What you need to do right now
If you lost your New York driver's license, you can replace it in person at any DMV office in the city, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and costs $65 for a standard license; the mail route takes two to three weeks and costs $20. You will need to bring proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or non-driver ID), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. If your license was stolen rather than lost, you should also file a police report first — the DMV may ask for the report number.
New York does not require you to report a lost license to the DMV before replacing it, but reporting it can prevent someone else from using it if it turns up. You can report it lost online through the DMV website or by calling 518-486-4368 from anywhere in the state.
Key Takeaways
- You can replace a lost license in person at any DMV office in New York City for $65, or by mail for $20 if you have not had a license suspension or revocation in the past ten years.
- Bring a valid passport, birth certificate, or non-driver ID; proof of your Social Security number; and proof of your current address such as a utility bill or lease.
- If your license was stolen, file a police report first and bring the report number to the DMV or include it with your mail process.
- In-person replacement at a DMV office typically takes 30 minutes; mail replacement takes two to three weeks.
- You can report your license lost online or by phone to prevent misuse, though this step is not required to replace it.
Replacing your license in person at a DMV office
Walk-in service is available at all DMV offices in New York City without an appointment, though you may wait longer during peak hours (typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays). The main Manhattan office is at 153 East 42nd Street; there are also offices in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. You can find the full list and hours on the New York DMV website.
Bring your proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address. Acceptable identity documents include a valid U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, non-driver ID, military ID, or permanent resident card. For Social Security proof, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form. For address proof, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name. The document must show your current address and be dated within the last 30 days.
The fee is $65 for a standard five-year license or $85 for an enhanced license (which can be used for domestic air travel). You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent card will arrive by mail within seven to ten business days.
Replacing your license by mail
You can mail in a replacement process if you have not had a license suspension or revocation in the past ten years, and if your license was not suspended or revoked when it was lost. read the MV-44 form from the DMV website, fill it out completely, and mail it with copies of your identity proof, Social Security proof, and address proof to the address listed on the form.
Include a check or money order for $20 made out to "Department of Motor Vehicles." Do not send cash. Mail your process to the address on the form — currently the DMV Processing Center in Albany, though this can change. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your process.
You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so you will have no valid license until your replacement arrives. If you need to drive before your new license comes, you should replace it in person instead.
If your license was stolen
File a police report with the New York Police Department or your local precinct. You can file online through the NYPD website for non-emergency theft, or call 311 to report it. Keep the report number — you will need it for the DMV.
When you replace your license, tell the DMV staff that it was stolen and provide the police report number. If you are mailing your process, include the report number in a note with your MV-44 form. Reporting the theft to the police does not speed up your replacement, but it creates a record in case someone tries to use your lost license.
What to do while you wait for your new license
If you replaced your license in person, you received a temporary paper license that is valid for driving until your permanent card arrives. Keep it with you when you drive. If you replaced by mail, you have no valid license until the new one arrives, so do not drive.
If you need to prove your identity before your new license arrives, your temporary paper license (if you have one) or your original identity document (passport, birth certificate, or non-driver ID) will work in most situations. Some businesses may not accept a temporary license, so bring your passport or other government ID if you are unsure.
DMV offices in New York City and their hours
| Location | Address | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Manhattan | 153 East 42nd Street, New York, NY 10017 | Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.–1 p.m. |
| Brooklyn | 2875 Coney Island Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11235 | Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.–1 p.m. |
| Queens | 166-25 Goethals Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11432 | Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.–1 p.m. |
| Bronx | 1304 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10459 | Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.–1 p.m. |
| Staten Island | 1150 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10301 | Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.–1 p.m. |
Hours may change seasonally or for holidays. Check the DMV website before you go, or call 518-486-4368 to confirm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive without a license while I wait for my replacement?
If you replaced your license in person, your temporary paper license is valid for driving. If you replaced by mail, you have no valid license until your new one arrives, so you should not drive. If you need to drive before your replacement comes, go to a DMV office in person instead of mailing your process.
What if I lost my license outside New York City?
You can replace it at any DMV office in New York State, not just in the city. If you live upstate but are in the city, you can replace it at a city office. If you live in the city but are upstate, you can replace it at any office there. The process and fees are the same statewide.
How long does it take to get my license if I go in person?
You will receive a temporary paper license when ready, usually within 30 minutes of arriving. Your permanent card arrives by mail within seven to ten business days. The temporary license is valid for driving until the permanent one arrives.
Do I need an appointment?
No. All DMV offices in New York City accept walk-ins without an appointment. You may wait longer during busy times, especially mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays. Going early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon usually means a shorter wait.
What if my address has changed since my old license?
Bring proof of your new address when you replace your license. Your new license will show your current address. If you are replacing by mail, include a document showing your new address, such as a recent utility bill or lease.