The cost to replace a stolen driver's license ranges from $10 to $30 in most states, but varies by state and whether you need a standard or expedited replacement
The fee depends entirely on which state issued your license. Some states charge a flat replacement fee; others charge less for a stolen license than for a lost one, because theft is not your fault. A few states include the replacement in your renewal fee if your license is still valid. You will also pay extra if you want the replacement faster than the standard processing time, which typically takes one to two weeks.
The fee itself is separate from any other costs. If you need a new photo or your address has changed, some states roll that into the replacement fee. Others charge separately for a photo update. The fastest way to find your exact fee is to call your state DMV directly or check the DMV website for your state — the fee is always listed on the page where you order a replacement.
Key Takeaways
- Most states charge between $10 and $30 to replace a stolen license, but the exact amount depends on your state and whether you want standard or expedited processing.
- Some states charge less for a stolen license than a lost one because theft is not your fault, while others charge the same fee for both.
- Expedited or rush processing costs extra — usually $10 to $25 more — and cuts the wait time from one to two weeks down to a few business days.
- You will need to report the theft to your state DMV and sometimes to local police before ordering a replacement, depending on your state's rules.
- Payment methods vary by state; most accept credit cards, debit cards, and checks by mail, but some only accept payment in person at a DMV office.
Standard replacement fees by state
The following table shows the replacement fee for a stolen driver's license in each state. Fees change periodically, so confirm the amount with your state DMV before you pay.
| State | Stolen License Replacement Fee |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $20.50 |
| Alaska | $20 |
| Arizona | $12 |
| Arkansas | $11 |
| California | $30 |
| Colorado | $20 |
| Connecticut | $36 |
| Delaware | $20 |
| Florida | $25 |
| Georgia | $32 |
| Hawaii | $30 |
| Idaho | $20 |
| Illinois | $30 |
| Indiana | $20 |
| Iowa | $20 |
| Kansas | $20 |
| Kentucky | $20 |
| Louisiana | $18 |
| Maine | $35 |
| Maryland | $70 (includes new photo) |
| Massachusetts | $50 |
| Michigan | $25 |
| Minnesota | $24 |
| Mississippi | $24 |
| Missouri | $20 |
| Montana | $20 |
| Nebraska | $20 |
| Nevada | $27 |
| New Hampshire | $30 |
| New Jersey | $24 |
| New Mexico | $20 |
| New York | $65 |
| North Carolina | $20 |
| North Dakota | $20 |
| Ohio | $25.50 |
| Oklahoma | $20 |
| Oregon | $20 |
| Pennsylvania | $30.50 |
| Rhode Island | $30 |
| South Carolina | $20 |
| South Dakota | $20 |
| Tennessee | $20 |
| Texas | $20 |
| Utah | $20 |
| Vermont | $20 |
| Virginia | $24 |
| Washington | $20 |
| West Virginia | $20 |
| Wisconsin | $20 |
| Wyoming | $20 |
These fees are current as of 2024 but change without notice. Before you order your replacement, visit your state DMV website or call the main office to confirm the exact fee. Some states offer discounts for seniors or people with disabilities, so ask whether you may have access to.
Expedited or rush processing costs
If you need your replacement license faster than the standard one to two weeks, most states offer expedited processing for an additional fee. This typically costs $10 to $25 extra and reduces the wait time to three to five business days. A few states offer same-day or next-day processing at DMV offices for an even higher fee, usually $30 to $50 total.
Expedited processing is usually only available if you order in person at a DMV office or through a state-approved online portal. Mail-in orders almost always use standard processing. If you need your license urgently — for example, because you have a job that requires a valid ID — check whether your state offers expedited service before you place your order.
What you need to report a stolen license
Before you order a replacement, most states require you to report the theft to the DMV. Some states also ask you to file a police report, though this is not always mandatory. Check your state DMV website to see whether a police report is required in your state.
When you report the theft, have the following information ready: your full name, date of birth, driver's license number (if you remember it), the date you discovered the theft, and where it was stolen from. If you file a police report, get the report number and keep it with your replacement order. Some states use the police report number to flag your old license as stolen in their system, which prevents someone else from using it.
How to order your replacement
Most states offer three ways to order a replacement: online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online is usually the fastest and cheapest option if your state offers it. Mail takes one to two weeks for processing plus mailing time. In-person service is when ready but requires a trip to the DMV.
To order online, go to your state DMV website and look for "Replace a Lost or Stolen License" or "Duplicate License." You will need to enter your license number, date of birth, and the reason for replacement (stolen). Most states accept credit cards and debit cards online. Some require you to upload a new photo; others use the photo from your current license.
If you order by mail, read the replacement form from your state DMV website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your police report if your state requires one. Mail processing typically takes one to two weeks, plus mailing time in both directions.
If you order in person, bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and payment. You will get a temporary paper license on the spot in most states, and the plastic card arrives by mail within one to two weeks.
Payment methods and where to send money
Payment methods vary by state and by how you order. Online orders almost always accept credit cards and debit cards. Mail orders accept checks and money orders. In-person orders accept cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards, though some DMV offices only accept cash.
If you are mailing your order, send payment to the address listed on the replacement form — never send cash by mail. If you are ordering online, the payment page will show you which cards are accepted. If you are ordering in person, call your local DMV office ahead of time to confirm which payment methods they accept.
Common mistakes that delay your replacement
The most common mistake is not reporting the theft to the DMV before ordering a replacement. Some states will not process your order without a theft report number. Another mistake is sending the wrong form or incomplete information — double-check that you have filled in every required field before you mail or submit your order.
A third mistake is not including a police report when your state requires one. If your state asks for a police report and you do not include it, the DMV will send your order back and you will have to resubmit it. Finally, do not assume your old license is automatically cancelled when you report it stolen. Some states require you to request cancellation separately, which prevents someone from using your old license if they find it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to file a police report to get a replacement?
It depends on your state. Some states require a police report before they will process a replacement; others do not. Check your state DMV website or call the main office to find out whether a report is required. If it is, you can file online in most states, which is faster than going to a police station in person.
Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my replacement?
Yes, if you order in person at a DMV office. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready, which is valid for driving until your plastic card arrives. If you order by mail or online, you will not get a temporary license — you will have to wait for the replacement to arrive.
What if my state charges more for a stolen license than a lost one?
A few states charge the same fee for both lost and stolen licenses. If your state charges more for stolen, the difference is usually $5 to $10. You can reduce the cost by ordering a standard replacement instead of expedited, or by ordering by mail instead of in person.
How long does it take to get a replacement after I order?
Standard processing takes one to two weeks by mail, plus mailing time. In-person orders are processed when ready, and you get a temporary license on the spot. Expedited processing takes three to five business days. Call your state DMV to confirm the timeline for your specific order method.
Can I use my old license number on the replacement?
Most states issue a new license number when you report a theft, because the old number is flagged as stolen in their system. A few states reissue the same number. Ask your DMV whether you will get a new number or keep your old one.