Report the theft to police and the DMV when ready
If your driver's license has been stolen, you need to report it to both your local police department and your state DMV. The police report creates an official record that protects you if someone uses your license fraudulently. The DMV report flags your license number in their system so it cannot be used to obtain vehicle registration, insurance, or other documents in your name.
Call your local police non-emergency line or file a report online through your city or county website. You do not need to visit the station in person for a theft report. When you file, provide your license number, the date you discovered it missing, and where you last had it. Keep the police report number — you will need it for the DMV.
Contact your state DMV by phone or online portal the same day. Most states allow you to report a stolen license without visiting an office. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and police report number ready. The DMV will deactivate your current license when ready and begin processing a replacement.
Key Takeaways
- File a police report first, even if you do not think the license will be used — the report number is required by most DMVs to process a replacement without extra fees.
- Contact your DMV the same day to report the theft and request a replacement; most states process stolen license replacements faster than standard renewals.
- You will need to pay a replacement fee, which varies by state but typically ranges from $15 to $50.
- Bring your police report number, proof of identity, and proof of residency to the DMV office or submit them online, depending on your state's process.
- Monitor your credit report and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus if you are concerned about identity theft.
What documents you need to bring to the DMV
The exact documents required depend on your state, but most DMVs follow a standard list for stolen license replacements. You will need one form of primary identification — a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card. You will also need proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
Bring your police report or the report number. Some states require a copy of the actual report; others accept just the number. Call your DMV ahead of time to confirm what they need. You will also need to complete a replacement process form, which you can usually read from your state DMV website or fill out at the office.
If you are replacing your license in person, bring the documents in their original form or certified copies. If you are explore by mail, send copies, not originals. Keep a copy of everything you submit for your records.
How to replace your license by mail or online
Many states allow you to request a replacement license by mail or through their online portal without visiting an office. Check your state DMV website for the stolen license replacement process. Some states have a dedicated online form for theft reports; others require you to mail in an process with your police report.
If explore by mail, send your completed process, a copy of your police report, a copy of your proof of identity, and a copy of your proof of address to the address listed on your state DMV website. Include a check or money order for the replacement fee. Mail takes longer than in-person service — typically two to four weeks — so if you need a license quickly, visit an office instead.
Online portals are faster. Log into your state DMV account, select "report stolen license" or "replace license," upload images of your documents, and pay the fee by debit or credit card. Processing time for online submissions is usually five to ten business days. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file.
Replacement fees and processing timelines
Stolen license replacement fees vary significantly by state. Some states charge the same fee as a standard renewal — typically $20 to $40. Others charge a separate replacement fee, which can be $10 to $50. A few states do not charge an extra fee if you have a valid police report. Check your state DMV website or call to confirm the exact cost before you go to the office or submit an online request.
Processing time depends on how you explore. In-person replacements at a DMV office usually take 15 to 30 minutes, and you may receive a temporary license or receipt to use while your permanent card is printed. Mail-in applications take two to four weeks. Online submissions typically take five to ten business days. Expedited processing is available in some states for an additional fee, usually $10 to $25.
Your new license will have a new number and expiration date. The expiration date is typically set for your next renewal cycle, not from the date of replacement. Check your new license when you receive it to make sure all information is correct.
Protect yourself from identity theft after a stolen license
A stolen driver's license is a risk for identity theft because it contains your name, address, date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number (depending on your state). Even if you report it to the DMV, someone could attempt to use it to open accounts, rent property, or commit fraud in your name.
Place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts. You can place an alert for free by calling one bureau; they will notify the other two. The alert lasts one year and can be renewed. If you suspect active fraud, consider placing a credit freeze instead, which prevents creditors from accessing your credit report entirely.
Monitor your credit report regularly for accounts you did not open. You can view your credit report for free once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If you see fraudulent activity, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov and to the creditor directly. Keep copies of your police report and all correspondence with creditors and credit bureaus.
State-by-state differences in stolen license replacement
Replacement procedures and fees vary by state. Some states process stolen licenses as priority cases and complete them within five business days. Others treat them the same as standard renewals. A few states waive the replacement fee if you provide a police report; most do not.
California, Texas, Florida, and New York all allow online reporting and replacement requests through their DMV portals. Some states, including Pennsylvania and Ohio, require you to visit an office in person. Check your specific state DMV website for the exact process, required documents, and fees. If you have moved to a new state since your license was issued, you may need to obtain a new license in your current state rather than replacing the old one.
If you are unsure whether your state requires a police report or accepts one, call the DMV directly. Having a police report almost always speeds up the process and may waive fees, so it is worth obtaining even if it is not technically required.
What to do if someone uses your stolen license
If you discover that someone has used your stolen license — for example, they were stopped by police or used it to open an account — report it when ready to the police department where the fraudulent use occurred and to your state DMV. Provide the police report number from your original theft report and explain the fraudulent use.
Contact the entity that accepted the fraudulent license (a bank, rental company, or police department) and explain that the license was stolen. Request written confirmation that the fraudulent transaction was not your responsibility. Keep all documentation of the fraudulent use for your records and for credit bureaus if needed.
If the fraudulent use resulted in criminal charges or a traffic citation in your name, you will need to work with the court or police department to clear your record. Bring your police report and proof that your license was stolen at the time of the incident. This process can take several months, so start when ready if this happens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to file a police report to replace a stolen license?
Most states do not legally require a police report, but having one speeds up the replacement process and may waive the replacement fee. Some states offer a discount or waive the fee entirely if you provide a police report number. Even if your state does not require one, filing a report protects you if the license is used fraudulently.
Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my replacement?
If you replace your license in person at a DMV office, you will usually receive a temporary license or receipt that you can use for identification and driving while your permanent card is being printed or mailed. Online and mail-in replacements do not come with a temporary document. If you need to drive when ready, visit an office in person.
What if I find my stolen license after I have already reported it?
Do not use it. Your license was deactivated when you reported it stolen, and using it could cause problems with law enforcement or creditors. Destroy it or turn it in to your local DMV office. Your replacement license is now your valid license.
How long does it take to receive a replacement license in the mail?
Mail delivery typically takes two to four weeks from the date the DMV processes your request. Online submissions are usually processed within five to ten business days, then mailed. In-person replacements are fastest — you may receive your license the same day or within a few days, depending on whether it is printed on-site or mailed to you.
Will my new license have a different number?
Yes. When you replace a stolen license, you receive a new license number. The old number is permanently deactivated. Your new expiration date is typically set for your next renewal cycle, not from the date of replacement, so check your new license when it arrives to confirm the expiration date.