What an affidavit does and when you need one

An affidavit is a written statement you sign under oath, swearing that what you've written is true. When you've lost your driver's license and can't find it after a reasonable search, some states require you to submit an affidavit along with your replacement process. The affidavit tells the DMV that you genuinely lost the license and aren't trying to get a duplicate for fraudulent reasons.

Not every state requires an affidavit for a lost license. Some accept a straightforward statement on the process form itself. Others ask for a full affidavit only if you're replacing a license multiple times in a short period, or if you're explore by mail rather than in person. Check your state's DMV website or call their customer service line to confirm whether an affidavit is required for your situation before you spend time writing one.

If your state does require one, the affidavit is usually a one-page document. It's straightforward to write, and you don't need a lawyer. You do need to have it notarized — that means a notary public will watch you sign it and add their official stamp, confirming they verified your identity.

Key Takeaways

  • An affidavit is a sworn statement confirming your license was lost or stolen; check your state DMV website to see if one is required for your replacement.
  • The affidavit should include your full name, license number (if you remember it), the date you discovered it was missing, and a brief description of where you last saw it.
  • You must sign the affidavit in front of a notary public, who will verify your identity and stamp the document with their official seal.
  • Notaries are available at banks, UPS stores, libraries, and title companies; fees typically range from $5 to $15 per signature.
  • Submit the notarized affidavit with your replacement process according to your state's instructions — some require it in person, others accept it by mail.

What information to include in the affidavit

Start with your full legal name, date of birth, and current address. Include your driver's license number if you remember it; if you don't, write "unknown" or leave it blank — the DMV has your information on file and can look it up. Add the date you discovered the license was missing and describe briefly where you last had it (your car, your wallet, your home, a restaurant, etc.).

Write a straightforward statement: "I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that my driver's license was lost on [date] and I have made a reasonable effort to locate it without success." You can add one or two sentences about what you did to search for it if that feels relevant, but keep it factual and brief. Do not make excuses or tell a long story — the DMV only needs confirmation that the loss was genuine.

End with "I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct" or similar language. Your state's DMV may provide a template affidavit with specific wording; if so, use that exact language instead of writing your own. Check the DMV website or ask when you call.

How to get your affidavit notarized

A notary public is someone licensed by your state to witness signatures and verify identity. You cannot notarize your own document. You need to find a notary, bring a valid photo ID (passport, state ID, or another current license), and sign the affidavit in front of them while they watch.

Notaries work at banks (often free for account holders), UPS stores, FedEx Office locations, public libraries, title companies, and some law offices. Many also work independently and advertise online. Call ahead to confirm they're available and ask about their fee — most charge $5 to $15 per signature. Some require an appointment; others take walk-ins. If you're explore for your replacement in person at the DMV, ask whether a notary is available on-site; many DMV offices have one.

Bring the unsigned affidavit, your photo ID, and cash or a card for the fee. The notary will watch you sign, then add their official stamp and signature. They'll also record the date and may ask you a few questions to confirm your identity. The whole process takes five to ten minutes. Keep the notarized affidavit with your replacement process.

Common mistakes to avoid when writing your affidavit

Do not sign the affidavit before you meet the notary. The notary must watch you sign it; a pre-signed affidavit is not valid. Do not leave blanks or use "X" marks instead of your signature. Do not write in pencil — use pen, preferably black or blue ink.

Do not exaggerate or add details that aren't true. If you don't remember exactly when you lost the license, write "approximately [month/year]" rather than guessing a specific date. If you're not sure where you lost it, say "unknown location" instead of making something up. The affidavit is a legal document, and false statements can result in fraud charges.

Do not assume the notary will know what an affidavit is or what language to use. Bring a template from your state DMV if one is available, or write out your statement clearly before you arrive. If the notary seems unsure, ask them to contact the DMV or check their notary handbook — they should know how to handle a standard affidavit for a lost license.

Where to submit your affidavit with your process

Your state's DMV will tell you exactly how to submit the affidavit — whether it goes in person, by mail, or through an online portal. Some states require you to bring it to a DMV office in person along with your other documents. Others accept it by mail with your process form and fee. A few allow you to upload a photo or scan of the notarized affidavit online.

Check the DMV website for your state or call their customer service number to confirm the submission method before you go to the notary. If you're mailing it, make a copy for your records and send the original notarized affidavit in an envelope with your process, fee, and any other required documents. Use certified mail if your state recommends it, so you have proof of delivery.

Keep track of when you submit everything. The DMV will process your replacement process and send you a new license by mail or tell you when to pick it up in person. If you don't hear back within the timeframe your state publishes, contact the DMV to confirm they received your affidavit.

What happens if your state doesn't require an affidavit

Many states have moved away from requiring affidavits for lost licenses. Instead, they ask you to check a box on the process form stating that your license was lost or stolen, and that's sufficient. Some states only ask for an affidavit if you've lost multiple licenses in a short time (for example, three in five years), which raises a flag for potential fraud.

If your state doesn't require an affidavit, you don't need to write one. straightforward complete the standard replacement process, pay the fee, and submit it according to your state's process. The process form itself serves as your sworn statement. If you're unsure whether an affidavit is required, the safest approach is to call the DMV directly or check their website — they'll tell you exactly what documents you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I write the affidavit on any paper, or does it have to be a specific form?

Check your state DMV website first — many provide a template affidavit with the exact wording and format they want. If no template exists, you can write it on plain white paper. Use standard letter size (8.5 by 11 inches), write clearly in black or blue pen, and leave room for the notary's stamp at the bottom. Some states specify that the affidavit must be on a particular form; if yours does, use that form.

What if I can't remember my driver's license number?

Write "unknown" or leave that field blank. The DMV has your information in their system and can look up your license number using your name and date of birth. You don't need to provide it for the affidavit to be valid.

Do I have to notarize the affidavit in the same state where I lost my license?

No. A notary in any state can notarize a document for use in another state. If you've moved or are traveling, you can have the affidavit notarized wherever you are. The notary's stamp is recognized nationwide.

What if I lost my license more than a year ago and am only now replacing it?

Write the actual date you lost it, even if it was a long time ago. The affidavit is straightforward confirming that the loss was genuine, not that it was recent. If the DMV questions the delay, you can explain that you didn't need to replace it when ready, but now you do.

Can I submit a scanned or photographed copy of the notarized affidavit, or does it have to be the original?

Check your state's instructions. Some accept scans or photos uploaded through their online portal. Others require the original notarized document, either in person or by mail. Call the DMV to confirm what they'll accept before you submit anything.