What you need to do to replace a California driver's license
To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged California driver's license, you must visit a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and have your photo taken. You cannot renew or replace your license by mail or online, even if your current license is still valid. The DMV will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot, and your replacement card will arrive by mail within 10 to 14 business days.
The replacement fee is $32 for a standard driver's license (as of 2024), though this amount can change. If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report first, though it is not required by the DMV to process your replacement.
Key Takeaways
- You must go to a DMV office in person with a valid ID and proof of California residency to replace your license.
- The replacement fee is $32, payable by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at most DMV locations.
- You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your replacement card by mail within 10 to 14 business days.
- If your license was stolen, file a police report and bring the report number to the DMV, though this is not required to process your replacement.
- You do not need to pass a written or driving test to replace a lost or damaged license.
Documents you must bring to the DMV
Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in California. The DMV accepts a narrow list of documents for each category, and documents must be original or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.
For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a U.S. passport card, a certified birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, a valid military ID, a valid tribal ID, or a valid foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a combination of two documents from a secondary list, which includes a Social Security card, a school ID, a library card, or a credit card — but the DMV staff member will determine whether your combination is acceptable.
For proof of residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your current California address. Accepted documents include a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a vehicle registration, an insurance policy, a bank statement, or a pay stub. A government-issued ID with your current address also counts. If you have moved recently and your documents show an old address, bring a second document showing your new address.
Bring your current or expired California driver's license if you still have it. If your license was stolen, bring a police report or the report number. If your license was damaged, bring the damaged card itself.
How to schedule a DMV appointment
You can schedule an appointment online through the California DMV website (dmv.ca.gov) or by calling 1-800-777-0133. Walk-ins are accepted at some DMV offices, but wait times are often longer than scheduled appointments. Most DMV offices are open Monday through Friday, with some locations open on Saturday mornings. Hours vary by location.
When you schedule online, select "Replace a Driver's License" as your transaction type. The system will show you available appointment times at DMV offices near you. Book the earliest time that works for you, because some offices fill up weeks in advance, especially in urban areas.
If you cannot reach the online system or prefer to call, have your current license number or date of birth ready. The phone line can be busy during peak hours (typically 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on weekdays), so calling in the afternoon often connects faster.
What happens at your DMV appointment
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all required documents. A DMV staff member will verify your identity and residency documents, check that your documents are within the required date ranges, and confirm your current address. They will ask you to sign a form confirming that your license was lost, stolen, or damaged.
You will have your photo taken for your new license. Wear clear glasses if you normally do, avoid hats and sunglasses, and make sure your face is clearly visible. The photo must meet federal standards, so the DMV may ask you to adjust your position or expression.
You will pay the $32 replacement fee. Most DMV offices accept cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards. Some locations may have payment restrictions, so call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods.
Before you leave, the DMV will give you a temporary paper license that is valid for 60 days. This temporary license has the same legal status as a plastic card and can be used to drive, board a plane, or prove your identity. Your replacement card will be mailed to the address on file, arriving within 10 to 14 business days. If you move before your card arrives, you can update your address online or at a DMV office.
If your license was stolen
Filing a police report is not required to replace a stolen license, but it is a good idea if you are concerned about identity theft. If you file a report, bring the report number to your DMV appointment — the DMV may flag your record to watch for fraudulent activity.
If you believe your stolen license has been used fraudulently, contact the California Highway Patrol's Identity Theft Unit or file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov. These steps are separate from your DMV replacement and do not affect how quickly your new license is issued.
Replacing a damaged or defaced license
If your license is water-damaged, faded, cracked, or otherwise unreadable, bring the damaged card to your appointment. The DMV will take it and issue you a replacement. You do not need to explain how the damage happened or provide any documentation of the damage itself.
If your license is still readable but you want a replacement for cosmetic reasons (for example, a poor photo), you can request a new photo by paying the standard $32 replacement fee. This is treated the same as a lost or damaged license replacement.
Timeline and what to expect after your appointment
Your temporary paper license is valid when ready and can be used for all purposes a plastic license serves. Your replacement card is printed and mailed within 10 to 14 business days from your appointment date. Mail delivery times vary by location, but most cards arrive within 2 to 3 weeks total.
If your replacement card does not arrive within 3 weeks, contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 or through the DMV website. Have your temporary license number or appointment confirmation number ready. The DMV can check the status of your card and reissue it if necessary.
Once your replacement card arrives, the temporary paper license is no longer needed but remains valid if you still have it. Destroy the temporary license if you want to avoid confusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if it expired?
Yes. A replacement for a lost, stolen, or damaged license is different from a renewal. You do not need to renew your license to replace it. However, if your license has been expired for more than five years, you may need to retake the written test and driving test. Contact your local DMV office to confirm your specific situation.
What if I do not have proof of residency dated within the last 60 days?
Bring two documents showing your current address, even if one is older than 60 days. Alternatively, bring a government-issued ID with your current address, such as a passport or military ID. If you have recently moved and have no documents yet, contact the DMV before your appointment to ask what alternatives they accept.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. Your replacement license must be mailed to you at the address on file. You cannot have it held at a DMV office or picked up by another person. If you move before it arrives, update your address online at dmv.ca.gov or at a DMV office, and your card will be forwarded to your new address.
Do I need to take a test to replace my license?
No. Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license does not require a written or driving test. You only need to provide proof of identity and residency and pay the replacement fee.
What if my name has changed since my current license was issued?
Bring a document proving your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will update your name in the system and issue your replacement card with the new name. This does not cost extra.