License replacement fees vary by state, from $5 to $30
The cost to replace a driver's license depends entirely on which state issued it. Most states charge between $10 and $25 for a standard replacement, but some charge as little as $5 and others as much as $30. The fee covers the cost of producing the new card and processing your request through the DMV system.
Replacement is different from renewal. A replacement happens when your license is lost, stolen, damaged, or you need a duplicate for another reason. A renewal happens when your current license is about to expire. Some states charge the same fee for both; others charge less for a replacement than for a full renewal.
You will also need to factor in how you submit your request. If you go to a DMV office in person, you pay only the replacement fee. If you order by mail or online, some states add a processing fee of $2 to $5. A few states do not allow online or mail replacement at all.
Key Takeaways
- Replacement fees range from $5 to $30 depending on your state, and you should check your state DMV website for the exact amount before you go.
- Paying by mail or online may add a processing fee on top of the base replacement cost, so confirm the total before you submit payment.
- Some states charge less for a replacement than for a renewal, so if your license is also expiring soon, you may save money by replacing it now rather than waiting.
- You will need to show proof of identity and residency at a DMV office, or upload images of those documents if you order online or by mail.
Replacement fees by state and method
The table below shows the base replacement fee for each state. These are the fees as of the most recent update, but DMV fees change periodically. Always check your state DMV website before you pay, because the amount may have increased since this was written.
| State | In-Person Fee | Mail/Online Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $20 | $20 + $2 mail | Mail service available |
| Alaska | $20 | $20 + $5 online | Online replacement available |
| Arizona | $12 | Not available | In-person only |
| Arkansas | $11 | Not available | In-person only |
| California | $35 | Not available | In-person only; includes renewal fee |
| Colorado | $20 | $20 + $3 online | Online replacement available |
| Connecticut | $30 | Not available | In-person only |
| Delaware | $20 | $20 + $2 mail | Mail service available |
| Florida | $25 | $25 + $3 online | Online replacement available |
| Georgia | $32 | Not available | In-person only |
| Hawaii | $30 | Not available | In-person only |
| Idaho | $20 | $20 + $2 mail | Mail service available |
| Illinois | $30 | $30 + $5 online | Online replacement available |
| Indiana | $20 | Not available | In-person only |
| Iowa | $20 | $20 + $2 mail | Mail service available |
| Kansas | $20 | Not available | In-person only |
| Kentucky | $20 | $20 + $3 online | Online replacement available |
| Louisiana | $25 | Not available | In-person only |
| Maine | $35 | Not available | In-person only |
| Maryland | $70 | $70 + $5 online | Online replacement available; includes renewal |
| Massachusetts | $50 | Not available | In-person only; includes renewal |
| Michigan | $18 | $18 + $2 mail | Mail service available |
| Minnesota | $20 | Not available | In-person only |
| Mississippi | $24 | Not available | In-person only |
| Missouri | $11 | Not available | In-person only |
| Montana | $15 | $15 + $2 mail | Mail service available |
| Nebraska | $20 | Not available | In-person only |
| Nevada | $20 | $20 + $3 online | Online replacement available |
| New Hampshire | $30 | Not available | In-person only |
| New Jersey | $24 | $24 + $2 mail | Mail service available |
| New Mexico | $20 | Not available | In-person only |
| New York | $30 | $30 + $5 online | Online replacement available |
| North Carolina | $20 | Not available | In-person only |
| North Dakota | $20 | Not available | In-person only |
| Ohio | $25.50 | Not available | In-person only |
| Oklahoma | $20 | Not available | In-person only |
| Oregon | $20 | $20 + $3 online | Online replacement available |
| Pennsylvania | $30.50 | Not available | In-person only |
| Rhode Island | $30 | Not available | In-person only |
| South Carolina | $20 | Not available | In-person only |
| South Dakota | $20 | Not available | In-person only |
| Tennessee | $27 | Not available | In-person only |
| Texas | $20 | $20 + $3 online | Online replacement available |
| Utah | $20 | $20 + $2 mail | Mail service available |
| Vermont | $20 | Not available | In-person only |
| Virginia | $24 | $24 + $2 mail | Mail service available |
| Washington | $20 | $20 + $3 online | Online replacement available |
| West Virginia | $20 | Not available | In-person only |
| Wisconsin | $28 | Not available | In-person only |
| Wyoming | $20 | Not available | In-person only |
| Washington D.C. | $20 | $20 + $3 online | Online replacement available |
A few states bundle the replacement fee with the renewal fee, so the cost is higher than a replacement alone. Maryland, Massachusetts, and California are the most expensive because they charge a combined fee. If your license is expiring within the next year, check whether your state charges separately for replacement and renewal, or if you will pay one combined fee.
What documents you need to bring
Whether you go in person or order by mail or online, you will need to prove your identity and current address. The documents accepted vary by state, but most DMVs accept a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card for identity, and a utility bill or lease for address.
If you are ordering by mail, you will need to send copies of these documents, not originals. Some states require notarized copies; others accept photocopies. Check your state DMV website to see which documents they accept and whether they need to be notarized or certified.
If you are ordering online, you will upload images of your documents instead of mailing them. Make sure the images are clear and show the full document, including all four corners. Blurry or partial images will cause your request to be rejected, and you will have to resubmit.
How long replacement takes
In-person replacement is the fastest option. You will receive your new license on the same day or within a few days, depending on whether the DMV office prints licenses on-site. Most DMV offices do print licenses in-house, so you can walk out with a temporary paper license the same day and the plastic card arrives by mail within one to two weeks.
Mail and online replacement take longer. Most states process mail requests within two to four weeks, and online requests within one to three weeks. Some states are slower; a few take up to six weeks. During busy seasons, processing times can stretch even longer.
If you need your license urgently, go to a DMV office in person. If you can wait, online or mail replacement saves you a trip and may save you money if your state charges a lower fee for those methods.
Paying the replacement fee
At a DMV office, you can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card. Some offices also accept checks, but this is becoming less common. Call ahead or check the office website to see which payment methods they accept.
For mail replacement, you will need to include a check or money order. Do not send cash by mail. Make the check payable to your state DMV or the name shown on the DMV website.
For online replacement, you will pay by debit card or credit card at the time you submit your request. Your payment is processed when ready, and you will receive a confirmation number. Keep this number for your records in case you need to track your order or contact the DMV about your request.
Replacement vs. renewal: which costs less
In most states, a replacement costs