What you'll pay to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license
The cost to replace your driver's license ranges from $10 to $75 depending on your state and the type of license you hold. Most states charge between $20 and $40 for a standard replacement. The fee covers the cost of producing a new card and processing your request at the DMV.
Some states charge different amounts based on whether you're replacing a license that was lost, stolen, or damaged by you versus damaged by the state. A few states offer reduced fees if you report a theft to police first. The fee you pay does not include any rush processing or expedited shipping, which are separate and optional.
Your replacement license will have a new expiration date in most states — typically 4 to 8 years from the date of issue — even though you're not renewing early. A few states will keep your original expiration date if you replace within a certain window. Check your state's specific rules before you pay, because some fees are non-refundable once processed.
Key Takeaways
- Standard replacement fees range from $10 to $75, with most states charging $20 to $40 for a basic replacement.
- Your new license will usually have a new expiration date 4 to 8 years out, meaning you may pay to renew sooner than you expected.
- Some states charge less if you file a police report for a stolen license before requesting a replacement.
- Rush processing and expedited mail delivery cost extra and are not included in the base replacement fee.
- Fees vary by state and sometimes by license class (commercial versus non-commercial), so confirm the exact amount before visiting the DMV.
Replacement fees by state
The table below shows the standard replacement fee for a non-commercial driver's license in each state. Fees listed are current as of 2024 but may change. Some states offer discounts for seniors or military members, which are noted where applicable.
| State | Replacement Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $20 | Seniors 65+ pay $10 |
| Alaska | $20 | No age discount |
| Arizona | $25 | No age discount |
| Arkansas | $20 | No age discount |
| California | $35 | No age discount |
| Colorado | $20 | No age discount |
| Connecticut | $35 | No age discount |
| Delaware | $20 | No age discount |
| Florida | $25 | No age discount |
| Georgia | $32 | No age discount |
| Hawaii | $30 | No age discount |
| Idaho | $25 | No age discount |
| Illinois | $30 | No age discount |
| Indiana | $20 | No age discount |
| Iowa | $20 | No age discount |
| Kansas | $20 | No age discount |
| Kentucky | $20 | No age discount |
| Louisiana | $25 | No age discount |
| Maine | $35 | No age discount |
| Maryland | $35 | No age discount |
| Massachusetts | $50 | No age discount |
| Michigan | $25 | No age discount |
| Minnesota | $25 | No age discount |
| Mississippi | $24 | No age discount |
| Missouri | $20 | No age discount |
| Montana | $20 | No age discount |
| Nebraska | $20 | No age discount |
| Nevada | $35 | No age discount |
| New Hampshire | $35 | No age discount |
| New Jersey | $24 | No age discount |
| New Mexico | $25 | No age discount |
| New York | $65 | No age discount |
| North Carolina | $20 | No age discount |
| North Dakota | $20 | No age discount |
| Ohio | $25 | No age discount |
| Oklahoma | $20 | No age discount |
| Oregon | $35 | No age discount |
| Pennsylvania | $35 | No age discount |
| Rhode Island | $35 | No age discount |
| South Carolina | $20 | No age discount |
| South Dakota | $20 | No age discount |
| Tennessee | $27 | No age discount |
| Texas | $25 | No age discount |
| Utah | $25 | No age discount |
| Vermont | $35 | No age discount |
| Virginia | $30 | No age discount |
| Washington | $35 | No age discount |
| West Virginia | $20 | No age discount |
| Wisconsin | $25 | No age discount |
| Wyoming | $20 | No age discount |
Fees for commercial driver's licenses (CDL) are typically higher than standard licenses. Most states charge $30 to $75 for a CDL replacement. Check with your state's DMV for the exact amount, as commercial fees are not always listed on the main replacement page.
If you hold a motorcycle endorsement, some states add a small fee ($5 to $10) to the base replacement cost. Others include it at no extra charge. The same applies to other endorsements like hazmat or school bus certification.
How police reports affect the replacement fee
If your license was stolen, some states reduce or waive the replacement fee if you file a police report first. States that offer this discount include California, Colorado, Illinois, New York, and Texas, though the discount amount and process vary.
To use this discount, you must file a report with your local police department or sheriff's office before you go to the DMV. Bring a copy of the police report number or the report itself to the DMV when you request the replacement. Without proof of the report, you will pay the full fee.
If your license was lost (not stolen), a police report is not necessary and will not reduce the fee. The discount applies only to theft. Some states also require that you report the theft within a certain number of days — typically 30 days — to may have access to for the discount.
Rush processing and expedited delivery costs
Most states offer rush processing for an additional fee, which speeds up the time it takes to produce your new license. Rush fees typically range from $10 to $30 on top of the replacement fee. Processing time is usually cut from 7 to 10 business days down to 2 to 5 business days.
Some states also offer expedited mail delivery for an extra charge, usually $15 to $25. This sends your new license by overnight or 2-day mail instead of standard mail. You can often choose rush processing, expedited mail, both, or neither — each option has its own cost.
A few states allow you to pick up your replacement license at the DMV office on the same day or within 24 hours if you pay a rush fee. This is faster than waiting for mail delivery. Ask your DMV office whether same-day or next-day pickup is available and what it costs.
When your new license expiration date changes
In most states, your replacement license receives a new expiration date that is 4 to 8 years from the date you receive it. This means if your original license was set to expire in 2027, your replacement might expire in 2032 instead. You will need to renew sooner than you originally planned.
A small number of states preserve your original expiration date when you replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license. These include Delaware, Georgia, and a few others. If your original license had several years left, you may not need to renew for a while after replacement.
Before you pay for a replacement, contact your state DMV to confirm whether your expiration date will change. If it will, factor the cost of a future renewal into your budget. Some people choose to renew early at the same time they replace, which costs more upfront but consolidates two trips to the DMV into one.
Documents you need to bring when you pay
You will need to bring proof of identity and proof of residency to the DMV when you request a replacement. Acceptable documents vary by state, but typically include a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card for identity, and a utility bill or lease for residency.
If your license was stolen, bring a copy of the police report or the report number. If it was damaged, bring the damaged license itself if you still have it. Some states require you to sign a statement swearing that your license was lost, stolen, or damaged.
Bring a valid payment method — cash, debit card, or credit card, depending on what your DMV accepts. Some DMV offices do not accept all payment types, so check ahead. If you are paying for rush processing or expedited mail, confirm that the DMV can add those fees to your order before you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay the replacement fee if the DMV damaged my license?
Most states do not charge a fee if the damage was caused by the DMV during production or handling. You will need to contact the DMV with proof — usually a photo of the damage — and request a free replacement. Some states require you to return the damaged license first.
Can I replace my license online and avoid going to the DMV?
A few states, including California and Texas, allow you to order a replacement online and pay the fee through their website. The new license is then mailed to you. Most states still require you to visit a DMV office in person to verify your identity before issuing a replacement.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You can request a replacement from your home state's DMV by mail or online, depending on what your state offers. You do not have to be in your home state to request it. Mail in the required documents and payment, and your new license will be sent to your address on file.
Will I have to take a new photo for my replacement license?
Most states use your existing photo from your current license when you replace a lost, stolen, or damaged card. A few states require a new photo. Contact your DMV to confirm whether a new photo is needed before you go in, because if it is required and you do not bring one, you may have to reschedule.
Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my replacement?
Some states issue a temporary paper license or receipt at the