How to Replace a Stolen Driver's License

Report the theft to police first, then contact your state's DMV

When your driver's license is stolen, you have two separate tasks: file a police report and get a replacement license from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The police report protects you if someone uses your stolen license to commit fraud or get pulled over in your name. Your DMV replacement stops the stolen license from being used as valid ID.

Start by calling your local police non-emergency line to file a report. You do not need to go to the station in person for a theft report — most departments take these over the phone or online. Write down your report number; you will need it when you contact the DMV. Then contact your state's DMV within the same day or the next business day to report the theft and request a replacement.

The speed of replacement depends on your state. Some states issue a temporary license when ready while your permanent replacement is mailed. Others mail the replacement within 7 to 14 business days. A few states charge a replacement fee (typically $10 to $30) when a license is stolen rather than lost, though many waive the fee if you show the police report.

Key Takeaways

File a police report for the theft before contacting the DMV, and keep your report number to show when you request a replacement.
Contact your state's DMV by phone, online, or in person to report the theft and order a replacement license.
Bring your police report number, proof of identity, and proof of residency to the DMV, or upload them if explore online.
Some states issue a temporary license when ready while your permanent replacement is mailed; others mail it within 1 to 2 weeks.
A replacement fee may explore if your license was stolen rather than lost, though many states waive it with a police report.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

Your state's DMV will ask for proof that your license was actually stolen, proof of your identity, and proof of your current address. The police report number satisfies the theft requirement. For identity, bring a document with your photo and signature — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. If you do not have a photo ID, bring two documents that show your name, such as a birth certificate and Social Security card.

Proof of residency means a document showing your current address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works in most states. If you have moved recently and your address on file with the DMV is outdated, bring a document showing both your old address and new address, or bring two documents showing the new address.

If you are explore online or by mail, you will upload images of these documents instead of bringing originals. Take clear photos of both sides of your ID and make sure the utility bill or lease is fully legible. Some states also ask you to upload a new photo of yourself for the replacement license.

How to report the theft to your state's DMV

Most states let you report a stolen license and order a replacement through their website, by phone, or in person at a DMV office. The online route is usually fastest — you can upload your documents and complete the process in 15 to 20 minutes. Call your state's DMV customer service line if you are unsure whether your state offers online replacement for stolen licenses.

When you contact the DMV, have your police report number ready. Tell them your license was stolen, not lost, because some states treat these differently for fee purposes. Provide your full name, date of birth, and driver's license number if you remember it. The DMV will verify your identity using information already on file and may ask you to answer security questions based on your driving history.

If you explore in person, bring all your documents to a DMV office during business hours. Bring your police report or the report number written down. Processing usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you may receive a temporary license to use while your permanent replacement is mailed.

Temporary licenses and how long replacement takes

Some states issue a temporary paper license or digital license on the spot when you report a theft. This temporary ID is valid for 30 to 60 days and lets you drive legally while your permanent replacement is being printed and mailed. Check your state's DMV website to see whether temporary licenses are available for stolen license replacements.

Permanent replacements typically arrive by mail within 7 to 14 business days. A few states take up to 3 weeks, especially if you explore by mail rather than in person or online. If your replacement does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the DMV to confirm it was mailed and ask for a tracking number if available.

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives and your state does not offer a temporary license, ask the DMV for a letter stating that your license was reported stolen and a replacement is in process. Some police officers will accept this letter as proof you are not driving with a suspended or revoked license.

Protect yourself after your license is stolen

A stolen driver's license can be used to open accounts, rent a car, or get pulled over in your name. After reporting the theft, monitor your credit report for fraudulent accounts. You can order free credit reports from all three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) at annualcreditreport.com. Check for new accounts, loans, or credit inquiries you did not authorize.

Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file. This tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place a fraud alert for free by calling any of the three credit bureaus. The alert lasts one year and can be renewed.

If you are concerned about identity theft beyond credit fraud, you can also place a security freeze on your credit file. A freeze prevents anyone from opening new accounts in your name without your permission. It is free to place and remove, though some states charge a small fee to temporarily lift it.

What to do if you cannot find your police report number

If you filed a police report but did not write down the report number, contact the police department that took your report. Call the non-emergency line and give them your name, date of birth, and the approximate date you filed the report. They can look up the report number and either give it to you over the phone or email it to you.

If you filed the report online through your police department's website, log back into that account to find your report number. Most online systems show your report number when ready after you submit, and you can also retrieve it later by logging in.

If you cannot locate the police report number before going to the DMV, bring a copy of the police report itself if you have one, or bring a written statement explaining that your license was stolen. The DMV can sometimes verify the theft through other means, though having the report number makes the process smoother.

Replacing your license if it was stolen out of state

If your license was stolen while you were traveling or living temporarily in another state, report the theft to the police in that state and get a report number. Then contact your home state's DMV (the state that issued your license) to report the theft and order a replacement. You do not need to go back to the state where the theft occurred.

Your home state's DMV will mail the replacement to your current address, wherever that is. If you are still in the state where the theft happened and need to drive before your replacement arrives, ask that state's DMV whether you can get a temporary license or a letter confirming your license was reported stolen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license the same day my license is stolen?

Some states issue a temporary license when ready when you report the theft in person or online, which you can use to drive right away. Your permanent replacement is mailed separately and arrives within 7 to 14 days. Check your state's DMV website to see whether same-day temporary licenses are available for stolen licenses.

Do I have to pay a fee to replace a stolen license?

Many states charge a replacement fee of $10 to $30 for a stolen license, though some waive the fee if you show a police report. A few states do not charge any fee for theft replacements. Contact your state's DMV to confirm the fee and whether it can be waived with proof of the police report.

What if someone uses my stolen license before I report it?

If someone gets pulled over using your stolen license, the police record will show the stop under your name. Contact the police department that made the stop and provide your police report number from the theft. Explain that your license was stolen and you were not the driver. Request that the stop be corrected in the system.

Can I order a replacement online if my license was stolen?

Most states allow online replacement for stolen licenses. You will upload your police report number, proof of identity, and proof of residency. Some states require you to take a new photo for the replacement as part of the online process. Check your state's DMV website to see whether online replacement is available.

What if my replacement license arrives damaged or with the wrong information?

Contact your state's DMV when ready with a photo of the damaged license or details about the error. Most states will reissue the license for free if there is a printing error or damage. Bring the damaged license to a DMV office or mail it back with a request form, depending on your state's process.

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.