What you need to do right now
To replace a lost DC driver's license, you must visit a DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) service center in person with proof of identity and residency. You cannot replace it by mail or online. The DMV will take a new photo, issue a temporary paper license on the spot, and mail your plastic card within 7 to 10 business days. The replacement fee is $37.
If your license was stolen rather than lost, you should also file a police report — not because the DMV requires it, but because a stolen license can be used for identity fraud. Keep the report number for your records.
Key Takeaways
- You must go to a DC DMV service center in person; there is no mail-in or online replacement option for a lost license.
- Bring a valid photo ID (passport, military ID, or state ID) and proof you live in DC, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.
- The replacement fee is $37, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready and a plastic card by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was stolen, file a police report to protect yourself against identity fraud, even though the DMV does not require it.
- You can check wait times and book an appointment online at dc.gov/dmv before you go, which usually cuts your visit time in half.
Documents you must bring to the DMV
Bring one valid photo ID and one proof of DC residency. The DMV will not accept expired documents for either category.
Valid photo IDs include a U.S. passport, military ID, passport card, or a valid state ID from another state. A school ID, work badge, or library card will not work, even if it has your photo.
Proof of residency must show your current DC address and be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A piece of mail from a government agency, such as a tax return or voter registration card, also counts. A postcard or advertisement does not.
If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two documents from the residency list instead — for example, a utility bill and a lease. The DMV will still require you to be photographed at the service center.
Where to go and how to book an appointment
DC has four DMV service centers: one in Northeast DC (645 H Street NE), one in Southeast DC (95 M Street SE), one in Northwest DC (1350 Half Street SW), and one in the Friendship Heights area (4401 Connecticut Avenue NW). All four can issue replacement licenses.
You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times vary widely — often 30 minutes to two hours during peak times. The DMV website at dc.gov/dmv shows real-time wait times for each location and lets you book a time slot online. Booking usually reduces your wait to 15 minutes or less.
The service centers are open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. They are closed on Sundays and federal holidays. If you cannot visit during these hours, plan ahead — there is no evening or Sunday service.
What happens during your visit
When you arrive, check in at the front desk with your documents. A DMV staff member will verify your identity and residency, take a new photo of you, and process your replacement order. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes once you reach the counter.
Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 60 days and works anywhere a regular license does — you can drive, use it as ID, and show it to police if stopped. Keep it in a safe place until your plastic card arrives.
Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address on file at the DMV within 7 to 10 business days. If you moved recently and updated your address with the DMV, it will be mailed to your new address. If you have not updated your address, contact the DMV before your visit to change it, or your card will go to your old location.
The $37 replacement fee and payment methods
The replacement fee for a lost DC driver's license is $37. The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. They do not accept checks or money orders.
If you cannot afford the fee, there is no fee waiver program for lost licenses. However, if your license was damaged by a natural disaster or government action (such as a building fire), contact the DMV directly at 202-737-4404 to ask about exceptions.
If your license was stolen, file a police report
A lost license is usually just inconvenient. A stolen license is a security risk — someone could use it to open accounts, explore for credit, or commit fraud in your name. If you believe your license was stolen rather than lost, file a police report with the DC Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) as soon as you realize it is gone.
You can file a report online at mpdc.dc.gov or by calling 202-727-9099. Provide your license number, the date you last saw it, and where you think it was taken. The police will give you a report number — write this down and keep it with your replacement documents. If fraud does occur later, you will have proof you reported the theft.
You do not need the police report to replace your license at the DMV, but having one protects you legally if someone misuses your license before you replace it.
What to do if your card does not arrive
Your plastic license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If more than two weeks have passed and you have not received it, contact the DMV at 202-737-4404 or visit dc.gov/dmv to check the status of your replacement.
If your card was lost in the mail, the DMV can issue a second replacement. You will have to pay the $37 fee again, but the process is the same as your first replacement visit. Your temporary paper license remains valid during this time, so you can continue to drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if I do not have a current photo ID?
Yes. Bring two documents from the residency list instead — such as a utility bill and a lease agreement. The DMV will photograph you at the service center, and you will receive your temporary license the same day.
Is my temporary paper license valid for driving?
Yes, completely. Your temporary license is valid for 60 days and works for driving, showing to police, and using as ID anywhere a regular license is accepted. Keep it safe until your plastic card arrives.
What if I moved and my address is wrong at the DMV?
Update your address before you visit the service center, or your replacement card will be mailed to your old address. You can update your address online at dc.gov/dmv, by phone at 202-737-4404, or in person at any service center.
Can I replace my license by mail or online?
No. DC requires you to visit a DMV service center in person so they can photograph you and verify your identity. There is no mail-in or online replacement option.
How long does the whole process take?
Your visit to the DMV usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have an appointment, or 30 minutes to two hours if you walk in. Your plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Your temporary paper license is valid the entire time, so you can drive when ready.