What you need to do to get a replacement California driver's license
You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged California driver's license by going to a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person or by mail. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes at the DMV and you leave with a temporary license the same day. The mail route takes two to three weeks but requires no office visit. Both methods cost $32 for a standard replacement license.
Which route you choose depends on how quickly you need the license and whether you can get to a DMV office. If your license was stolen, you should report it to local police first — the DMV will ask for a police report number. If it was lost or damaged, you can go straight to the DMV.
Key Takeaways
- In-person replacement at a DMV office costs $32 and takes about 30 minutes; you get a temporary license on the spot and the real one by mail in one to two weeks.
- Mail replacement also costs $32 and takes two to three weeks total, but requires you to fill out the correct form and mail it with your payment and ID documents.
- If your license was stolen, bring a police report number or report it to the DMV; if it was lost or damaged, you do not need a police report.
- You must bring proof of identity and proof of California residency to either the DMV office or in your mail packet.
- The DMV appointment system is free and often faster than walk-in; you can book online at dmv.ca.gov.
Replacing your license in person at a DMV office
Going to the DMV in person is the fastest way to get a replacement license. You will need to bring your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), proof of identity, and proof of California residency. Acceptable proof of identity includes a passport, birth certificate, or a document issued by a government agency. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
Book a free appointment online at dmv.ca.gov before you go. Walk-ins are accepted but appointments move faster. When you arrive, tell the DMV staff that you need a replacement license. You will fill out Form DL 44 (process for California Driver License) or Form DL 43 (process for California Driver License — Renewal or Replacement). The staff will take a new photo and process your payment. You will leave with a temporary paper license valid for 60 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.
Your permanent replacement license arrives by mail in one to two weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving during this time. If you do not receive your permanent license within three weeks, contact the DMV to check the status.
Replacing your license by mail
You can mail in a replacement request if you prefer not to visit a DMV office. Fill out Form DL 43 (process for California Driver License — Renewal or Replacement) and mail it to the DMV address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $32 payable to "Department of Motor Vehicles." Do not send cash.
You must also include proof of identity and proof of California residency with your mailed packet. Acceptable documents are the same as for in-person replacement: a passport or birth certificate for identity, and a utility bill or bank statement dated within 60 days for residency. Make copies of these documents — do not mail originals. The DMV will not return them.
Mail your completed form and documents to the address shown on Form DL 43. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your packet. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so you cannot legally drive during this time unless you have another valid form of ID. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, go to a DMV office in person instead.
What to do if your license was stolen
If your license was stolen, report it to your local police department and ask for a report number. You do not have to file a report, but the DMV asks for the number if you have one. Bring the police report number (or the report itself) when you go to the DMV in person, or include it in the memo line of your check if you are mailing your request.
Reporting a stolen license to police protects you if someone tries to use it fraudulently. The DMV does not contact police or prevent use of a stolen license on its own — you must report it separately. Once you have reported it and requested a replacement, you have done what you can. The new license will have a different number, so the old one becomes useless.
Documents you need for either method
The DMV requires two things: proof of who you are and proof that you live in California. Below is what counts for each.
| Proof of Identity | Proof of California Residency |
|---|---|
| U.S. passportBirth certificateConsular report of birth abroadCertificate of naturalizationPermanent resident card (green card)Tribal ID cardMilitary ID | Utility bill (gas, electric, water, phone)Lease or rental agreementMortgage statementBank or credit card statementProperty tax billVehicle registrationHomeowners or renters insurance policyPay stub from California employer |
All residency documents must be dated within the last 60 days. If you are mailing your request, make photocopies of both documents and mail the copies, not the originals. The DMV keeps mailed documents and does not return them.
Fees and what happens next
A standard replacement license costs $32. This is the same price whether you replace it in person or by mail. You pay by cash or card at the DMV office, or by check or money order if you mail your request. Do not send cash in the mail.
After you receive your replacement license, your old license is no longer valid. If you find the old one later, you can destroy it or return it to the DMV. You do not need to do anything with it — straightforward having a new license means the old one is inactive in the DMV system.
If you need your license for a specific purpose (a job, travel, or a court date), check the DMV website or call your local office to ask how long processing is taking that week. Processing times vary by location and season. The DMV office can sometimes rush a replacement if you have an urgent need, though this may cost extra.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a temporary license while I wait for my replacement?
Yes, if you got the temporary paper license at the DMV office. It is valid for 60 days. If you mailed your request, you do not get a temporary license, so you cannot legally drive until your replacement arrives. If you need to drive before then, go to a DMV office in person instead.
What if I moved to a different address since my last license?
You can update your address at the same time you request a replacement. Bring proof of your new California address (a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days). If you are mailing your request, include a copy of the address proof with your form and payment.
How long does it really take to get a replacement license by mail?
The DMV says two to three weeks from the date they receive your packet. In practice, it often takes closer to three weeks. Mail delivery adds time on both ends. If you need your license faster, the in-person method is more reliable — you get a temporary license the same day.
Do I need a police report to replace a lost license?
No. A police report is only needed if your license was stolen. If you lost it, you can go straight to the DMV. If it was stolen, getting a police report number is helpful but not required — the DMV will process your replacement either way.
What if my replacement license arrives damaged or with a mistake?
Contact the DMV when ready with a photo of the damage or error. You can request another replacement at no charge if the DMV made the mistake. If the license arrived damaged by mail, the DMV may replace it free or ask you to pay the $32 fee again, depending on the damage.