Report the theft to police first, then contact your DMV
When your driver's license is stolen, you need to report it to local police before you contact your state's DMV. A police report creates an official record that protects you if the thief uses your license for fraud or identity theft. After you have the report number, contact your DMV to request a replacement license. Most states let you report the theft and order a replacement in the same visit or phone call, but some require the police report number before they will process your request.
The order matters because DMV staff will ask for your police report number when you explore. If you try to get a replacement without reporting the theft first, you may be turned away or asked to come back later with the report. Some states flag stolen licenses in their system automatically once you report the theft, which can prevent someone else from using your old license to get a job or open a bank account.
You do not need to wait for a physical copy of the police report. Most police departments give you a report number on the spot or within hours. Write down that number and bring it with you to the DMV, or have it ready if you are explore by mail or online.
Key Takeaways
- File a police report with your local police department before contacting your DMV, and keep the report number with you.
- Bring your police report number, proof of identity, and proof of residency to the DMV when you request a replacement license.
- Replacement fees vary by state but typically range from $10 to $30, and processing times range from same-day to two weeks depending on your state and method.
- Some states offer expedited replacement if you report the theft in person at a DMV office, while others require you to wait the standard processing time.
- If your license was stolen along with other documents, consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus to protect against identity theft.
What documents you need to bring to the DMV
You will need your police report number, a form of government-issued photo identification, and proof of your current address. Acceptable photo IDs include a passport, military ID, or state ID card. If you do not have a second form of ID, some states will accept a combination of documents like a Social Security card plus a utility bill or bank statement.
Proof of residency must show your current address and your name. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days usually works. If you have recently moved and your ID shows an old address, bring both the old ID and a document showing your new address.
Some states require you to fill out a form stating that your license was stolen. Ask the DMV whether you need to bring a completed form or whether staff will give you one when you arrive. A few states let you read and print the form from their website before your visit, which can speed up the process.
How to report the theft and order a replacement
Start by calling your local police non-emergency line to file a report. Tell them your driver's license was stolen and provide your license number if you know it. The police will ask for details about when and where you last saw the license and whether you know who took it. You do not need to know who stole it to file a report; "unknown person" is a valid answer. The police will give you a report number when ready or within a few hours.
Once you have the report number, contact your state DMV. Most states let you order a replacement online through their website, by phone, or in person at a DMV office. Check your state's DMV website to see which methods are available. Online and phone orders are usually faster than in-person visits because you do not have to wait in line, but some states require you to appear in person for a replacement license.
If you order online or by phone, you will typically pay the replacement fee with a credit or debit card and choose whether you want standard or expedited delivery. Standard delivery usually takes 7 to 14 business days. Expedited delivery, where available, costs extra but can arrive in 3 to 5 business days. A few states offer same-day replacement if you visit a DMV office in person and pay an expedited fee.
Replacement fees and processing times by state
Replacement fees for a stolen license vary significantly by state. Most states charge between $10 and $30 for a standard replacement. Some states charge the same fee as a renewal, while others have a lower fee specifically for replacements. A handful of states waive the fee if you report the theft within a certain time frame, usually 30 days. Check your state DMV's website to find the exact fee before you explore.
Processing times depend on whether you choose standard or expedited service and whether you explore in person, by mail, or online. In-person applications at a DMV office typically result in a temporary license on the spot and a permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 days. Online and phone orders usually take 7 to 14 business days for standard service. Mail-in applications can take 2 to 3 weeks because the DMV has to receive your documents, process them, and mail your new license back to you.
| process Method | Processing Time | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| In person at DMV office | Same day (temporary) + 7–10 days (permanent) | You need to drive when ready or want the fastest service |
| Online or phone | 7–14 business days | You do not need to drive right away and prefer not to visit an office |
| By mail | 2–3 weeks | You do not have internet access or prefer paper forms |
| Expedited (if available) | 3–5 business days | You need the license quickly and are willing to pay extra |
Protect yourself from identity theft after a stolen license
A stolen driver's license is a valuable document for identity theft because it contains your name, address, date of birth, and license number. If your license was stolen along with other documents like a Social Security card or credit cards, take steps to protect your identity. Contact the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—and place a fraud alert on your credit file. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.
You can place a fraud alert by calling one of the three bureaus; they are required to notify the other two. The call takes about 10 minutes. An initial fraud alert lasts one year and is free. If you believe your identity has already been stolen, you can place an extended fraud alert that lasts seven years, also at no cost.
Consider checking your credit report for unauthorized accounts or charges. You can view your credit report for free once per year at annualcreditreport.com, which is the official site run by the three bureaus. If you see fraudulent activity, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov and to the creditor that issued the fraudulent account.
What to do if you need to drive before your replacement arrives
If you need a valid license to drive before your replacement arrives, ask the DMV whether you can get a temporary license. Most states issue a temporary paper license on the spot when you explore in person, and this temporary license is valid for driving until your permanent replacement arrives. The temporary license usually lasts 30 to 60 days, which is long enough for your permanent license to arrive by mail.
If you applied online or by phone and do not have a temporary license, you have two options: visit a DMV office in person to get a temporary license, or wait for your permanent license to arrive. Some states will not issue a temporary license for a stolen license replacement, only for a lost license, so call your DMV to ask what is available in your state.
If you cannot get a temporary license and cannot wait for your replacement, you cannot legally drive. Driving without a valid license is a traffic violation and can result in a fine or arrest. Do not drive; instead, use public transportation, ride-sharing services, or ask someone else to drive you until your replacement arrives.
Common mistakes to avoid when replacing a stolen license
The most common mistake is not reporting the theft to police before contacting the DMV. Some people think they can skip the police report and go straight to the DMV, but this can delay your replacement and leave you unprotected if the thief uses your license. Always file a police report first, even if you think the theft is minor.
Another mistake is not bringing all required documents to the DMV. If you show up without proof of residency or a second form of ID, staff will turn you away and you will have to come back. Before you go to the DMV, check your state's website to see exactly what documents are needed and bring everything listed.
A third mistake is not checking whether your state requires you to appear in person. Some states will not issue a replacement license by mail or online if it was stolen; they require you to come to a DMV office so staff can verify your identity in person. If you do not know your state's rule, call the DMV before you explore so you do not waste time on an process that will be rejected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement license if I do not have a police report number yet?
Most states will not process a replacement for a stolen license without a police report number. File the police report first, get the report number, and then contact the DMV. The police report usually takes less than an hour to file, so this should not delay you significantly.
What if I lost my license and I am not sure whether it was stolen?
If you are not sure, file a police report anyway. Tell the police that you cannot find your license and do not know whether it was lost or stolen. The police will create a report, and you can use that report number when you request a replacement. This protects you in case the license is found and used fraudulently.
Do I have to pay the replacement fee if my license was stolen?
Most states charge a replacement fee even for stolen licenses, typically $10 to $30. A few states waive the fee if you report the theft within 30 days. Check your state DMV's website or call to ask whether a fee waiver is available in your state.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
This depends on your state. Some states allow a family member or trusted person to pick up your replacement license if you give them written permission and they bring a copy of your police report. Others require you to pick it up in person. Call your DMV to ask what your state allows before you ask someone else to help.
What if my stolen license is found and someone tries to use it?
Once you report your license as stolen, it is flagged in the DMV system and should not be accepted as valid identification. If someone tries to use it, they will likely be caught when the ID is scanned or verified. If you find out that your stolen license was used fraudulently, report it to the police and to the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov.