What you need to do to replace your California driver's license
You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged California driver's license in person at a DMV office or by mail. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and you walk out with a temporary license the same day. The mail route takes two to three weeks but costs less and requires no trip to the DMV. Both methods require the same documents: proof of identity, proof of California residency, and a completed process form.
If your license was stolen, you should also report it to local police and request a report number — the DMV may ask for it. If your license is damaged but still readable, some DMV offices will replace it on the spot without the full process process, though this varies by location.
Key Takeaways
- You can replace your license in person at any DMV office or by mail using Form DL 44, and the in-person method gives you a temporary license when ready.
- You will need a government-issued ID (passport, Real ID, or military ID), proof of California residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number.
- The in-person replacement costs $39 for a standard license and takes about 30 minutes; the mail replacement costs $20 and takes two to three weeks.
- If your license was stolen, file a police report first and bring the report number to the DMV, as this protects you from identity theft liability.
- Your replacement license will have the same expiration date as your original unless you renew it at the same time.
Replacing your license in person at a DMV office
Walk into any California DMV office with your documents and completed Form DL 44 (process for California Driver's License or Identification Card). You do not need an appointment, though wait times vary widely by location and time of day. Bring your proof of identity (a valid passport, Real ID, military ID, or foreign passport with a valid visa), proof of California residency dated within the last 60 days (a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your name and address), and your Social Security number.
The DMV will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and works everywhere a regular license does. Your permanent replacement license will arrive by mail in about two weeks. The cost is $39 for a standard driver's license.
If you are replacing a license that was damaged but still readable, some DMV offices will process this faster without requiring the full Form DL 44. Call your local DMV office first to ask whether they offer this service, as it is not available everywhere.
Replacing your license by mail
Complete Form DL 44 and mail it with copies of your proof of identity and proof of residency to the DMV address listed on the form. You do not need to appear in person. Include a check or money order for $20 — the mail replacement fee is $19 less than the in-person fee. Do not send cash.
The DMV will process your process and mail your new license to the address on file. This takes two to three weeks from the date they receive your process. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so if you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you will have to go to a DMV office in person instead.
Mail your process to the address shown on Form DL 44, which varies by county. You can find the correct address on the California DMV website or by calling your local office. Keep a copy of everything you send in case the DMV needs to contact you.
Documents you must bring or send
| Document Type | What Counts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Valid passport, Real ID, military ID, or foreign passport with valid visa | Must be current or expired no more than five years ago |
| Proof of Residency | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement | Must show your name and California address and be dated within 60 days |
| process Form | Form DL 44 (completed and signed) | Available on the DMV website or at any DMV office |
| Social Security Number | Your nine-digit SSN | Required but you do not need to bring a card |
What to do if your license was stolen
File a police report with your local police department and request a report number. This protects you from liability if someone uses your stolen license to commit fraud or traffic violations. Bring the police report number to the DMV when you replace your license in person, or include a copy if you are replacing it by mail.
You should also consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) if you are concerned about identity theft. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. This is free and takes about 15 minutes to set up by phone.
When your replacement license arrives
Your new license will have the same expiration date as your original license unless you renew it at the same time. If your original license was set to expire within the next year, you may want to renew it while you are replacing it — this costs an additional $39 in person or $20 by mail, but you will not have to return to the DMV again soon.
If you received a temporary paper license at the DMV, destroy it once your permanent license arrives. The temporary license is no longer valid after your permanent license is issued. Keep your new license in a safe place and consider taking a photo of it on your phone in case you lose it again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license online?
No. California does not offer online replacement for lost or stolen licenses. You must go to a DMV office in person or mail your process. However, you can renew an expiring license online if it is not lost or stolen.
How long does the temporary paper license last?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. After that, you can only drive if you have your permanent replacement license. If your permanent license has not arrived after 30 days, return to the DMV for another temporary license.
What if I do not have proof of residency dated within 60 days?
You will need to obtain a document that meets the DMV's requirement — a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement. If you cannot get one, contact your local DMV office to ask about alternative documents they may accept, as some offices have flexibility for people in unusual situations.
Do I need to take a new photo and vision test?
Yes, you will take a new photo at the DMV office if you replace your license in person. You will also take a vision test unless you renewed your license within the last 12 months. If you are replacing by mail, you will not take either test, and your new license will use the photo from your original license.
What if my name has changed since my original license was issued?
Bring a document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your other documents. The DMV will update your name on your replacement license at no additional cost.