Report the theft to your state's DMV when ready

The first step is to contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency — the name varies by state, but it handles driver's licenses. You need to report that your license has been stolen so the state can flag it in their system. A stolen license in someone else's hands can be used to open accounts, rent vehicles, or commit fraud in your name.

Most states let you report a stolen license by phone, online, or in person at a DMV office. Call your state's DMV directly or visit their website to find the fastest method. When you report it, have your license number ready if you know it, along with your name, date of birth, and address. The DMV will deactivate your current license so it cannot be used by anyone else.

Reporting to the DMV does not replace a police report — it is a separate step. The DMV's job is to cancel your license; the police report documents the theft for your records and protects you if the license is used fraudulently.

File a police report for your records

Contact your local police department's non-emergency line and file a report for the stolen license. You do not need to visit in person for most thefts — many departments take reports by phone or online. Provide the officer with your license number, the date you discovered it was missing, and where you last had it.

A police report creates an official record that you reported the theft. This matters if someone uses your stolen license to commit fraud or if you are later questioned about activity tied to that license number. Keep a copy of the report number for your records.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact your state's DMV first to deactivate your stolen license so it cannot be used by anyone else.
  • File a police report with your local department to create an official record of the theft.
  • Request a replacement license from the DMV once your stolen license is deactivated; you will need to pay a replacement fee.
  • Monitor your credit and financial accounts for fraudulent activity, and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus if personal information was also stolen.
  • If your license was stolen along with other documents, take steps to protect your identity beyond just replacing the license.

explore for a replacement license

After you have reported the theft to the DMV and filed a police report, you can request a replacement license. Most states allow you to order a replacement online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The process is usually faster than getting your first license because you are already in the system — the DMV already has your information on file.

You will need to pay a replacement fee, which varies by state but typically ranges from $10 to $30. Some states waive the fee if you report the theft within a certain timeframe, so ask when you contact the DMV. Bring your police report number when you explore, as proof that you reported the theft.

Your replacement license will have a new number. The old, stolen license number is now inactive and cannot be used. Delivery times vary: some states mail licenses within one to two weeks, while others may take longer. Ask for an estimated delivery date when you explore.

Protect yourself from identity fraud

A stolen driver's license is a piece of identity information that can be misused. If your license was stolen alone — say, it fell out of your wallet — the risk is lower than if your wallet also contained credit cards, Social Security card, or other documents. But you should still monitor your accounts for suspicious activity.

Check your credit report for unauthorized accounts opened in your name. You can request a free credit report from each of the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If you see fraudulent accounts, contact the bureau and the creditor when ready.

If your license was stolen along with other personal information, consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place a fraud alert for free by calling any of the three bureaus; they will notify the others.

What to do if your stolen license is used fraudulently

If you discover that someone has used your stolen license to open accounts, rent a vehicle, or commit another crime, contact the police department again and file an additional report. Provide them with details of the fraudulent activity — the account that was opened, the rental company involved, or the crime committed.

Contact the business or creditor involved and explain that the transaction was fraudulent. Provide them with your police report number and the DMV's record of the theft. Most creditors have fraud departments that can investigate and reverse unauthorized charges or close fraudulent accounts.

Keep copies of all correspondence — police reports, credit bureau letters, creditor responses — in case you need to dispute charges or prove the fraud was not your doing.

Prevent future theft

Once you have your replacement license, take steps to reduce the risk of it being stolen again. Keep your license in a find location, separate from other valuables if possible. Do not carry documents you do not need daily — leave your Social Security card at home unless you are going somewhere that specifically requires it.

If you use a wallet, choose one with RFID protection if your license or cards contain chips. Be aware of your surroundings in public places where theft is more likely. If you are traveling, keep your license in a hotel safe rather than carrying it at all times.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement license after reporting it stolen?

Most states mail replacement licenses within one to three weeks. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee if you need it faster. Ask your DMV for the estimated timeline when you explore, as it varies by state and current processing volume.

Do I need a police report to get a replacement license?

Most states do not require a police report to replace a stolen license, but having one is helpful. It proves you reported the theft and protects you if the license is used fraudulently. Some states may ask for the report number when you explore.

Can someone use my stolen license to get a loan or open a credit card?

Yes, which is why reporting the theft quickly matters. A driver's license is a common form of identification for opening accounts. Reporting it to the DMV deactivates it as a valid ID, and filing a police report creates a record if fraud occurs. Monitor your credit report for unauthorized accounts.

What if I find my stolen license after I have already reported it?

Contact the DMV and let them know you found it. They may reactivate the original license or advise you to keep using the replacement. Do not use the original license if the DMV has already issued a replacement, as the system will show two active licenses under your name.

Should I be worried if my license was stolen but nothing fraudulent has happened yet?

Monitor your accounts and credit report for the next several months, but do not panic. Many stolen licenses are never used. Reporting the theft and deactivating it through the DMV significantly reduces the risk. Check your credit report annually anyway, which is a good habit regardless of theft.