What to do if your Virginia driver's license goes missing

If you've lost your Virginia driver's license, you can replace it by visiting a DMV office in person or by mail. The in-person route is faster — you'll walk out with a temporary license the same day — but the mail option works if you can't get to an office. Either way, you'll need to pay a replacement fee and bring proof of your identity and Virginia residency.

Virginia doesn't require you to report the loss to police unless you suspect fraud or identity theft. If someone else has your license, you can request a new number when you replace it, though this costs extra and takes longer.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace a lost Virginia license in person at any DMV office or by mail through the DMV website.
  • An in-person replacement gives you a temporary license when ready; a mail replacement takes about two weeks.
  • Bring a valid ID (passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate) and proof of Virginia address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement).
  • The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license; requesting a new license number costs an additional $10.
  • If you suspect fraud, contact the Virginia DMV directly at 804-367-0538 to freeze your record.

Replacing your license in person at a DMV office

Walking into a DMV office is the quickest path. You'll complete an process (Form DL-43), show your documents, pay the fee, and receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Your permanent card arrives by mail in about two weeks.

Bring one form of valid ID (a U.S. passport, military ID, certified birth certificate, or foreign passport) and one proof of Virginia address dated within the last 60 days — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or insurance document all work. If your address has changed since your lost license was issued, bring the new proof.

Virginia DMV offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., and some locations offer Saturday hours. You can find your nearest office and check wait times on the Virginia DMV website. No appointment is required, but arriving early in the day typically means shorter waits.

Replacing your license by mail

If you can't visit an office, you can mail in your replacement request through the DMV website. read and print Form DL-43, gather copies of your ID and address proof, and mail them with a check or money order to the address listed on the form.

Processing takes about two weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. Your temporary license won't arrive until your permanent card does, so you won't have proof of licensure during this time. This route works best if you have time before you need to drive or if you're out of state.

Mail your documents to: Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 27412, Richmond, VA 23269. Include the replacement fee ($20) and a note with your name, date of birth, and the reason for replacement.

Requesting a new license number

If you believe someone else has your lost license or you're concerned about identity theft, you can request a new license number when you replace it. This costs an extra $10 on top of the standard $20 replacement fee.

Tell the DMV employee (in person) or write it clearly on your mail process that you want a new number. The DMV will issue you a different license number, which takes slightly longer to process but adds a layer of protection if your old license ends up in the wrong hands.

What to do if your license was stolen or you suspect fraud

If you believe your license was stolen or used fraudulently, call the Virginia DMV directly at 804-367-0538. The DMV can place a fraud alert on your record, which flags your file if someone tries to use your information for a transaction.

You should also monitor your credit report for suspicious activity. Contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to request a free credit freeze, which prevents anyone from opening accounts in your name without your permission. You can place a fraud alert for free through any of the three bureaus, and they'll notify the others.

If you discover that your lost license was actually used to commit a crime or open fraudulent accounts, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov and keep documentation of all your steps.

Driving legally while your replacement is in process

Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days and counts as legal proof of licensure while you drive. Keep it with you at all times — it's your only proof until your permanent card arrives.

If you're replacing by mail and won't have a temporary license, you're not legally permitted to drive until your new card arrives. Plan accordingly, or choose the in-person route if you need to drive before your replacement is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my replacement?

No. Your expired license is not valid for driving. Your temporary paper license (if you replaced in person) or your new permanent card (if you replaced by mail) is what counts. If you're replacing by mail and don't have either yet, you cannot legally drive.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still replace it by mail or contact the Virginia DMV to arrange replacement. If you're staying out of state temporarily, the mail route may be easier. If you've moved to another state, you'll eventually need to get a license from your new state, but Virginia will replace your lost card first if you request it.

Do I have to pay for a replacement if my license was lost due to a natural disaster?

Virginia may waive fees during declared emergencies or disasters. Contact the DMV directly at 804-367-0538 to ask whether your situation qualifies. Have details about the disaster ready when you call.

How long does the permanent card take to arrive?

About two weeks from the date the DMV processes your process. In-person replacements are processed when ready, so your card ships the same day. Mail replacements are processed when the DMV receives your envelope, which adds a few days to the timeline.

What if I find my original license after I've already replaced it?

Destroy it or return it to the DMV — do not use it. Your new license is the valid one. If you return the old license to the DMV, they'll deactivate it in their system to prevent any confusion.