The cost to replace a Queensland learner permit is $20.50 as of 2024

If your learner permit has been lost, stolen, damaged, or worn beyond use, you will need to pay a replacement fee to the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR). The current fee is $20.50, and this covers the cost of issuing a new physical permit card in your name.

The replacement fee is separate from any other costs you might face — for example, if you need to renew your learner permit because it has expired, you pay the renewal fee instead. If you need to replace it because it is damaged and also expired, you may need to pay both fees depending on how DTMR processes your request.

Payment is made directly to DTMR when you lodge your replacement request, either online, by mail, or in person at a service centre. The fee does not change based on how long you have held the permit or how much time remains on it.

Key Takeaways

  • The replacement fee for a Queensland learner permit is $20.50 and covers a new physical card only.
  • You pay the replacement fee whether your permit was lost, stolen, damaged, or worn, and the reason does not affect the cost.
  • If your permit has also expired, you may need to pay a separate renewal fee in addition to the replacement fee.
  • Payment is made to DTMR at the time you lodge your replacement request through your chosen method — online, by mail, or in person.

How to order a replacement permit and when the fee applies

You can request a replacement learner permit through three channels: online via the DTMR website, by post, or in person at a DTMR service centre. The $20.50 fee applies regardless of which method you choose, though processing time varies.

If you order online, you will pay the fee when ready as part of your transaction. If you explore by post, you must include payment (by cheque or money order made payable to the State of Queensland) with your process form. If you visit a service centre in person, you can pay by cash, card, or cheque at the counter.

The replacement permit itself is posted to your address on file — it does not arrive when ready. Standard processing takes around 10 business days from the date DTMR receives your completed request and payment. If you need the permit sooner, some service centres may be able to issue a temporary permit on the spot, though this is not may provide and depends on your circumstances.

What documents you need to provide with your replacement request

To request a replacement learner permit, you must provide proof of your identity and proof of your current address. DTMR will use these to confirm you are the person named on the original permit and to send the new card to the correct location.

Acceptable identity documents include your current passport, birth certificate, or a document issued by a government agency that shows your photo and date of birth. For proof of address, you can use a recent utility bill, rental agreement, council rates notice, or bank statement — the document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last three months.

You will also need to complete the process form for a replacement permit. This form is available on the DTMR website and can be submitted online, printed and mailed, or obtained in person at a service centre. If you are explore online, the form is part of the digital transaction and you upload your identity and address documents as image files.

Replacement cost if your permit was damaged by DTMR or in transit

If your learner permit was damaged while in DTMR's possession — for example, during printing or while being posted to you — you may not be charged the $20.50 replacement fee. This is treated as an error on DTMR's part rather than a loss on yours.

To pursue this, contact DTMR directly and explain the circumstances. You will need to provide evidence that the damage occurred before the permit reached you or while DTMR held it. Keep the damaged permit itself if possible, as this helps DTMR assess the claim. Processing this type of request can take longer than a standard replacement, as DTMR investigates the damage.

If your permit was damaged after you received it in good condition, the $20.50 fee applies — this includes wear and tear, water damage, or accidental damage. DTMR does not distinguish between types of damage once the permit is in your possession.

Difference between replacement cost and renewal cost

A replacement is issued when your current permit is lost, stolen, or damaged but has not yet expired. You pay $20.50 and receive a new card with the same expiry date as the original. A renewal is issued when your permit has expired or is about to expire. The renewal fee is different from the replacement fee and depends on the type of learner permit you hold.

If your permit is both damaged and expired, DTMR may process this as a renewal rather than a replacement, which means you pay the renewal fee instead of the $20.50 replacement fee. The renewal fee is higher because you are extending your permission to drive, not straightforward replacing a card. Contact DTMR before submitting your request if you are unsure which fee applies to your situation.

Some applicants make the mistake of paying for a replacement when they actually need a renewal, or vice versa. This can delay your new permit. Check your current permit's expiry date before you lodge your request — it is printed on the front of the card.

Payment methods and refund policy

DTMR accepts payment by credit card, debit card, or bank transfer when you explore online. By post, you can pay by cheque or money order. In person at a service centre, you can pay by cash, card, or cheque. There is no surcharge for any payment method.

Once DTMR has received and processed your payment, it is not refunded if you change your mind or decide not to proceed. If your payment was made in error — for example, you paid twice — contact DTMR as soon as possible with proof of the duplicate payment. Refunds for genuine errors can take up to 10 business days to appear in your account.

If your replacement permit is lost or damaged in the mail before it reaches you, you do not pay the $20.50 fee again. Contact DTMR and report the missing permit. They will reissue it at no additional cost, though you may be asked to provide a statutory declaration confirming the permit did not arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I pay the $20.50 fee if my permit was stolen?

Yes. The replacement fee applies whether your permit was lost, stolen, damaged, or worn. You do not need to report the theft to police before requesting a replacement, though you can if you wish. straightforward lodge your replacement request with DTMR and pay the $20.50 fee.

Can I get a temporary permit while I wait for my replacement?

Some DTMR service centres can issue a temporary permit on the spot if you visit in person, but this is not may provide. Call ahead to your nearest service centre and ask whether they offer this service. If they do, you may still need to pay the $20.50 replacement fee for the permanent card.

What if I ordered a replacement online but never received it?

Contact DTMR and report the missing permit. Provide your process reference number and the date you applied. DTMR will investigate whether the permit was lost in the mail. If confirmed, they will reissue it at no additional cost, though you may need to sign a statutory declaration.

Is the $20.50 fee the same for all types of learner permits in Queensland?

Yes. The replacement fee is $20.50 regardless of whether you hold a car learner permit, motorcycle learner permit, or heavy vehicle learner permit. The fee covers the cost of the replacement card only and does not include any other services.

Do I need to sit another test to get a replacement permit?

No. A replacement permit is a duplicate of your existing permit with the same conditions and expiry date. You do not retake any tests or complete any new assessments. You straightforward pay the fee and provide proof of identity and address.