Start with your state's DMV website or office
To request a replacement for a lost driver's license, you need to contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency — the name varies by state. Some states call it the Secretary of State's office, the Registry of Motor Vehicles, or the Department of Transportation. Your state's DMV website will have a section for replacing a lost license, and it will tell you whether you can request one online, by mail, or only in person.
Most states now let you start the replacement process online, which is faster than going to an office. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to begin. If you do not remember your license number, the DMV can look it up using your name and date of birth.
A few states still require you to appear in person to replace a lost license, usually to verify your identity and take a new photo. Check your state's DMV website first — it will be clear about whether an office visit is required.
Key Takeaways
- You must contact your state's DMV or equivalent agency, which you can find by searching "[your state] DMV" or visiting your state government's website.
- Most states let you request a replacement online using your license number, Social Security number, and date of birth, though some require an in-person visit.
- The replacement fee varies by state, typically ranging from $15 to $50, and is paid when you submit your request or pick up your new license.
- Your replacement license will arrive by mail within one to three weeks in most states, though expedited options are sometimes available for an extra fee.
- If your license was stolen, some states let you report it as stolen during the replacement process, which may help protect you from identity theft.
Gather the information and documents you will need
Before you start the replacement request, have the following ready: your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and if possible, your driver's license number. If you have a copy of your license (a photo, a scan, or even a picture you took), that can speed things up, though it is not always required.
If your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, have the police report number if you filed one. Some states ask for this during replacement and use it to flag your license as stolen, which adds a layer of protection against someone else using it fraudulently.
Check your state's DMV website for any additional documents they require. A few states ask for proof of residency (a utility bill or lease) or proof of citizenship (a birth certificate or passport) when replacing a lost license, though most do not.
Pay the replacement fee
Every state charges a fee to replace a lost driver's license. The amount varies widely — it can be as low as $15 in some states or as high as $50 or more in others. Your state's DMV website will show the exact fee before you submit your request.
If you request online, you will usually pay by credit card or debit card during the process. If you go in person, you can typically pay by cash, check, or card. If you request by mail, you will need to include a check or money order with your form.
Some states offer expedited replacement for an additional fee — usually $10 to $25 extra — if you need your license sooner than the standard timeline. This is worth considering if you need to drive before your replacement arrives.
Submit your request online, by mail, or in person
The method depends on what your state offers. If your state has an online portal, log in or create an account, fill out the replacement form, upload any required documents (usually a photo of yourself), and submit your payment. You will receive a confirmation number when ready.
If your state requires mail, read the replacement form from the DMV website, fill it out by hand or print it completed, include your payment, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Keep a copy of everything you send and note the date you mailed it.
If you must go in person, bring your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and your payment. The DMV will take a new photo for your replacement license during your visit.
Track your replacement and know when it will arrive
After you submit your request, your state's DMV will send you a confirmation. If you requested online, you may be able to track your replacement license's status on the DMV website using your confirmation number. Some states send email or text updates as your license moves through processing.
Standard replacement typically takes one to three weeks from the date you submit your request. If you paid for expedited processing, it may arrive within five to ten business days. Mail delivery time is included in these estimates, so your license should arrive at your address without additional action on your part.
If your replacement does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact your state's DMV using the phone number or online chat on their website. Have your confirmation number ready.
What to do if your license was stolen
If your license was stolen rather than lost, report it to your state's DMV during the replacement process. Some states have a checkbox on the replacement form asking whether the license was stolen; others ask you to call or visit in person to report it. Reporting it as stolen flags the license in the system, which can help prevent someone else from using it.
You may also want to file a police report, especially if you are concerned about identity theft. A police report number can be useful if fraudulent charges or accounts appear in your name later. Keep a copy of the police report for your records.
Consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) if your stolen license included your Social Security number. A fraud alert makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name.
Temporary driving options while you wait
In most states, you cannot legally drive while waiting for your replacement license to arrive — your old license is gone, and your replacement is not yet in hand. However, some states issue a temporary paper license or digital license during your in-person visit that you can use to drive when ready.
If you requested your replacement online or by mail and need to drive before it arrives, contact your state's DMV to ask about temporary options. Some states will email you a temporary license document you can print and carry, or they may issue one if you visit an office in person.
If you have no legal way to drive and need to do so urgently, ask whether your state offers expedited in-person replacement at an office, where you can walk out with a temporary license the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request a replacement if I do not remember my license number?
Yes. The DMV can look up your license number using your name, date of birth, and address. You may need to call the DMV or visit in person to provide this information, or some online portals will let you search for your number before you start the replacement request.
What if I moved since I got my license — do I need to update my address?
Your replacement license will be issued with your current address if you provide it during the replacement request. You do not need to update your address separately; the replacement process handles it. Make sure you enter your current address correctly so your new license arrives at the right place.
How much does a replacement license cost?
The fee varies by state, typically between $15 and $50. Check your state's DMV website for the exact amount. Expedited processing, if available, usually costs an additional $10 to $25.
Can I get a replacement the same day?
Only if you visit a DMV office in person and your state offers same-day replacement. Not all states do. Call your local DMV office or check the website to see whether same-day replacement is available and whether you need an appointment.
What if my replacement license arrives damaged or with errors?
Contact your state's DMV when ready with your confirmation number and a photo of the damage or error. Most states will send a corrected replacement at no extra charge. Keep the damaged license until you receive the corrected one.