Get a replacement license by visiting a DMV office in person with proof of identity and residency
California requires you to replace a lost driver's license in person at a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. You cannot renew or replace a license by mail or online, even if your license is still valid. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of California residency, and pay a replacement fee. The process takes about 30 minutes at the counter, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Your replacement license will have a new number and will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can request a temporary paper license at the DMV office to use while you wait for the card to arrive. This temporary license is valid for 60 days and works for driving, identification at banks, and most other purposes.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DMV office in person with proof of identity and proof of California residency to replace a lost license.
- The replacement fee is $32 for a standard driver's license, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at most offices.
- A temporary paper license issued at the DMV is valid for 60 days and allows you to drive legally while your replacement card is mailed to you.
- Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days; if it does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DMV to report a missing card.
- You can check DMV wait times online before you visit and book an appointment through the DMV website to reduce time spent in the office.
What documents to bring to the DMV
Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in California. For identity, the DMV accepts a passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or a certified birth certificate. If you bring a birth certificate, you must also bring a second form of ID such as a Social Security card, school ID, or employee ID.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or a bank or credit card statement dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and current California address. If you recently moved and do not have a document in your new name yet, bring a lease or utility bill in your new address plus a document showing your old address.
Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card or tax return. You will also need to know your current address and any previous California addresses you have lived at in the past five years.
DMV office locations and how to book an appointment
California has over 40 DMV field offices open to the public. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the official DMV website at dmv.ca.gov. The website shows real-time wait times updated every 30 minutes, so you can choose a time when fewer people are waiting.
You can book a free appointment online through the DMV website. Appointments are usually available within one to three weeks, depending on your location. Walk-ins are accepted at all offices, but you will wait longer without an appointment. Some offices offer express service for straightforward transactions like license replacement if you arrive early in the morning.
The DMV is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some offices open on Saturday mornings. Avoid visiting on Mondays and Tuesdays when wait times are longest. Lunch hours (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) are also busier than early morning or late afternoon.
The replacement fee and payment methods
The fee to replace a lost driver's license in California is $32. This fee covers the cost of producing and mailing your new card. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the DMV office. Some offices also accept mobile payment apps, but cash and cards are accepted everywhere.
If you are replacing a license that was lost or stolen due to a natural disaster, you may be may be able to access for a fee waiver. Contact your local DMV office or check the DMV website to see if your county has declared a disaster and what documentation you need to bring.
Getting a temporary license while you wait for your card
Ask the DMV clerk for a temporary paper license before you leave the office. This temporary license is printed on the spot and is valid for 60 days. It serves as legal proof that you are licensed to drive and can be used at banks, airports, and other places that require ID. You do not need to pay extra for the temporary license—it is included with your replacement.
Write down the temporary license number and keep it in your wallet along with the paper. If you are stopped by police, show both the temporary license and your old license if you still have it. If you lose the temporary license before your new card arrives, you can request another one by visiting a DMV office again, though you will not be charged an additional fee.
What to do if your replacement license does not arrive
Your new license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail delivery times vary, so allow up to two weeks before contacting the DMV. If your license has not arrived after 14 days, call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 or visit dmv.ca.gov to report it.
When you contact the DMV, have your temporary license number or the receipt from your replacement visit ready. The DMV can check the status of your card and tell you whether it has been mailed. If the card was lost in the mail, the DMV will issue a replacement at no additional charge. If the card was never sent, the DMV will investigate and reissue it.
If you move before your replacement license arrives, you can update your address online through the DMV website or at your next visit. Your new license will be mailed to your old address unless you change it before the card ships. Contact the DMV when ready if you move to redirect your mail.
Replacing a license if yours was stolen
If your license was stolen rather than lost, the process is the same, but you may want to take extra steps to protect yourself. A stolen license can be used for identity theft or fraud. Consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by calling 1-888-397-3742. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.
You do not need to file a police report to replace your license, but if you believe the theft was part of a larger crime or identity theft, you can file a report with local police. Keep a copy of the police report for your records. When you visit the DMV, mention that the license was stolen so the DMV can flag your file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license online or by mail?
No. California requires all license replacements to be done in person at a DMV office. You cannot replace a lost license online, by mail, or through a third-party service. You must visit an office with proof of identity and residency.
How long does the temporary paper license last?
The temporary paper license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. After 60 days, it expires and you cannot use it to drive. Your replacement card should arrive before the temporary license expires, but if it does not, you can request another temporary license at a DMV office.
What if I do not have proof of residency?
You must bring proof of residency to replace your license. If you do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, bring a bank statement, credit card statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days. If you have just moved and have no documents in your new address, bring a lease or utility bill for your new address plus a document showing your old address.
Can I replace my license if I owe money to the DMV?
Yes. Owing money to the DMV does not prevent you from replacing a lost license. However, if you have unpaid traffic fines or other debts, the DMV may place a hold on your license renewal or replacement. Contact the DMV before your visit to learn about you have any holds on your account.
Do I need to take a new photo for my replacement license?
Yes. The DMV will take a new photo of you when you replace your license. Wear clear glasses if you normally wear them, and avoid hats or sunglasses. The photo will be taken at the DMV office during your visit at no extra charge.