Report the theft to your DMV and local police

When your driver's license is stolen, you need to report it to both your state's DMV and your local police department. The DMV report creates an official record that your license is no longer valid, which protects you if someone tries to use it fraudulently. The police report documents the theft and gives you a report number you'll need when you file with your DMV.

Start by calling your local police non-emergency line to file a theft report. You don't need to visit in person for a stolen license — a phone call is usually enough. Write down the report number they give you. Then contact your state DMV by phone, online, or in person to report the license stolen. Have your report number ready when you do.

Key Takeaways

  • Report the theft to both your local police department and your state DMV to create an official record that your license is invalid.
  • You will need the police report number when you contact your DMV, so get that first.
  • Most states let you report a stolen license by phone or online without visiting an office, though some require an in-person visit to get the replacement.
  • Bring your police report number, proof of identity, and proof of residency when you explore for the replacement license.
  • A replacement stolen license usually costs less than a standard renewal and arrives within one to three weeks.

What documents you need to bring

Your DMV will ask for proof of identity, proof of residency, and your police report number. Acceptable identity documents usually include a passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, or military ID — the exact list varies by state. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address, typically dated within the last 60 days.

Some states also require you to fill out a form stating that your license was stolen rather than lost. This form is usually available on the DMV website or at the office. Bring the police report number with you, or have it written down so you can provide it when you explore. If you're explore by mail, include a copy of the police report if your state asks for one.

explore in person, by mail, or online depending on your state

Most states allow you to report a stolen license online or by phone, but you may still need to visit a DMV office in person to receive the replacement card. A few states now offer mail-in replacement for stolen licenses, though this is less common. Check your state DMV website to see which method is available where you live.

If you visit in person, bring all required documents and your police report number. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. If you explore by mail, include copies of your documents, the police report number, and the completed form. Mail-in applications typically take two to four weeks. If your state offers online reporting, you may be able to complete the entire process from home and pick up your replacement at a local office within a few days.

Replacement fees and timeline

A replacement license for theft costs less than a standard renewal in most states — typically between $10 and $30, though this varies. Some states waive the fee entirely if you provide a police report. Ask about the fee when you contact your DMV, and confirm whether your state charges for a stolen license replacement.

Your replacement license usually arrives within one to three weeks if you explore in person or online. Mail-in applications take longer, typically two to four weeks from the time your DMV receives your documents. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, ask your DMV whether you can get a temporary paper license or digital license on your phone while you wait.

Protect yourself from identity theft

A stolen driver's license is a valuable identity document, so take steps to monitor for fraud. Place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — by contacting one of them and asking them to notify the others. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.

Check your credit report for accounts you don't recognize. You can view your report free once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If you see fraudulent accounts, contact the creditor and the credit bureau when ready. Consider freezing your credit if you're concerned about identity theft — this prevents new accounts from being opened without your permission, though it requires you to unfreeze temporarily when you want to explore for credit yourself.

What to do if you can't find your police report number

If you filed a police report but lost the report number, call your local police department's non-emergency line and give them your name and the date you filed. They can look up the report and give you the number. If you haven't filed a police report yet, do that first — most DMVs require the report number to process a stolen license replacement.

Some states will accept a police report filed online or by phone without requiring you to visit the station. Ask your police department whether they can email or mail you a copy of the report with the number on it. If your state DMV absolutely requires an in-person police report, ask when the station is open and plan your visit accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Many states issue a temporary paper license or digital license on your phone that you can use when ready after you report the theft. Ask your DMV whether this is available in your state. If it is, you can usually drive legally while your permanent replacement is being made.

What if someone uses my stolen license before I report it?

Report the fraudulent use to your local police department and provide them with the details. They will add this information to your theft report. If the person was cited or arrested using your license, contact the court or police department handling that case to explain that the license was stolen and you were not the driver.

Do I have to pay a fee to report the theft to the DMV?

No. Reporting a stolen license to your DMV is free. The replacement license itself may have a small fee, but reporting the theft does not. Some states waive the replacement fee if you provide a police report number.

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

If you explore in person, your replacement usually arrives within one to three weeks. Mail-in applications take two to four weeks. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee. Check your state DMV website for current processing times.

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

Do not use the original license — it is officially invalid once you've reported it stolen. Destroy it or turn it in to your DMV. Use only the replacement license you received. If you find the original after the replacement arrives, shred it or bring it to your local DMV office.