How to File a Police Report When Your Driver's License Goes Missing

When and why you need a police report for a lost license

You need a police report for a lost driver's license only if you believe it was stolen rather than straightforward misplaced. If you lost it and have no reason to think someone else took it, a police report is not necessary — you can go straight to your state's DMV or equivalent agency to request a replacement.

A police report matters when theft is involved because a stolen license can be used for identity fraud, unauthorized driving, or other crimes. Filing a report creates an official record that protects you if someone uses your license illegally. It also gives you documentation to show your insurance company, your employer, or the DMV if questions arise later about activity on your license.

Some states' DMV systems will ask whether your license was lost or stolen when you request a replacement. Having a police report number on hand makes that conversation straightforward and may speed up the replacement process.

Key Takeaways

File a police report only if you believe your license was stolen, not if you straightforward lost it.
Contact your local police department's non-emergency line to file the report — do not call 911 unless the theft happened as part of a larger crime.
Have your license number, date of birth, and a description of when and where you last saw the license ready before you call.
You will receive a report number that you can reference when you contact the DMV or your insurance company.
Filing a police report does not replace the need to request a replacement license from your state's DMV.

How to contact your local police department

Start by calling your local police department's non-emergency line, not 911. The non-emergency number is the correct channel for reporting a lost or stolen license because it is not an active emergency. You can find the non-emergency number by searching "[your city] police non-emergency number" online, or by calling 411 or your city's main information line.

When you call, tell the dispatcher that you want to file a report for a stolen driver's license. They will either take your information over the phone or direct you to come in person to the station. Many departments now allow you to file certain reports online through their website — check your local police department's website first to see if that option is available in your area.

If you are calling from outside your home city — for example, if your license was stolen while you were traveling — file the report with the police department in the city where the theft occurred. That is where the theft happened and where the report will be most useful.

Information you will need to provide

Have the following details ready before you call or visit:

Your full name and date of birth
Your driver's license number (if you know it; if not, your state and the city where you obtained it will work)
The date you last had the license or the date you discovered it missing
Where you last saw it or where you think it was taken
A description of the license itself (color, any damage, any distinguishing marks)
Your current address and phone number
Whether you have any reason to believe who took it, or whether you suspect it was taken during a specific incident

You do not need to have all of this information memorized. If you cannot recall your license number, the police can look it up using your name and date of birth. The more specific you can be about when and where you last had the license, the stronger the report will be.

What happens after you file the report

The police department will assign your report a case number or report number. Write this number down when ready and keep it somewhere safe — you will need it later. The report is now part of the police record, and if your license is used fraudulently, that report creates a documented timeline of when you reported it missing.

The police will not actively search for your physical license in most cases. The report's main purpose is to create an official record and to alert law enforcement if your license is used in a crime. If your license turns up — for example, if someone finds it and turns it in to a police station — the report helps reunite it with you.

Some police departments will follow up with you if there is activity on your license, but this is not may provide. You are responsible for monitoring your own credit and identity. If you notice fraudulent charges or accounts opened in your name after your license was stolen, contact your bank, credit card companies, and the credit bureaus directly, and provide them with your police report number.

Using your police report number at the DMV

Once you have your report number, contact your state's DMV to request a replacement license. When you do, mention that your license was stolen and provide the police report number. This tells the DMV that the loss was reported to law enforcement and may speed up processing.

The DMV will issue you a new license with a new number. Your old license number is now flagged in the system as stolen, which means if someone tries to use it, there is a record that it was reported missing. This protects you if the license is ever presented fraudulently.

Bring your police report number with you if you visit the DMV in person, or have it ready if you explore by mail or online. Different states have different replacement processes — some allow you to renew online, others require an in-person visit. Check your state's DMV website for the specific steps and documents you will need.

Notifying your insurance company and other agencies

After you file the police report, consider notifying your auto insurance company that your license was stolen. This is not always required, but it creates a record on your account. If someone uses your stolen license to get into an accident or commit a traffic violation, your insurance company will have documentation that you reported the license missing before the incident occurred.

If your license was stolen along with other documents — for example, if your wallet was stolen — you may also want to file a report with the credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file. Your police report number will be useful in those conversations as well.

Keep a copy of your police report for your records. You may need to reference it months or even years later if questions arise about activity on your old license number.

What if you cannot reach the police department

If your local police department does not accept reports by phone or online, you will need to visit the station in person. Bring a photo ID (passport, state ID, or another form of government-issued ID) and be prepared to wait. Bring the information listed above so you can provide accurate details.

If you are out of state or unable to visit in person, some police departments will accept reports by mail. Call the non-emergency line and ask about their mail-in reporting process. You may also be able to file a report through your state's online crime reporting system if one exists — check your state police website.

Do not delay reporting a stolen license because you cannot reach the police when ready. File the report as soon as you realize the license is missing. The sooner the report is on record, the better protected you are if the license is used fraudulently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a police report if I just lost my license and do not think it was stolen?

No. A police report is only necessary if you believe someone stole your license. If you straightforward lost it, you can go directly to your state's DMV to request a replacement. The DMV does not require a police report for a lost license.

Can I file a police report online instead of calling or visiting the station?

Many police departments now offer online reporting for stolen licenses and other non-emergency incidents. Check your local police department's website to see if this option is available. If it is not, call the non-emergency line to ask about phone or mail-in reporting.

What should I do if my license is found after I file a police report?

If your license is found and returned to you, contact the police department and let them know. You should still request a replacement from the DMV because the old license number is now flagged as stolen in the system. Using a flagged license can cause problems at traffic stops or when presenting ID.

Will the police find my stolen license?

The police will not actively search for your physical license. The report creates an official record that protects you if the license is used fraudulently. If someone finds your license and turns it in to a police station, the report helps reunite it with you, but this is not may provide.

How long does it take to get a police report number?

If you file by phone, you will usually receive a report number during the call. If you file in person, you may receive it when ready or by mail within a few days. Ask the officer or dispatcher when you can expect to receive your report number and how to access it.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.