Get a replacement license by visiting a DMV office or using the online service
If you've lost your California driver's license, you can replace it in person at any DMV office or online through the California DMV website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes at the office and costs $32. The online option is faster — you can complete it from home in about 10 minutes — but it's only available if your license hasn't expired and you don't need to change any information on it.
You'll need to bring proof of identity and proof of California residency. A valid passport, state ID, or birth certificate works for identity. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your current address. If you're replacing a stolen license, bring a police report or the report number.
Once you submit your request, the DMV mails your new license to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, you can request a temporary license at the DMV office, which you'll receive when ready on paper.
Key Takeaways
- California offers both online and in-person replacement; online is faster if your license hasn't expired and you're not changing information.
- You need one form of identity (passport, state ID, or birth certificate) and one proof of current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement).
- Replacement costs $32 and takes 7 to 10 business days by mail, or you can get a temporary paper license when ready at a DMV office.
- If your license was stolen, bring a police report number or a copy of the report itself.
- You can visit any DMV office in California; you don't have to go to the one in your county.
Replace your license online if it hasn't expired
The California DMV online replacement service is the fastest option if your license is still valid. Go to the DMV website, select "Replace a Lost or Stolen Driver License," and follow the steps. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system verifies your identity against DMV records.
Online replacement works only if you're not changing your name, address, or any other information on the license. If you need to update anything, you must go to a DMV office instead. The same applies if your license has already expired — the online system won't process it.
After you submit the online request, the DMV mails your new license to the address currently on file. You'll receive a confirmation number by email. Keep this number in case you need to check the status of your replacement.
Go to a DMV office for in-person replacement
Visit any DMV field office with your identity document and proof of residency. You don't have to go to the office in your county — any California DMV location will process your replacement. Bring the documents listed above, plus your Social Security number if you have it memorized.
When you arrive, take a number at the front desk or check in using the kiosk if your office has one. Wait for your number to be called, then tell the representative you need to replace a lost license. They'll verify your information, take a new photo if needed, and process the replacement on the spot.
At the office, you can also request a temporary license printed on paper. This temporary license is valid for 60 days and lets you drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. The temporary costs nothing extra — it's included with your $32 replacement fee.
What to bring to the DMV office
Bring one document from the identity column and one from the residency column. Your identity document must be current or expired no more than five years ago.
| Identity Documents | Residency Documents |
|---|---|
| Valid or recently expired passport | Utility bill (electric, gas, water, phone) |
| California state ID card | Lease agreement or rental contract |
| Birth certificate | Bank or credit card statement |
| Military ID | Mortgage statement |
| Tribal ID | Property tax bill |
Your residency document must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you've recently moved and don't have a document in your new name yet, bring a lease or utility bill in your landlord's name plus a signed statement from them confirming you live there.
Understand the cost and timeline
Replacement of a lost or stolen license costs $32 in California. This fee covers the new license itself. If you request a temporary paper license at the office, there is no additional charge.
If you use the online service or mail your replacement request, expect 7 to 10 business days for delivery. The DMV mails licenses to the address on your current record. If you've moved recently and updated your address online or at an office, the new license will go to your new address.
If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, get the temporary license at a DMV office. The temporary is valid for 60 days and is acceptable to law enforcement and insurance companies. Once your permanent license arrives, the temporary is no longer valid.
Report a stolen license to police if needed
If your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to file a police report, especially if you're concerned about identity theft. Bring the police report number or a copy of the report when you replace your license. The DMV will note on your record that the license was stolen.
A police report is not required to replace a stolen license, but it creates an official record. If someone uses your stolen license to commit fraud or traffic violations, the report helps prove you reported it missing. You can file the report online through your local police department's website or by calling the non-emergency line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if I don't have a Social Security number?
Yes. You can replace your license without a Social Security number, though having it speeds up the verification process. At a DMV office, the representative can verify your identity using your driver's license number and date of birth instead. For online replacement, you'll need the last four digits of your SSN, so you would need to go in person.
What if my address on the license is wrong?
If your address has changed, you must go to a DMV office to replace the license — the online service won't let you update it. At the office, bring proof of your new address and the representative will issue a new license with the correct address. This still costs $32.
How long is a temporary license valid?
A temporary paper license issued at a DMV office is valid for 60 days. It's acceptable for driving and as identification. Once your permanent license arrives in the mail, the temporary is no longer valid and you should destroy it.
Can I check the status of my replacement license?
If you replaced your license online, use the confirmation number from your email to check the status on the DMV website. If you replaced it in person, you can call the DMV or check the website with your driver's license number. Most replacements are mailed within 7 to 10 business days.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You can still replace it through the California DMV online or by mail. You don't have to be in California. For online replacement, use the DMV website from anywhere. If you need to go in person, you can visit any California DMV office the next time you're in the state, or you can mail your documents to the DMV with a completed process form.