What to do if your California driver license is lost
If your California driver license is lost, you can replace it by visiting a DMV office in person, by mail, or through the DMV's online portal if you meet certain conditions. The fastest route is usually in person at your local DMV, where you can walk out with a temporary license the same day. By mail takes about two to three weeks. Online replacement is available only if your license is not expired and you have not had more than one replacement in the past 12 months.
You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of California residency, and pay a replacement fee. The fee for a standard driver license replacement is $32 as of 2024, though this may change. If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot replace it until that status is cleared — the DMV will tell you this when you try.
Key Takeaways
- In-person replacement at a DMV office gives you a temporary license when ready and takes about 15 minutes, while mail replacement takes two to three weeks.
- You must bring a valid ID document (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof you live in California, and payment of $32 for a standard replacement.
- Online replacement through the DMV website is available only if your license is current and you have not replaced it more than once in the past year.
- If your license was suspended or revoked, you must resolve that status with the DMV before you can replace it.
- A temporary paper license issued in person is valid for 60 days while you wait for your permanent card to arrive by mail.
In-person replacement at a DMV office
Visiting a DMV office is the fastest way to replace a lost license. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 60 days, and your permanent card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. Bring your proof of identity (a valid passport, birth certificate, state ID, or other document the DMV accepts), proof of California residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address), and $32 in cash or card.
You do not need an appointment at most DMV offices, but you can reserve a time slot online at dmv.ca.gov to avoid waiting. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Early morning or mid-week visits are usually faster. When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. The process takes about 15 minutes once you reach the counter.
The DMV will take a new photo and issue your temporary license on the spot. Keep this paper license with you until your permanent card arrives. If you move before the card arrives, you can update your address online or at your next DMV visit.
Replacement by mail
You can request a replacement license by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked. Fill out Form DL 44 (process for California Driver License or Identification Card) or Form DL 43 (process for California Identification Card) — use DL 44 if you want a driver license. You can read these forms from dmv.ca.gov or pick one up at a DMV office.
Mail the completed form along with proof of identity, proof of residency, and a check or money order for $32 to the DMV address listed on the form. Include a copy of your lost license if you have one. The DMV will process your request and mail your new license to the address on file. This takes about two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope.
While you wait, you do not have a valid license to drive. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you must visit a DMV office in person to get a temporary license. Mail replacement is useful only if you do not need to drive during the processing time.
Online replacement through the DMV website
The California DMV allows online license replacement through its website if your license is current (not expired) and you have not replaced it more than once in the past 12 months. Go to dmv.ca.gov, log into your account, and select the option to replace a lost or damaged license. You will need to verify your identity using information from your DMV record.
If you are approved, you will pay the $32 fee online using a debit or credit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within two to three weeks. You will not receive a temporary license through online replacement, so you cannot drive legally while you wait. This option works best if you do not need to drive when ready.
If your license is expired or you have already replaced it once in the past year, the online system will not allow you to proceed. In that case, you must replace it in person or by mail.
What to bring to the DMV
| Document Type | Acceptable Examples |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Valid U.S. passport, birth certificate, state ID, military ID, tribal ID, or permanent resident card |
| Proof of California Residency | Utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and current address |
| Payment | $32 in cash, debit card, or credit card (in person); check or money order (by mail) |
Bring originals or certified copies of your documents. The DMV will not accept photocopies of your proof of identity. Your proof of residency can be a photocopy. If your name has changed since your lost license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.
Some documents, like utility bills or bank statements, must show your current address and your name exactly as it appears on your lost license. If the name does not match, bring documentation of the legal name change along with your other papers.
If your license was suspended or revoked
You cannot replace a suspended or revoked license until the suspension or revocation is lifted. The DMV will tell you when ready if this applies to you when you try to replace it. To find out the reason and how to clear the status, call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 or visit dmv.ca.gov and log into your account to check your driving record.
Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or failure to maintain insurance. Each reason has a different process to clear it. For example, if your license was suspended for unpaid fines, you must pay the fines and provide proof to the DMV. If it was suspended for failure to maintain insurance, you must file an SR-22 form with your insurance company and submit it to the DMV.
Once the suspension or revocation is cleared, you can replace your license using any of the three methods described above. The DMV will confirm the status is clear before issuing your replacement.
Temporary license and waiting for your permanent card
If you replace your license in person, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 60 days. This temporary license is legal to drive with and serves as proof of your identity. Keep it with you while you drive. Your permanent plastic card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.
If you do not receive your permanent card within three weeks, contact the DMV. Provide your name, date of birth, and driver license number. The DMV can check the status of your card and remail it if needed. If your card is lost in the mail, the DMV will issue a replacement at no additional cost.
Once your permanent card arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid. Destroy it or keep it as a record. You are now required to carry your permanent license when you drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a temporary license while I wait for my permanent card?
Yes. A temporary paper license issued in person at the DMV is valid for 60 days and is legal to drive with. You must carry it with you. Once your permanent card arrives, you must switch to using that card.
What if I lost my license and it was already expired?
You cannot use online replacement if your license is expired. You must replace it in person at a DMV office or by mail. In-person replacement is faster because you will receive a temporary license when ready.
How much does it cost to replace a lost driver license in California?
The replacement fee is $32 as of 2024. This fee applies whether you replace it in person, by mail, or online. Payment methods vary by method: cash or card in person, check or money order by mail, and debit or credit card online.
What if my address changed since I lost my license?
You can update your address at the same time you replace your license. Bring proof of your new California address to the DMV office, or include it with your mail process. The DMV will issue your replacement card with the new address.
Do I need to take a new photo for my replacement license?
Yes, if you replace it in person at a DMV office. The DMV will take a new photo as part of the replacement process. If you replace it by mail or online, the DMV will use the photo from your existing license record.