What you need to do to get a replacement licence

To replace a lost driving licence, you contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent body — it may be called the Secretary of State, Registry of Motor Vehicles, or Driver Services), request a duplicate or replacement licence, and pay a fee. The process is straightforward because the DMV already has your information on file. You do not need to retake the written or road test.

Most states let you start the replacement online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The fastest route is usually online if your state offers it, because you can submit your request and payment when ready and receive your new licence by mail within one to three weeks. In-person replacement at a DMV office is also quick — often the same day — but requires you to travel and wait.

You will need to prove your identity and current address. A passport, birth certificate, or utility bill typically works. Some states also require you to report the loss to police if the licence was stolen rather than straightforward lost, though this requirement varies.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact your state DMV online, by mail, or in person to request a replacement licence; you do not need to retake any tests.
  • Online replacement is usually fastest and costs between $5 and $30 depending on your state, with delivery in one to three weeks.
  • In-person replacement at a DMV office can be completed the same day but requires proof of identity and current address.
  • If your licence was stolen, some states require a police report; check your state's DMV website to confirm what is needed.
  • Your replacement licence will have the same number and expiration date as your original, so your driving record remains unchanged.

How to replace your licence online

Start by visiting your state's DMV website and looking for "replace licence," "duplicate licence," or "lost licence." Most state DMV sites have a dedicated section for this. You will enter your licence number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to confirm your identity. The system will pull up your record and show you the current information on file.

Review the address and name on your record. If either is wrong, you may need to correct it before ordering the replacement, and some states require you to do this in person or by mail rather than online. If everything is correct, you will select the replacement option, confirm the mailing address where you want the new licence sent, and pay the fee by debit card or credit card.

After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Write this down or save the email. Your new licence will arrive by mail in the timeframe your state publishes — typically 7 to 21 days, though some states take longer during high-volume periods. You can usually check the status of your order on the DMV website using your confirmation number.

Replacing your licence in person at a DMV office

Walk into any DMV office in your state with proof of identity and proof of current address. Bring your passport, birth certificate, or state ID card for identity. For address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address printed on it.

Tell the staff member at the counter that you need a replacement licence. They will verify your information, take a new photo (unless your state allows you to use your old photo for a replacement), and process the fee. In most states, you walk out with your replacement licence the same day or within a few hours. A few states mail it to you instead, even for in-person requests, so ask before you pay.

Bring your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number on it, because the DMV will need to verify it. If you do not have one, call your local DMV office before you go to ask what alternative documents they accept.

Replacing your licence by mail

Some states allow you to mail in a replacement request. Visit your state DMV website and read the form for a duplicate or replacement licence. Fill it out completely, including your licence number, date of birth, and current address.

Attach a photocopy of your proof of identity and proof of address — the same documents you would bring in person. Include a check or money order for the replacement fee made out to your state DMV or Department of Motor Vehicles. Do not send cash.

Mail the completed form and documents to the address listed on the DMV website. Keep a copy of everything you send. Your replacement licence will arrive by mail in two to four weeks, depending on your state's processing time and mail delays. This is the slowest method, so use it only if online or in-person replacement is not available to you.

What to do if your licence was stolen

If your licence was stolen rather than lost, some states require you to file a police report before you can order a replacement. Check your state DMV website to see if this is required. If it is, contact your local police department's non-emergency line and report the theft. You will receive a report number.

When you request your replacement — whether online, in person, or by mail — you may need to provide this police report number. Some states ask you to attach a copy of the report to your mail-in request. If you are replacing in person or online, have the report number ready when you start the process.

Reporting the theft also protects you if someone tries to use your lost licence fraudulently. The police report creates a record that the licence was not in your possession when it was used. Keep a copy of the report for your records.

Fees and how long replacement takes

Replacement licence fees range from $5 to $30 depending on your state. Most states charge between $10 and $20. Some states charge less for a replacement than for a new licence, because you are not retaking the test. Check your state DMV website for the exact fee before you submit your request.

Processing time also varies by state and method. Online replacement typically takes 7 to 21 days from the date you submit. In-person replacement at a DMV office is usually same-day or within a few hours. Mail-in replacement takes 2 to 4 weeks. During peak seasons — often summer or around holidays — processing may take longer.

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper licence at a DMV office. This is usually free and is valid for 30 to 60 days while you wait for your permanent replacement. Ask the staff member whether this is available in your state.

Your replacement licence will have the same number

Your new licence will have the same licence number as your original. It will also have the same expiration date. This means your driving record, insurance history, and any points or suspensions on your record remain exactly the same. Replacing a lost licence does not reset or clear anything.

If your original licence was suspended or revoked, your replacement will also be suspended or revoked. You cannot use a replacement to bypass a suspension. If you are unsure about the status of your licence, check your state DMV website or call the DMV before you order a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while I wait for my replacement licence to arrive?

It depends on your state. Some states issue a temporary paper licence valid for 30 to 60 days when you request a replacement in person. Others do not. Call your local DMV office or check the website to ask whether a temporary licence is available. If it is not, you should not drive until your replacement arrives.

What if the address on my licence is wrong?

If your address is incorrect on file, you may need to update it before ordering a replacement. Some states let you change the address online at the same time you request the replacement. Others require you to visit a DMV office or submit a separate address-change form by mail. Check your state DMV website for the process.

Do I need to take a new photo for my replacement licence?

Most states take a new photo when you replace your licence in person. If you replace online or by mail, your state may use your old photo from file. A few states let you choose. Ask when you start the replacement process, or call your DMV office to confirm.

What if I lost my licence and my Social Security card at the same time?

Bring other documents that prove your identity, such as a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card. You do not need the Social Security card itself — the DMV can verify your Social Security number using the information you provide. If you are replacing in person, ask the staff member what documents they accept before you go.

Can I replace my licence if it is suspended or revoked?

You can request a replacement, but your new licence will also be suspended or revoked. The replacement does not lift the suspension. You must resolve the underlying issue — such as unpaid fines, failed to appear in court, or medical suspension — before you can drive legally. Contact your state DMV to find out what you need to do to clear the suspension.