Report the loss to Virginia DMV and request a replacement when ready
When your Virginia driver's license is lost, you need to report it to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and order a replacement. The DMV treats a lost license as a security risk because someone else could use it, so the process moves quickly. You can report the loss and request a replacement in the same transaction, either online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.
The fastest route is the DMV website at dmvnow.com. You can report your license lost and pay for a replacement without leaving home. If you prefer to handle it in person or by mail, both options are available, but they take longer — typically 7 to 10 business days for mail, and same-day service if you go to an office.
Your replacement license will have a new number and expiration date. Virginia does not reissue the same license number, so you will need to update your number with your employer, bank, or any other organization that has it on file.
Key Takeaways
- Report your lost license to Virginia DMV through dmvnow.com, by mail, or in person at a DMV office as soon as you notice it is missing.
- The replacement fee is $24 for a standard license, and you can order it at the same time you report the loss.
- Online replacement through dmvnow.com is the fastest method and takes 7 to 10 business days for delivery by mail.
- Your replacement license will have a new number, so you will need to update your records with employers, banks, and other organizations.
- If you find your original license after ordering a replacement, contact DMV to cancel the replacement order and avoid paying for an unused card.
Report your lost license online through dmvnow.com
The Virginia DMV online portal is the most convenient way to report a lost license and order a replacement without visiting an office. Go to dmvnow.com, log in with your Virginia driver's license number and date of birth, and select the option to report a lost or stolen license. You will answer a few questions about when and where you last had the license, then pay the $24 replacement fee by credit or debit card.
After you submit the online report, the DMV will mail your replacement license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you submit your order. You will receive a confirmation number when ready — save this for your records in case you need to check the status of your replacement.
If your address has changed since your last license was issued, update it before you report the loss. The replacement will be mailed to whatever address is currently in the DMV system, so correcting it first ensures the card reaches you.
Report your lost license in person at a DMV office
If you need a replacement license the same day, visit a Virginia DMV customer service center in person. Bring your Social Security number, date of birth, and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You do not need to bring the lost license itself — the DMV has your information on file.
Walk-in service is available at most offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Call ahead or check dmvnow.com to find the office nearest you and see current wait times. Some offices offer appointment scheduling, which can reduce your wait.
The replacement fee is $24, payable by cash, check, or card at the office. You will receive your new license on the spot, printed at the counter. This is the only way to get a replacement the same day you report the loss.
Report your lost license by mail
You can also report your lost license and request a replacement by mail. Send a letter to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 27412, Richmond, VA 23269. Include your full name, date of birth, driver's license number (if you remember it), Social Security number, current address, and a brief statement that your license is lost. Include a check or money order for $24 payable to the Virginia DMV.
Mail processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the DMV receives your letter, plus mail delivery time in both directions. This method is slower than online or in-person service and should only be used if you cannot access the internet or visit an office. There is no way to track a mail-in replacement request, so keep a copy of your letter for your records.
What to do if your lost license is found after you order a replacement
If you find your original license after reporting it lost and ordering a replacement, contact the Virginia DMV when ready to cancel the replacement order. Call the DMV customer service line at 804-367-0538 or visit dmvnow.com and log in to your account to cancel the order if it has not yet shipped.
If the replacement has already been mailed to you, you can refuse delivery or return it unopened to the DMV. Do not use both licenses — Virginia law requires you to carry only one valid license at a time. Once your original license is in your possession again, it remains valid and you do not need to do anything else.
If you cannot reach the DMV to cancel before the replacement arrives, open the replacement card and destroy it. Keep the original license you found and do not attempt to use the replacement. Contact the DMV in writing to confirm the replacement was not activated.
Update your records with your new license number
Your replacement license will have a new number printed on it. Virginia does not reissue the same number, so you will need to update your records wherever your old number is on file. Contact your employer's HR department, your bank, your insurance company, and any other organization that uses your driver's license number for identification or verification.
Some organizations update automatically when they run a background check or verification after you report the change. Others require you to call or submit a form. Start with the organizations you interact with most frequently — your employer, bank, and insurance company — and work through the rest over the following week.
Keep your replacement license in a safe place to avoid losing it again. Consider taking a photo of both sides and storing it securely on your phone or computer as a backup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while waiting for my replacement license to arrive?
Yes. Once you report your license lost to the Virginia DMV, you can drive legally while your replacement is in the mail. The DMV record shows your license as reported lost, and law enforcement can verify your driving status through their system. However, you should carry your confirmation number from your report as proof that you have ordered a replacement.
What if I do not remember my driver's license number?
You do not need your license number to report it lost. If you are reporting in person or by mail, the DMV can look up your record using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. If you are reporting online through dmvnow.com, you will need your license number or Social Security number to log in, so use your Social Security number instead.
Do I have to report my license lost if I just want to renew it?
No. If your license is lost but not yet expired, you can renew it without reporting it lost first. Go to dmvnow.com and select the renewal option. The DMV will issue a new license with a new number and extended expiration date. You do not need to file a separate lost-license report.
What if my license was stolen, not just lost?
Report it to the Virginia DMV the same way you would report a lost license — the process is identical. If you believe someone may use your stolen license for fraud, you can also file a police report with your local law enforcement agency. Provide them with your license number and a description of when and where it was stolen. The police report creates an official record in case the license is used fraudulently.
How much does a replacement license cost?
A replacement license costs $24 in Virginia. This fee covers the cost of producing and mailing the new card. There are no additional fees for reporting the loss or for expedited processing if you order online or in person.