What you need to do to get a replacement license

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged driver's license, you will visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and have a new photo taken. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes at the office, though some states let you order a replacement by mail or online if your license was straightforward lost or damaged (not stolen). Your new license will arrive by mail within one to three weeks in most states.

The exact steps and documents you need depend on which state issued your license. If you moved to a new state, you may need to get a new license from that state instead of replacing your old one. If your license was stolen, you should also report it to your state's DMV to prevent someone else from using it.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need to bring a government-issued photo ID (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) and proof of your current address to the DMV.
  • Most states charge a replacement fee between $15 and $35, though the exact amount varies by state.
  • Some states allow you to order a replacement online or by mail if your license was lost or damaged, but not if it was stolen.
  • Your replacement license will be mailed to you within one to three weeks; you can usually drive with a temporary paper license in the meantime.
  • If your license was stolen, report it to the DMV right away so it cannot be used fraudulently.

Gather your documents before you go to the DMV

The DMV will ask for proof that you are who you say you are and that you live where you claim to live. Bring a government-issued photo ID such as a passport, a birth certificate, or a state ID card. You will also need proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days usually works.

Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized. Some states also ask for your current license number if you still have it, or the license number you remember. If you do not have these documents at home, contact your DMV before you go to find out what alternatives they will accept.

Choose between going to the DMV in person or ordering by mail

If your license was lost or damaged (not stolen), many states let you skip the trip to the DMV and order a replacement by mail or online instead. You will mail in your documents, pay the fee, and receive your new license in the mail. This takes longer — usually two to four weeks — but you avoid waiting in line.

If your license was stolen, you must go to the DMV in person or call them first. Reporting a stolen license by phone or in person prevents someone else from using it and may be required by your state before you can order a replacement. Once you have reported it, some states will then let you order the replacement by mail; others require you to come in.

Check your state's DMV website to see whether mail-in or online replacement is available for your situation. The website will also tell you the mailing address and what documents to include.

What to expect when you arrive at the DMV

Arrive early or check whether your DMV takes appointments online. Bring all your documents and your payment method — cash, debit card, or credit card, depending on what your DMV accepts. You will fill out a form (usually the same form you used when you first got your license) and give it to the clerk along with your documents.

The DMV will take a new photo of you for the license. Wear something you feel comfortable in for a photo; the DMV will have rules about what you can wear (no hats, no sunglasses, no filters), but these are the same rules as any government ID photo. You will pay the replacement fee at this point.

The DMV will give you a temporary paper license or a receipt showing you have applied. This temporary document lets you drive legally while you wait for your new plastic license to arrive in the mail. Keep it with you until your new license arrives.

Understand the cost and timeline

Replacement license fees range from about $15 to $35 depending on your state. Some states charge less if you are replacing a damaged license than if you are replacing a lost one. A few states charge nothing if the damage was the state's fault (for example, if the plastic cracked during manufacturing).

Your new license will arrive by mail within one to three weeks in most states. A few states are faster (some deliver within 5 to 10 business days), and a few are slower (up to four weeks). If you need your license urgently, some DMVs offer expedited processing for an extra fee, or they may be able to issue a temporary license that is valid for 30 or 60 days while you wait.

Report a stolen license to prevent fraud

If your license was stolen, contact your DMV as soon as you realize it is missing. You can usually do this by phone, online, or in person. Tell them your license number, date of birth, and the date you discovered it was stolen. The DMV will flag your license so that if someone tries to use it, the fraud can be caught.

You should also consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) if you are worried that the thief has your personal information. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. This is a separate step from reporting the license to the DMV, but it is worth doing if your wallet contained other documents.

What to do if you moved to a new state

If you moved to a new state and your old license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you have two options: replace the old license with your original state's DMV, or get a new license from your new state. Most people choose to get a new license from their new state because they will need to do it eventually anyway.

To get a new license in your new state, you will go through the same process as a replacement — bring proof of identity and residency, fill out a form, have a photo taken, and pay a fee. Your new state's DMV will not need your old license. You can keep your old license if you want, but you should only carry and use the new one. Some states require you to surrender your old license when you get a new one; check your new state's DMV website to see whether this applies to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while I wait for my replacement license to arrive?

Yes. The DMV will give you a temporary paper license or receipt when you explore. This document is valid for driving and is usually good for 30 to 60 days, which is long enough for your new license to arrive. Keep the temporary document with you whenever you drive.

What if I lost my license and do not remember my license number?

You do not need your license number to explore for a replacement. Bring your other documents (passport, birth certificate, proof of address) and tell the DMV your date of birth and full name. They will look up your license in their system.

Do I have to take a new photo for my replacement license?

Yes, the DMV will take a new photo when you explore for a replacement. You cannot use your old photo. If you are replacing your license by mail, some states will use your old photo instead, so check your state's rules before you mail in your documents.

How much does a replacement license cost?

Fees range from about $15 to $35 depending on your state. Some states charge less for a damaged license than a lost one. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee, or call the DMV to ask.

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

Contact your DMV right away. They will usually issue a corrected license for free if the error was their mistake. If the license arrived damaged, they may replace it at no charge or for a small fee depending on your state's policy.