Report the loss to your state's DMV right away

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 Department of Public Safety). You can usually report a lost license online, by phone, or in person at a local office. Reporting it when ready protects you: it flags the license as invalid so no one else can use it if they find it, and it starts the replacement process.

When you report the loss, have your name, date of birth, and driver's license number ready if you have it. If you don't remember your license number, the DMV can look it up using your Social Security number and address. Some states let you report the loss and request a replacement in the same transaction; others require separate steps.

Key Takeaways

  • Report your lost license to your state DMV when ready—online, by phone, or in person—to prevent misuse and start the replacement process.
  • You will need to pay a replacement fee, which varies by state but typically ranges from $10 to $30.
  • A replacement license usually arrives by mail within one to three weeks, though some states offer expedited printing at an office for a higher fee.
  • If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, ask the DMV for a temporary permit or receipt that proves you reported the loss.
  • If you suspect your license was stolen rather than lost, file a police report and mention it when you contact the DMV.

Pay the replacement fee and choose your delivery method

Every state charges a fee to replace a lost license. The amount varies—typically between $10 and $30—and is separate from any other fees. Some states include the replacement fee in a single transaction; others bill it separately when you request the new card.

You will usually have two options for how you receive your replacement. Standard mail delivery takes one to three weeks and costs only the replacement fee. Expedited in-person printing, available in many states, lets you walk out with a temporary or permanent license the same day but costs extra—sometimes $15 to $25 more. If you need to drive when ready, the in-person option is worth the added cost.

Get a temporary permit if you need to drive before your replacement arrives

If you choose standard mail and need to drive before your new license arrives, contact the DMV and ask for a temporary driving permit or a receipt showing you reported the loss. Not all states offer this, but many do. A temporary permit is usually valid for 30 to 60 days and lets you drive legally while you wait for the permanent replacement.

Some DMVs print a temporary permit on the spot if you visit an office in person. Others mail it with your permanent license or issue it digitally—you may be able to read it or have it sent to your email. Ask specifically what your state offers when you report the loss.

Gather documents if you're replacing your license in person

If you go to a DMV office to get a replacement printed on the spot, bring the same documents you would need for a regular license renewal: proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number. Requirements vary slightly by state, so check your state's DMV website before you go.

You will not need to retake the written or road test—a replacement for a lost license is not the same as reissuing a license after a suspension or revocation. The DMV straightforward prints a new card with the same information and expiration date as your original.

File a police report if your license was stolen

If you believe your license was stolen rather than lost, file a report with your local police department. You do not need to wait for the police to investigate before contacting the DMV—report the loss to the DMV at the same time. When you file the police report, ask for a report number and mention it when you contact the DMV. Some states flag stolen licenses differently in their system, which can help protect you if the license is used fraudulently.

Keep a copy of the police report for your records. If someone uses your stolen license to get a ticket or commit a crime, you will want proof that you reported it missing.

Update your records with your new license number

Once your replacement license arrives, update any records that use your old license number. This includes your vehicle registration, insurance company, employer, and any other organization that has your license information on file. Your new license will have a different number, and having the correct number in your records prevents confusion if you need to provide it later.

If you have an out-of-state license or ID that lists your driver's license number, you may need to update that as well. Check with the issuing agency—some do not require updates, while others ask you to report the change.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Not legally, unless the DMV gives you a temporary permit or receipt. Some states issue temporary permits automatically when you report the loss; others only give them if you ask or visit in person. Contact your DMV to find out what your state offers. If you have no temporary document, you should not drive until your replacement arrives.

What if I find my original license after I've reported it lost?

Contact the DMV and let them know it has been found. You may be able to cancel the replacement order if it has not been printed yet, which could save you the replacement fee. If the replacement has already been mailed, you will receive it anyway—keep it as a backup or destroy it. The original license will be reactivated in the system.

How much does it cost to replace a lost license?

Replacement fees vary by state, typically between $10 and $30. Some states charge the same fee for a replacement as for a renewal; others charge less. Check your state's DMV website or call to confirm the exact fee before you go to an office or submit an online request.

Do I need to retake the written or road test to get a replacement?

No. A replacement for a lost license is not a retest. The DMV straightforward issues a new card with the same information and expiration date as your original. You only retake tests if your license was suspended, revoked, or expired.

What should I do if my license was lost in another state?

Contact the DMV in the state that issued your license, not the state where you lost it. Your license is registered in your home state, and that is where the replacement must come from. You can usually report the loss and request a replacement online or by phone without traveling back to that state.