Report the theft to police first, then order a replacement from your state's DMV
When your driver's license is stolen, you have two separate tasks: file a police report and get a new license from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The police report protects you if someone uses your stolen license for fraud or identity theft. The DMV replacement gets you a valid license to drive again. You can do these in either order, but doing the police report first gives you a document to show the DMV, which speeds up the replacement process.
The exact steps depend on your state, but the general path is the same everywhere: report the theft to local police, gather the documents your state requires, and submit a replacement request to your DMV—either in person, by mail, or online. Most states charge a fee for a replacement license, usually between $10 and $30. You'll receive a temporary paper license or digital license right away in many cases, so you can drive legally while waiting for your permanent card.
Key Takeaways
- File a police report with your local police department or online portal before contacting the DMV, so you have documentation of the theft.
- Contact your state's DMV to report the theft and request a replacement; most states let you do this online, by mail, or in person.
- Bring or submit a police report number, proof of identity, and proof of residency—the exact documents vary by state.
- You'll pay a replacement fee (typically $10 to $30) and receive a temporary license when ready or within days in most states.
- If you suspect identity theft beyond the stolen license, place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus and monitor your credit report.
File a police report with your local department
Contact your local police department's non-emergency line or visit their station in person to report the theft. Many police departments now let you file a report online through their website—search "[your city] police report online" to see if yours does. When you file, provide the license number if you remember it, the date you discovered it was missing, and where you last had it.
The police will give you a report number or case number. Write this down and keep it safe—you'll need it when you contact the DMV. Some states require the actual police report document; others just need the report number. If you file online, you should receive the report number by email within a few hours or days.
If you believe someone may have already used your stolen license to commit fraud or open accounts in your name, mention that to the police. They may flag the report as identity theft, which can help if you need to dispute fraudulent charges later.
Gather your documents before contacting the DMV
Your state's DMV will ask for proof of identity and proof of residency when you request a replacement. Acceptable documents vary by state, but common ones include a passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement. Check your state's DMV website for the exact list—most states post this information in their "Replace a License" or "Lost/Stolen License" section.
You'll also need your police report number. Some states ask for a copy of the actual report; others just need the number. Have your current address ready, and if you've moved since your last license was issued, bring proof of your new address.
If you don't have a passport or birth certificate, many states accept a combination of documents—for example, a Social Security card plus a utility bill. The DMV website for your state will show you exactly which combinations work.
Submit your replacement request to the DMV
Most states let you request a replacement license online through their DMV website. This is usually the fastest option: you upload photos of your documents, pay the fee by credit or debit card, and receive a confirmation number. Some states issue a temporary digital license you can use when ready on your phone; others mail a temporary paper license.
If your state doesn't offer online replacement, you can mail your documents and fee to the DMV address listed on their website, or visit a DMV office in person. Mailing typically takes longer—usually one to two weeks for processing, plus mail time. In-person visits are fastest if you have all your documents ready.
When you submit your request, include a note explaining that the license was stolen and provide your police report number. This helps the DMV process your request faster and flag your old license as invalid so it can't be used fraudulently.
What to expect while you wait for your new license
After you submit your replacement request, the DMV will process it and mail your new physical license to your address on file. This usually takes one to three weeks, depending on your state and whether you submitted online, by mail, or in person. During this time, you can drive legally using a temporary license—either a digital one on your phone or a paper one mailed to you separately.
Check your state's DMV website or call their customer service line to track your replacement. Most states let you check the status online using your confirmation number. If more than three weeks pass without your new license arriving, contact the DMV to confirm it was mailed.
Your new license will have a new number and expiration date. The expiration date is usually the same as your old license would have been, unless your state resets it for all replacements.
Protect yourself from identity theft after the theft
A stolen driver's license is a piece of identity information that someone could use to open accounts, explore for credit, or commit fraud in your name. After reporting the theft to police and the DMV, consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.
You can place a fraud alert for free by contacting one bureau—they're required to notify the other two. The alert lasts one year and can be renewed. If you believe your identity has already been stolen, you can place an extended fraud alert (seven years) or a credit freeze, which blocks creditors from accessing your credit report entirely without your permission.
Monitor your credit report for suspicious activity. You can check your credit report for free once a year at annualcreditreport.com. If you see accounts you didn't open or charges you didn't make, report them to the creditor and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at identitytheft.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while waiting for my replacement license?
Yes. Most states issue a temporary license—either digital or paper—that you can use when ready after submitting your replacement request. This temporary license is valid for driving until your permanent license arrives. Check your state's DMV website to see what form your temporary license takes.
What if I don't remember my license number?
You don't need your license number to report the theft or request a replacement. The DMV can look up your information using your name, date of birth, and address. If you do remember it, include it in your police report and DMV request, but it's not required.
Do I need to cancel my old license?
No. When you report the theft to the DMV and request a replacement, the DMV automatically invalidates your old license. It cannot be used for identification or driving after that. You don't need to take any additional step to cancel it.
How much does a replacement license cost?
Replacement fees vary by state, typically ranging from $10 to $30. Some states charge the same fee as a regular renewal; others charge less for a replacement. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee, which is usually listed in the "Replace a License" section.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
Bring or submit proof of your new address along with your replacement request. Acceptable documents usually include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your new license will show your current address.