What you need to do to replace a California driver license

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged California driver license, you will need to visit a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and have a new photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes at the counter, though wait times vary by location. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic card will arrive by mail in about 10 business days.

California does not allow you to replace a license online or by mail, even if you are renewing at the same time. If your license was stolen, you should also report it to local police and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus, since a driver license is a common identity theft target.

Key Takeaways

  • You must go to a DMV office in person with proof of identity, proof of California residency, and payment for the replacement fee, which is $30 for a standard license.
  • Bring either your old license if you still have it, or a passport, birth certificate, or consular ID card to prove who you are.
  • The DMV will take a new photo and give you a temporary paper license when ready; your plastic replacement arrives by mail within 10 business days.
  • If your license was stolen, file a police report and consider a fraud alert with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to protect against identity theft.

Documents you need to bring to the DMV

Bring one form of primary identification and one form of proof of California residency. Primary identification means your passport, birth certificate, consular ID card, or tribal ID. If you still have your old California driver license, that counts as both primary ID and proof of residency, so you only need to bring that one document.

For proof of residency, the DMV accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or recent bank statement with your name and current California address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring a document in a spouse's or parent's name plus a marriage certificate or birth certificate showing the relationship.

Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You can write it on the process form or tell the DMV employee verbally; you do not need to bring a card.

The replacement fee and what it covers

The replacement fee is $30 for a standard driver license. If your license was stolen and you file a police report, bring a copy of the report to the DMV and the fee is waived. Payment methods at the DMV include cash, debit card, and credit card; not all offices accept checks.

The $30 fee covers the replacement card only. If you are also renewing your license because it has expired or will expire soon, you will pay an additional renewal fee. A standard five-year renewal costs $64. If your license is not expiring within the next six months, you do not need to renew it at the same time.

How to find a DMV office and book an appointment

Visit the California DMV website at dmv.ca.gov and use the office locator tool to find the nearest DMV branch. Most offices now require you to book an appointment in advance through the same website. You can book up to 60 days ahead. If you walk in without an appointment, you may wait several hours or be turned away if the office is at capacity.

Some DMV offices are busier than others. If your local office has long wait times, try booking at a less busy location nearby, even if it is farther away. The appointment system shows estimated wait times for each office on each day, so you can choose a time slot that works for you.

If you cannot access the website or need help booking, call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133. Phone lines are often busy, so try calling early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

What happens at your DMV appointment

Arrive 10 minutes early with all your documents. The DMV employee will check your identification and residency proof, verify your Social Security number, and ask you to sign the process form. You will then go to the photo station, where they will take a new photo for your replacement license. The photo must meet specific requirements: you cannot wear sunglasses, a hat, or head covering for religious reasons (unless you have a religious exemption on file), and your face must be clearly visible.

After your photo is taken, you will pay the replacement fee and receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 60 days and can be used for driving, voting, or any other purpose that requires a driver license. Your permanent plastic card will be mailed to the address on your process within 10 business days. If you do not receive it after two weeks, contact the DMV.

If your license was stolen and you need to report it

File a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office. You do not need to do this in person; many departments allow you to file a report online or by phone. Get a copy of the report number or a printed copy of the report itself. Bring this to the DMV when you replace your license, and the replacement fee will be waived.

Contact the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — and place a fraud alert on your credit file. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place a fraud alert for free by calling one bureau; they are required to notify the other two. Equifax: 1-800-525-6285. Experian: 1-888-397-3742. TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289. A fraud alert lasts one year and can be renewed.

What to do if your replacement license does not arrive

Wait at least 14 days after your DMV appointment before contacting the DMV about a missing card. Mail delivery times vary, and some cards take the full 10 business days plus a few extra days for postal delivery. If two weeks have passed and you have not received your card, contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 or visit dmv.ca.gov and use the "Check process Status" tool.

If your replacement card was lost or stolen in the mail, the DMV can issue a second replacement. You will need to pay the replacement fee again unless you have a police report for the second loss. If your address has changed since your appointment, update it with the DMV before requesting a reissue, or your card may be mailed to the old address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if it is expired?

Yes. A replacement and a renewal are two separate transactions. You can replace an expired license without renewing it, though the DMV will ask if you want to renew at the same time. If you choose not to renew, your replacement card will have the same expiration date as your old license. You can renew later when you are ready.

What if I do not have proof of residency in my name?

Bring a document in a family member's name (spouse, parent, or household member) plus a document proving your relationship, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate. The DMV will accept this combination as proof that you live at that address.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 60 days. It can be used for driving and identification purposes just like a plastic license. If your permanent card has not arrived by the time the temporary expires, contact the DMV when ready.

Do I need to bring my old license if I still have it?

No, but it is helpful. If you have your old license, bring it because it counts as both primary identification and proof of residency. If you do not have it, bring a passport or birth certificate plus a separate proof of residency document.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

Bring your old license plus a document proving the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will issue a replacement with your new name at no extra cost.