What you need to do right now

Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency — the name varies by state — and report your license as lost. Most states let you do this online, by phone, or in person. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, driver's license number if you remember it, and sometimes your Social Security number. The DMV will cancel your old license so no one else can use it.

Once you have reported it, you can order a replacement. Most states issue a new physical license within one to three weeks, though some offer expedited printing for an extra fee. You will need to visit a DMV office in person for the replacement — you cannot do this entirely by mail or online in any state.

If your license was stolen rather than lost, also file a police report. Some states require this before issuing a replacement; others do not, but having a report on file protects you if someone uses your information fraudulently.

Key Takeaways

  • Report your lost license to your state DMV when ready by phone, online, or in person to prevent someone else from using it.
  • You must visit a DMV office in person to get a replacement license — no state allows you to complete this entirely online or by mail.
  • Bring a valid form of identification (passport, state ID, or birth certificate) and proof of your current address when you go to the DMV.
  • A replacement license usually costs between $20 and $50 depending on your state and how quickly you need it.
  • If your license was stolen, file a police report before or at the same time as your DMV visit to protect yourself against identity fraud.

What documents to bring to the DMV

You will need to prove your identity and residency. Bring one form of government-issued ID — a passport, state ID card, or birth certificate — plus a document showing your current address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works for address proof. Some states accept a recent tax return or insurance policy instead.

If you do not have your driver's license number memorized, bring anything with it printed on it — an old insurance card, a vehicle registration, or a photo you took of your license. This speeds up the process, but the DMV can look it up using your name and date of birth if you do not have it.

Bring your Social Security card or a document with your SSN on it. Some states require this; others ask for it but do not require it. Having it with you avoids a second trip.

How much it costs and how long it takes

A replacement license costs between $20 and $75 depending on your state. Standard processing takes one to three weeks in most states. If you need it faster, nearly every state offers expedited or rush printing for an additional $10 to $30, which cuts the wait to three to seven business days.

Some states mail the license to your address on file; others require you to pick it up at the DMV office where you applied. Ask when you visit or when you call ahead. If you are moving soon, update your address with the DMV before ordering the replacement so it arrives at the right place.

A few states charge extra if you want to keep the same license number. Most states assign a new number automatically, and you cannot request to keep the old one.

Reporting a stolen license versus a lost one

If your license was stolen, file a police report in addition to notifying the DMV. You do not need to wait for the police report to be filed before going to the DMV — you can do both in any order. However, having a police report number protects you if someone uses your stolen license to open accounts or commit fraud in your name.

When you file the police report, give the officer your license number, date of birth, and any other identifying information from the license. Ask for a report number and keep it. If fraudulent activity shows up later, you can reference this report when disputing charges or correcting your credit report.

Some states ask you to bring the police report number to your DMV appointment. Others do not require it but will note it in their system if you provide it. Either way, having the report filed is worth the 15 minutes it takes.

What happens if you drive before getting a replacement

Driving without a valid license — even while waiting for a replacement — is illegal in every state. However, most states allow you to carry a receipt or confirmation number from the DMV showing you have reported the loss and ordered a replacement. This document proves you are in the process of getting a new license and can help if you are stopped by police.

Ask the DMV for a written confirmation or receipt when you report your lost license. Some states print this on the spot; others email it or give you a confirmation number. Keep this with you while you drive until your new license arrives.

If you are stopped by police and cannot produce either your original license or this confirmation, you can be cited for driving without a license. The citation may be dismissed if you can later show you reported the loss before the stop, but it is easier to have the confirmation with you from the start.

Replacing a license if you have moved to a new state

If you lost your license and have since moved to a different state, you have two options: replace it in the state that issued it, or get a new license in your current state.

Most people find it easier to get a new license in their current state. You will need to surrender your old license (or report it lost) and meet your new state's requirements for a first-time license holder — this usually means passing a vision test and sometimes a written test, depending on the state. You will also need to provide proof of residency in your new state.

If you want to replace the original license in the state that issued it, you can often do this by mail or through an online order system, though you may still need to visit a DMV office in that state or have the license mailed to an address there. Check your original state's DMV website to see if they offer mail-in replacement for lost licenses.

If your replacement license arrives damaged or wrong

If the license you receive has a printing error, a photo you do not recognize, or physical damage, contact the DMV when ready. Most states will reprint it for free if the error is theirs. Bring the damaged or incorrect license with you when you go back, or mail it to the address the DMV provides.

Reprints usually take the same amount of time as the original replacement — one to three weeks for standard processing. If you need it urgently, ask about expedited reprinting when you report the problem.

Do not use a damaged license to drive. Carry the confirmation receipt from your first replacement order until the corrected license arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order a replacement license online without going to the DMV?

No state allows you to complete a license replacement entirely online. You must visit a DMV office in person to have your photo taken and verify your identity. Some states let you start the process online or by phone, but you will still need to go to the office to finish it.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?

You can use other documents to prove identity, such as a school ID, employee ID, or military ID. Ask your DMV what they accept before you go. If you have none of these, you may need to order a birth certificate first, which takes one to two weeks depending on your state.

Do I have to get a REAL ID compliant license when I replace a lost one?

Not automatically. You can get a standard license or a REAL ID license — the choice is yours. REAL ID requires extra documents and costs more, but it is needed for federal buildings and domestic flights after May 2025. Ask the DMV which option you want when you explore.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

Most states require you to pick it up in person or have it mailed to your address. A few states allow a family member or authorized person to pick it up if you sign a power of attorney form. Call your DMV ahead of time to ask what they allow.

What if I lost my license and do not remember my license number?

The DMV can look up your license number using your name, date of birth, and address. You do not need to have the number memorized. Bring a form of ID and proof of address, and the DMV will find your record.