Report the theft to police and your state DMV right away

If your driver's license has been stolen, you need to do two things when ready: file a police report and contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The police report creates an official record that protects you if someone uses your license fraudulently. Your DMV contact invalidates the stolen license so it cannot be used as identification or to obtain other documents in your name.

Call your local police non-emergency line to file the report. You do not need to go to the station in person for a theft report — most departments take these over the phone. Have your license number ready if you know it, or your date of birth and full name. The police will give you a report number; write this down because you will need it when you contact the DMV.

After filing the police report, call your state DMV when ready. Many states let you report a stolen license by phone, online, or in person. Some DMVs have a dedicated theft hotline. When you call, tell them your license was stolen, provide the police report number, and ask what documents you need to bring to replace it. Do not wait — the sooner you report it, the sooner the license is deactivated.

Key Takeaways

  • File a police report first, get the report number, and keep it — you will need it at the DMV.
  • Contact your DMV by phone, online, or in person to report the theft and deactivate the stolen license.
  • Bring your police report number, proof of identity, and proof of residency when you go to replace your license.
  • A replacement license usually costs the same as a regular renewal and takes the same amount of time to process.
  • Monitor your credit and watch for fraudulent use of your personal information in the weeks after the theft.

Gather the documents you need before going to the DMV

When you replace a stolen license, you will need to bring proof that the theft happened and proof of who you are. The DMV will want your police report number at minimum. Some states ask you to bring a copy of the police report itself, so call ahead and ask what form of proof they accept.

You will also need a government-issued photo ID — a passport, military ID, or state ID card — to prove your identity. If you do not have one of these, bring two documents that together prove your identity and residency, such as a birth certificate plus a utility bill or bank statement in your name. The exact documents vary by state, so check your DMV's website or call before you go. Bringing the wrong papers means a wasted trip.

Bring your Social Security number or a document with it on it, such as a Social Security card or tax return. You will also need proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days usually works. If you have moved recently and your address on file at the DMV is outdated, bring two proofs of your new address.

Complete the replacement process at the DMV

When you arrive at the DMV, tell the staff member that you are replacing a stolen license. They will give you the replacement form — usually the same form you would use for a regular renewal. Fill it out completely and truthfully. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and other identifying information. It also asks whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving, such as vision problems or seizure disorders.

You will be asked to pay a replacement fee. This fee is usually the same as a regular license renewal in your state, though a few states charge slightly more for a replacement due to theft. The cost ranges widely by state — anywhere from $15 to $100 or more. Ask the DMV staff what the fee is before you pay. Some states let you pay by card, check, or cash; others accept only certain payment methods.

After you pay, you will have your photo taken for the new license. Wear something you do not mind being photographed in. The photo will be on your license for several years, so take a moment to look presentable. The DMV staff will then process your process and give you a receipt with an estimated date when your new license will arrive.

Understand the timeline for receiving your replacement license

Most states mail your new license to the address on file within 7 to 14 business days. Some states are faster — 3 to 5 days — and some take longer, up to 30 days. Ask the DMV staff for an estimate when you submit your process. They will give you a receipt with a tracking number or expected delivery date.

If you need to drive before your new license arrives, ask the DMV whether they issue a temporary paper license or digital license on the spot. Many states do this automatically; others only on request. A temporary license is usually valid for 30 to 60 days and lets you drive legally while you wait for the permanent card to arrive in the mail.

If your license does not arrive within the timeframe the DMV gave you, call them to check the status. Licenses occasionally get lost in the mail. The DMV can reissue it or investigate what happened. Keep your receipt and tracking number until the license arrives.

Protect yourself from identity theft after the theft

A stolen driver's license is a valuable document for identity theft because it contains your name, address, date of birth, and a photo. Someone with your license can open credit accounts, explore for loans, or use it to commit fraud. You cannot prevent this entirely, but you can catch it early.

Check your credit report for free at AnnualCreditReport.com, the only official site authorized by federal law. Look for accounts or inquiries you did not open. If you see fraud, contact the creditor when ready and file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov. The FTC will create a recovery plan and send you letters to show creditors that you are a victim of identity theft.

Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file. This tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place a fraud alert for free by calling one of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. The alert lasts 90 days and can be renewed. If you believe your identity has been seriously compromised, you may also consider a credit freeze, which prevents creditors from accessing your credit report entirely.

What to do if your stolen license is used fraudulently

If you discover that someone has used your stolen license to commit fraud — such as opening a credit card, getting a loan, or being arrested — act when ready. Contact the police and file a report about the fraudulent use. This is different from the original theft report; it documents that your identity was misused. Get a report number and keep it.

Contact the creditor or institution where the fraud occurred. Tell them your license was stolen and that you did not open the account or make the charges. Ask them to close the fraudulent account and remove the charges from your record. Put this request in writing and keep copies of all correspondence.

File a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov. The FTC does not investigate individual cases, but it maintains a database of identity theft complaints that law enforcement uses. The FTC will also provide you with a recovery plan and sample letters to send to creditors and credit bureaus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license the same day?

Most states do not issue permanent licenses on the spot, but many will give you a temporary paper or digital license you can use when ready while you wait for the permanent card. Ask the DMV staff when you submit your process. If they offer a temporary license, take it — it is valid for driving and other purposes while your replacement is in the mail.

Do I need the original police report or just the report number?

This varies by state. Some DMVs only need the report number; others want a copy of the police report itself. Call your DMV before you go and ask what proof of theft they accept. If they want the report, you can usually get a copy from the police department that took your report, either in person or by mail.

What if I find my stolen license after I have already reported it?

Destroy it. Do not try to use it — it has been deactivated and is no longer valid. Cut it up or shred it so it cannot be used. If you are concerned that someone else might find it, you can contact the police and DMV again to let them know it has been recovered, but this is not necessary if you have already replaced it.

Will a stolen license affect my driving record?

No. Your driving record is separate from your physical license. Reporting the theft and replacing the license does not change your record. However, if someone uses your stolen license to commit traffic violations or crimes, those charges could appear on your record. If this happens, you will need to prove to the police and courts that you were not the one who committed the violation.

How much does it cost to replace a stolen license?

The cost varies by state, typically ranging from $15 to $100 or more. Most states charge the same fee for a replacement as for a regular renewal. A few states charge extra for a replacement due to theft. Call your DMV or check their website to find out the exact fee in your state before you go.