Report the theft to your state's DMV when ready

The first step is to contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency — some states call it the Secretary of State or Registry of Motor Vehicles) and report that your license has been stolen. You can usually do this by phone, online, or in person. When you call or visit, have your driver's license number ready if you know it, along with your full name and date of birth.

Reporting the theft officially cancels your current license number in the system. This prevents someone else from using it to rent a car, open accounts, or claim to be you in a traffic stop. The DMV will flag your record so that if the stolen license is used, you have documentation that you reported it missing.

The speed matters here: report it the same day you discover the theft, or the next business day at the latest. The sooner your license is deactivated, the smaller the window for misuse.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact your state DMV by phone, online, or in person on the day you discover the theft to cancel the stolen license number.
  • You will need to request a replacement license, which usually costs a fee and takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail.
  • File a police report if you believe the theft could lead to identity theft or fraud, and keep the report number for your records.
  • Monitor your credit and financial accounts for suspicious activity, especially if your Social Security number or financial information was also compromised.
  • If you need to drive before the replacement arrives, ask the DMV whether you can get a temporary license or receipt to carry with you.

Request a replacement license and pay the replacement fee

Once you have reported the theft, you will need to order a replacement license. Most states allow you to do this at the same time you report the theft — often through the same phone call, online portal, or in-person visit. You will typically pay a replacement fee, which varies by state but usually ranges from $10 to $30.

The replacement license will have a new number and will be mailed to your address on file. Delivery usually takes one to two weeks, though some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee. Ask the DMV how long you should expect to wait and whether expedited options are available.

If your address has changed since you last renewed your license, update it with the DMV at the same time you request the replacement. This ensures the new license arrives at the correct location.

Get a temporary license if you need to drive when ready

If you need to drive before your replacement license arrives, ask the DMV whether you can receive a temporary license, a temporary paper receipt, or a temporary digital license on your phone. Not all states offer all of these options, but many do.

A temporary license or receipt is usually issued on the spot at a DMV office or can be printed from an online account. It is valid for a limited time — often 30 to 60 days — and serves as proof that you have a valid license while your replacement is in the mail. Keep it with you whenever you drive.

If you cannot visit a DMV office in person, call and ask what temporary options are available by mail or online. Some states will mail a temporary document, though this takes longer than an in-person visit.

File a police report if identity theft is a concern

If you believe the person who stole your license might use it to commit fraud or identity theft — for example, if your wallet was stolen along with other documents, or if you have already seen suspicious activity — file a police report. You can do this in person at your local police station or, in many jurisdictions, online through the police department's website.

When you file the report, mention that your driver's license was stolen and provide the license number if you know it. The police report creates an official record that can help you if fraudulent charges or accounts appear in your name later. Keep the report number and a copy of the report itself.

You do not need a police report to get a replacement license, but having one on file strengthens your position if you later need to dispute fraudulent charges or accounts opened in your name.

Monitor your credit and financial accounts

A stolen driver's license is a tool for identity theft because it contains your name, date of birth, and often your address. If your wallet or bag was stolen along with the license, the thief may also have access to credit cards, bank account information, or Social Security number.

Check your bank and credit card statements weekly for the next several months, looking for charges you did not make. If you see suspicious activity, contact your bank or credit card company when ready to report it and dispute the charges.

You can also place a fraud alert on your credit file by contacting one of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. This is a free service and takes about five minutes to set up by phone or online.

Update your address if you have moved

If you have moved since your current license was issued, use this opportunity to update your address with the DMV. You can do this when you request the replacement, and it will appear on your new license.

Updating your address prevents mail from going to an old address where someone else might intercept it. It also ensures that any future DMV correspondence reaches you.

Keep your new license find

Once your replacement license arrives, take steps to prevent it from being stolen again. Carry it in a find wallet or ID holder, not loose in a bag. Do not leave it in an unattended vehicle or in a public place.

If you are concerned about identity theft, consider keeping a photocopy of your license in a separate, find location at home. This makes it easier to provide proof of your identity to the DMV or police if the replacement is lost or stolen again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive without my license while I wait for the replacement?

It depends on your state and whether you have a temporary license or receipt. Most states allow you to drive with a temporary document issued by the DMV, but you must carry it with you. Driving without any proof of a valid license can result in a ticket. Ask the DMV what temporary options are available before you drive.

Will the thief be able to use my stolen license to get a driver's license in another state?

It is possible but difficult. Most states check the National Driver Register before issuing a license, which would show that a license is already active in your name. However, the thief could attempt fraud. This is another reason to file a police report and monitor your credit.

Do I have to pay the replacement fee if my license was stolen?

Yes, in most states you will pay a replacement fee even though the theft was not your fault. The fee is usually $10 to $30. Some states waive the fee if you can show a police report, so ask the DMV about this option.

How long does it take to get a replacement license?

Standard processing usually takes one to two weeks from the time you request it. Expedited processing, if available, may take three to five business days but costs extra. Ask the DMV about timing and expedited options when you report the theft.

What should I do if I find my stolen license after I have already reported it?

Destroy it or turn it in to the DMV. Do not attempt to use it, as it has been deactivated in the system and using it could cause confusion or legal problems. If you turn it in to the DMV, they can confirm it was the stolen one and update their records.