Where to go and what to bring

You replace a driver's license at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Secretary of State office, or equivalent agency — the name and location depend on your state. Most states let you replace it in person at a local office, by mail, or online through their website. Check your state's DMV website first to see which method is fastest and whether you can book an appointment to skip the line.

Bring your Social Security number, proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or state ID), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your license was stolen, bring a police report or the report number. If it was damaged, bring the damaged card itself if you still have it. Some states waive the address proof if you're renewing in person and your address hasn't changed.

The fee for a replacement is typically $20 to $50, depending on your state and whether you want a standard or expedited replacement. Some states charge less for a mail-in replacement than an in-person one. A few states offer free replacements if your license was stolen; check your state's rules before you pay.

Key Takeaways

  • You must go to your state's DMV or equivalent office to replace a license, though many states now let you start the process online or by mail.
  • Bring proof of identity, proof of your address, and your Social Security number; if your license was stolen, also bring a police report number.
  • Replacement fees range from $20 to $50 in most states, though some offer free replacements for stolen licenses.
  • A standard replacement usually takes one to two weeks by mail or same-day in person; expedited options cost more but arrive faster.
  • If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, ask the DMV for a temporary paper license or permit valid for 30 to 60 days.

Replacement by mail or online

Many states now let you request a replacement license without visiting an office. Go to your state's DMV website and look for "replace license," "duplicate license," or "lost or stolen license." You'll upload a photo (usually a recent selfie), confirm your personal details, and pay the fee with a credit or debit card. The new license is mailed to the address on file, typically within 7 to 14 business days.

Online replacement works best if your address hasn't changed and your identity information is already correct in the system. If you've moved, changed your name, or need to update your photo, you may have to visit an office in person. Some states limit online replacement to standard licenses and require in-person visits for REAL ID-compliant licenses (which have a gold star or similar marking and are required for federal buildings and domestic flights after May 2025).

In-person replacement at a DMV office

Walk into your local DMV with the documents listed above, take a number, and wait. Bring the damaged license if you have it. You'll be called to a window, hand over your documents, have your photo taken (or use an existing one if the office allows), pay the fee, and receive a temporary paper license on the spot. The permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 14 days.

In-person replacement is fastest if you need to drive when ready — the temporary license is valid right away. However, DMV wait times vary widely by location and time of day. Call ahead or check your state's website to see if appointments are available; many states now require or strongly recommend them. Going early on a weekday morning usually means a shorter wait than a Saturday afternoon.

Getting a temporary license while you wait

If your replacement is being mailed and you need to drive before it arrives, ask the DMV for a temporary paper license or permit. This is usually issued on the spot during an in-person visit and is valid for 30 to 60 days. Some states print it at the counter; others mail it with your permanent license. A few states don't offer temporary licenses at all, so check your state's policy before you leave the office.

A temporary license looks different from a permanent one — it's usually a printed form on cardstock — but it's legal to carry and use for driving. Police will recognize it. If you're stopped and don't have it yet, explain that you've reported your license lost or stolen and have a replacement on order; most officers will verify this with the DMV on the spot.

Replacing a REAL ID-compliant license

If your lost or damaged license has a gold star (or your state's equivalent marking), it's a REAL ID-compliant license. These are required for federal buildings, military bases, and domestic flights starting May 7, 2025. Replacing a REAL ID usually requires an in-person visit because you must prove your identity and address in front of an agent — you can't do this online or by mail.

Bring the same documents as for a standard replacement, plus proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). The process is the same: photo, fee, temporary license, and a permanent card by mail. Your replacement will also be REAL ID-compliant unless you specifically ask for a standard license instead.

What to do if your license was stolen

File a police report as soon as you realize your license is missing. You don't need to wait 24 hours or meet any other threshold — report it when ready. Get a report number or a copy of the report itself; you'll need this when you replace the license. Some DMVs ask for the number; others want the full report.

A stolen license can be used for identity theft or fraud, so reporting it protects you legally. The police report creates a record that you didn't authorize any use of the license after the theft date. When you replace it, tell the DMV agent that it was stolen, not lost. Some states flag stolen licenses in their system to prevent someone else from using the old card.

Replacing a license from another state

If you've moved to a new state and your old license is lost or damaged, you have two options: replace it with your original state, or get a new license from your current state. Most people get a new license from their current state because they need one with their new address anyway. You'll surrender your old license (or explain that it's lost) and explore for a new one under your current state's rules.

If you want to replace your old license before getting a new one — for example, because you still live in your original state but are traveling — contact that state's DMV directly. They can mail a replacement to an address outside the state. However, once you move and establish residency in a new state, you're usually required to get a license from that state within 30 to 90 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a police report number instead of a temporary license?

No. A police report number is not a valid license. You need either your original license, a temporary paper license from the DMV, or a valid license from another state. Carry the police report as proof that you've reported the theft, but it doesn't let you drive legally.

How long does a replacement license take if I pay for expedited shipping?

Expedited replacement typically arrives in 3 to 5 business days instead of 7 to 14, and costs $10 to $25 extra. However, not all states offer expedited shipping, and some only offer it for in-person replacements. Check your state's DMV website for the exact cost and timeline.

What if I move before my replacement license arrives?

Contact your state's DMV and ask them to update your mailing address before the license ships. If it's already been mailed, you can request that it be held at a local DMV office for pickup, or ask the DMV to reissue it to your new address. You may have to pay a small fee for the address change.

Do I need a new photo for a replacement license?

If you're replacing by mail or online, you usually upload a new photo or the DMV uses your existing one from the system. If you're replacing in person, the DMV takes a new photo automatically. You can ask to use your old photo if you prefer, but most offices will take a new one as standard practice.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. Your replacement license is mailed to the address on file, so you don't pick it up in person. If you've moved and didn't update your address with the DMV, contact them to have it mailed to your new location or held for pickup at a local office.