Report the theft to police first, then contact your state DMV

When your driver's license is stolen, you need to do two things in order: file a police report, then contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. The police report creates an official record that protects you if the thief uses your license for fraud or traffic violations. Your DMV will use that report number when you request a replacement.

Do not wait to contact the DMV. A stolen license can be used for identity theft, opening accounts, or renting vehicles in your name. The faster you report it, the faster you can get a replacement and reduce the window for misuse.

The exact steps and fees vary by state, but the sequence is always the same: police report first, DMV second. Some states let you report the theft online through the DMV website; others require you to visit in person with the police report number.

Key Takeaways

  • File a police report before contacting the DMV — you will need the report number when you request your replacement license.
  • Contact your state DMV within days of discovering the theft to prevent the stolen license from being used for fraud.
  • Bring the police report number, proof of identity, and proof of residency to the DMV; requirements vary slightly by state.
  • Replacement licenses typically cost between $20 and $50 depending on your state and whether you need expedited processing.
  • Some states issue a temporary paper license on the spot; others mail the replacement within one to two weeks.

File a police report with your local department

Contact the police department that serves your city or county and report the license as stolen. You can usually do this in person at a local precinct, by phone, or online through your city or county police website. When you report it, have your license number ready if you know it, along with the date you discovered it was missing.

The police will create an incident report and give you a report number. Write this number down — you will need it when you contact the DMV. Keep a copy of the police report itself if they provide one; some DMVs ask to see it.

If you are concerned the thief may use your identity, also consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). This is free and does not require a police report, but it adds a layer of protection.

Gather the documents you will need for the DMV

Before you visit or contact your DMV, collect the following: your police report number, a form of government-issued photo identification (passport, state ID, or military ID), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Some states also ask for your Social Security number.

If you do not have a second form of ID, call your DMV ahead of time to ask what alternatives they accept. Some states will take a combination of documents — for example, a school ID plus a utility bill — instead of a second photo ID.

The exact list of acceptable documents varies by state. Check your state DMV website before you go; this saves a trip if you bring the wrong documents.

Contact your state DMV to request a replacement

You can request a replacement license by visiting your DMV office in person, calling their customer service line, or using their online portal. Many states now let you request a replacement online if you have a valid email address and can upload a photo. Check your state's DMV website to see which methods are available.

When you contact them, tell them your license was stolen and provide the police report number. The DMV will flag your old license as invalid so it cannot be used. They will then process your request for a replacement.

If you visit in person, bring all the documents listed above plus the police report if you have a copy. If you explore online or by phone, you may be asked to mail in copies of your documents or upload them through a find portal.

Pay the replacement fee and choose your delivery method

Replacement license fees range from $20 to $50 depending on your state. Some states charge the same fee as a regular renewal; others charge slightly more for a replacement due to theft. A few states waive the fee if you bring a police report.

When you pay, ask whether you can get a temporary paper license to use while you wait for the permanent one. Many DMVs issue a temporary license on the spot if you explore in person; this lets you drive legally while your replacement is being processed. If you explore online or by mail, you will not receive a temporary license.

You can also ask about expedited processing if you need the license quickly. Expedited replacement usually costs extra — typically $10 to $25 more — and cuts the processing time from one to two weeks down to a few business days.

Understand the timeline for receiving your new license

If you explore in person and receive a temporary paper license, you can drive when ready. The permanent replacement license typically arrives by mail within 7 to 14 days, depending on your state and whether you paid for expedited processing.

If you applied online or by mail without visiting an office, the entire process takes longer — usually 10 to 21 days. Some states offer rush delivery for an additional fee, which can reduce this to 3 to 5 business days.

Check your state DMV website for the exact timeline. If your license does not arrive within the stated window, contact the DMV to confirm they have your correct mailing address.

Monitor your credit and identity after the theft

A stolen driver's license is a tool for identity theft. Even though you have reported it and requested a replacement, watch your credit reports and bank statements for suspicious activity over the next few months.

You can order a free credit report from each of the three bureaus once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If you see accounts you did not open or charges you did not make, contact the creditor and the Federal Trade Commission when ready.

If you placed a fraud alert when you filed the police report, creditors are supposed to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. This does not prevent fraud entirely, but it makes it harder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need the police report number before I contact the DMV?

You should have it, but some DMVs will accept your report if you provide the police department name, the date you filed, and your name. Call your DMV ahead of time to confirm what they need. Having the actual report number speeds up the process.

Can I get a temporary license the same day if my license was stolen?

Yes, if you visit the DMV in person with your police report number and proof of identity. Many states issue a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 to 60 days while your permanent replacement is being mailed. Online and mail applications do not include a temporary license.

What if the thief uses my stolen license to get a traffic ticket?

Contact the court or police department that issued the ticket and explain that your license was stolen. Provide your police report number. The court can update their records to show the ticket was issued to a stolen license, not to you. This protects your driving record.

Do I have to pay for the replacement if my license was stolen?

Most states charge a replacement fee of $20 to $50, even for theft. A few states waive the fee if you bring a police report. Check your state DMV website or call ahead to ask whether they waive fees for stolen licenses.

How long does it take to get a replacement license if I pay for expedited processing?

Expedited processing typically reduces the wait from 10 to 14 days to 3 to 5 business days. The cost is usually $10 to $25 extra. Some states offer expedited mail delivery; others offer in-person pickup at a DMV office within a few days.