you can use to drive while you wait for the permanent card. Not all states issue temporary licenses, so ask when you request the replacement.

If you need your license urgently—for example, for travel or a job—ask the DMV whether they offer expedited processing. Some states will print and mail a replacement within a few business days for an extra fee, usually $10 to $25. Others allow you to pick up a replacement at the office the same day or the next day if you visit in person and pay the expedited fee.

Cost of replacement and payment methods

Replacement fees range from $15 to $30 depending on your state. A stolen license may cost the same as a lost one, or your state may charge a slightly higher fee for the police report requirement. A damaged license usually costs the same as a lost one.

Most DMV offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. If you are ordering by mail, you may need to pay by check or money order, or the DMV may accept a credit card payment over the phone. Check your state's website to see what payment methods are available for your replacement method (in-person, mail, or online).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online or by mail, or do I have to go to the DMV office?

It depends on your state and the reason for replacement. Most states allow online or mail-in replacement for a lost or damaged license, but some require an in-person visit. A stolen license often requires you to bring a police report in person or submit it by mail. Check your state DMV's website to see which options are available for your situation.

What if my license is expired—do I replace it or renew it?

If your license is expired or will expire within a certain number of months (usually three to six), your state may require you to renew instead of replace. A renewal takes longer and costs more than a replacement because you must pass a vision test and answer questions about your health and driving record. Contact your DMV to find out whether you can do a straightforward replacement or must complete a renewal.

How long can I drive on a temporary license while I wait for my replacement?

A temporary paper license is usually valid for 30 to 60 days, depending on your state. A temporary plastic card may be valid until your permanent card arrives. Check the expiration date printed on your temporary license. If your permanent card does not arrive before the temporary expires, contact the DMV to request an extension or to check the status of your order.

Do I need a police report to replace a stolen license?

Most states require a police report number or a copy of the report when you replace a stolen license. Some states allow you to sign a statement under oath instead if you cannot obtain a police report. Contact your local police department's non-emergency line to file a report, then bring the report number or copy to the DMV or submit it by mail with your replacement request.

Will my replacement license have the same number as my original?

Yes, a replacement license will have the same number and expiration date as your original license. The only exception is if your state requires a renewal at the same time—for example, if your license is expired. In that case, you may receive a new number and a new expiration date.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.