When and why you need a reissued license
A reissued driver's license is a replacement copy of your current license — same number, same expiration date, same class. You need one when your license is lost, stolen, damaged, or worn out enough that it no longer scans or reads clearly. You also need reissuance if your name has changed legally (through marriage, divorce, or court order) but you want to keep the same license number and expiration.
Reissuance is different from renewal, which happens when your license expires and you need a fresh one with a new expiration date. It is also different from replacement in some states — replacement sometimes means getting a new license number and new expiration, while reissuance keeps both the same. Your state's DMV website will clarify which term applies to your situation.
The process is usually faster and cheaper than renewal because you are not renewing your driving privileges — you are just getting a new card with the same information on it.
Key Takeaways
- Reissuance replaces a lost, stolen, or damaged license with an identical one bearing the same number and expiration date.
- You can reissue in person at your DMV office, by mail, or online in many states — check your state's DMV website to see which methods are open.
- Bring your current license if you have it, or a state ID, passport, or birth certificate plus proof of residency if your license is lost or stolen.
- Reissuance usually costs less than renewal and takes one to two weeks by mail or same-day in person, depending on your state.
- If your name has changed, you will need a legal document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your reissuance request.
How to reissue online or by mail
Many states now let you reissue your license without visiting a DMV office. Start by visiting your state's DMV website and searching for "reissue" or "replace license." The site will show you whether online reissuance is available for your situation — most states allow it for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses, but some restrict it to damaged licenses only.
If your state offers online reissuance, you will typically upload a photo (usually a selfie), confirm your current address, and pay the reissuance fee by credit or debit card. The new license arrives by mail in one to two weeks. If your state does not offer online reissuance, you can usually request one by mail: read the form from the DMV website, fill it out, include a copy of your ID or proof of identity, and mail it with a check or money order to the address on the form.
Mail reissuance takes longer — typically two to four weeks — because the DMV has to receive your envelope, process it, print your license, and mail it back. If you need your license urgently, in-person reissuance is faster.
Reissuing in person at the DMV
Walk-in reissuance at a DMV office is the quickest option in most states. You can often get a temporary license the same day and receive your permanent license by mail within a week. Some DMV offices now offer same-day printing, meaning you leave with your new license in hand.
Bring your current license if you still have it — that is all you need. If your license is lost or stolen, bring a state ID, passport, military ID, or birth certificate, plus one document showing your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed, bring the legal document proving it: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Check your state's DMV website or call ahead to confirm whether your local office takes walk-ins or requires an appointment. Many DMV offices now require appointments even for straightforward transactions, and wait times vary widely by location and time of day.
Documents you need for a name change reissuance
If you are reissuing because your name has changed, you must provide proof of the legal change along with your reissuance request. The DMV will not update your license without it, even if you have been using your new name for years.
Acceptable documents include a certified marriage certificate (if you took your spouse's name), a certified divorce decree or court order (if you changed your name back or to something else), or a certified court order for a legal name change. "Certified" means an official copy with a raised seal or stamp from the court or vital records office — a photocopy or uncertified version will not work.
You can order a certified marriage certificate or divorce decree from the county clerk's office where the event was recorded, or from your state's vital records office. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $30. If you need it faster, some counties offer expedited service for an extra fee.
Reissuance fees and processing times
Reissuance fees vary by state but are typically $15 to $35 — less than renewal because you are not renewing your driving privileges. Some states charge the same fee for reissuance and renewal; others charge less for reissuance. A few states offer free reissuance for lost or stolen licenses but charge a fee for damaged licenses. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee.
Processing time depends on how you submit your request. Online reissuance usually takes one to two weeks. Mail reissuance takes two to four weeks. In-person reissuance at a DMV office can be same-day (if your office has on-site printing) or one to two weeks by mail. Some DMV offices issue a temporary paper license on the spot while you wait for the permanent one.
If you are reissuing because your license is damaged or worn out, you may be able to keep using it until your new one arrives. If your license is lost or stolen, you should report it to your local police department and the DMV — some states flag stolen licenses in their system to prevent fraud.
What to do if your license is lost or stolen
Report a lost or stolen license to your state's DMV as soon as possible. Call the DMV customer service line or file a report online through your state's website. Reporting it does not prevent you from reissuing — it just alerts the DMV that the old license is no longer in your possession and should not be used.
If your license was stolen, also file a police report. Some states require a police report number when you reissue after theft. Keep a copy of the police report for your records.
While you wait for your reissued license, you can drive legally if you have a temporary license (issued at the DMV office) or if your state allows you to print a temporary digital license from the DMV website. Check your state's rules — some allow driving with just a police report, while others require you to carry the temporary license or digital proof.
Reissuance for damaged or worn licenses
If your license is damaged — cracked, faded, peeling, or no longer readable by a scanner — you can reissue it without waiting for your current license to expire. Damage includes water damage, torn holograms, faded photos, or magnetic stripe failure. Wear and tear from normal use (minor scratches, slight fading) usually does not may have access to, but if the license will not scan at a store or airport, it qualifies as damaged.
When you reissue for damage, bring your damaged license with you (in person) or include a photo of it (if reissuing by mail or online). The DMV will destroy the old license and issue a new one with the same number and expiration date. You do not need any other documents unless your name has changed since the license was issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reissue my license if it is expired?
No. If your license has expired, you need to renew it, not reissue it. Reissuance keeps your current expiration date; renewal gives you a new one. If your license is both expired and damaged, contact your DMV to ask whether you should renew or reissue — most states will let you renew and get a new card in one transaction.
How long does a reissued license stay valid?
A reissued license has the same expiration date as your original license. If your original license expired in 2026, your reissued license also expires in 2026. When that date arrives, you will need to renew your license, not reissue it again.
What if I moved and need to update my address at the same time?
Address changes usually require renewal, not reissuance. However, some states let you update your address during reissuance if you are reissuing for damage or loss. Check your state's DMV website or call to ask — if your state does not allow it, you may need to renew instead of reissue.
Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my reissued license?
Yes, if you reissue in person at a DMV office. The office will issue a temporary paper license or digital license that you can use when ready. If you reissue by mail or online, you cannot get a temporary license — you have to wait for the new one to arrive by mail.
Do I need a new photo for reissuance?
Not usually. Reissuance uses the photo from your current license. However, if your current photo is damaged or unreadable, or if your state requires a new photo for any reissuance, you may need to provide one. Online reissuance sometimes requires a new selfie. Check your state's rules before you submit your request.