Report the theft to your state's DMV right away

Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency (called the Secretary of State in some states) as soon as you realize your license is gone. Most states let you report the theft by phone, online, or in person. When you call or visit, tell them your license number if you know it, your date of birth, and the approximate date you discovered it missing.

Reporting the theft officially flags your license in the system so it cannot be used by someone else. This step protects you if the person who has it tries to use it for fraud. Some states will when ready deactivate the stolen license and issue you a replacement number; others will wait until you request a new card. Either way, the report creates a record that the license was not in your possession when it was used.

Keep the confirmation number or report reference from your DMV contact. You may need it later if fraudulent activity occurs or if law enforcement asks about the theft.

Key Takeaways

  • Report the theft to your state DMV by phone, online, or in person within one to two days of discovering it missing.
  • File a police report if the theft happened in a public place or if you suspect identity theft; give the police your DMV report number.
  • Contact your bank and credit card companies to watch for fraudulent charges, even if your license was the only thing stolen.
  • Order a replacement license from your DMV; most states charge a reissue fee separate from the standard license renewal cost.
  • Monitor your credit report for unauthorized accounts opened in your name, and place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus if needed.

File a police report if the theft occurred in public or involved other items

If your license was stolen from your car, wallet, or bag in a public place, file a report with your local police department. You can usually do this online, by phone, or in person. Tell the police where and when the theft happened, what else was taken (if anything), and provide your DMV report number.

A police report creates an official record that can protect you if someone uses your license fraudulently. It also documents the theft for your insurance company if you need to file a claim for other stolen items. Even if the police do not recover your license, the report number is useful proof that you reported the loss.

If your license was stolen along with credit cards, Social Security card, or other identity documents, mention that to the police. This signals that identity theft may be a risk, and the report will reflect that concern.

Notify your bank and credit card companies

Call your bank and each credit card issuer to let them know your license was stolen. You do not need to wait for fraudulent charges to appear; notifying them now puts them on alert. Ask them to flag your account for suspicious activity and to contact you before approving large purchases or opening new accounts.

If your license was stolen along with a debit or credit card, ask your bank to cancel the card and issue a replacement. If only the license was taken, most banks will not cancel your cards, but they will monitor for fraud. Some banks offer free fraud monitoring or credit monitoring as part of your account; ask whether yours does.

Keep a record of the date and time you called, the name of the person you spoke with, and what actions they said they would take. If fraudulent charges appear later, you will have proof that you reported the theft promptly.

Request a replacement license from your DMV

Once you have reported the theft to your DMV, you can request a replacement license. Most states allow you to order a replacement online, by mail, or in person. You will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. Some states require you to visit in person for a replacement; others mail it to you.

The replacement fee varies by state but is usually between $20 and $50 for a reissue. This is separate from the cost of a standard license renewal. Some states waive the reissue fee if you report the theft within a certain timeframe (often 30 days), so ask when you contact them.

Processing time for a replacement license typically ranges from one to three weeks if you order by mail or online. If you need a license urgently for work or travel, ask whether your state offers expedited processing or a temporary license while you wait for the permanent one.

Place a fraud alert on your credit report if identity theft is a concern

If your license was stolen along with other personal documents, or if you are worried someone might use it to open accounts in your name, contact one of the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion—to place a fraud alert on your credit report. You only need to contact one bureau; they will notify the other two.

A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. It lasts for one year and is free. To place one, call the bureau's fraud department or visit their website. You will need to provide your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number.

If you believe your identity has already been stolen—for example, if you see accounts you did not open—you can place a credit freeze instead. A freeze prevents creditors from accessing your credit report entirely, which stops new accounts from being opened without your permission. Freezes are also free and last until you remove them.

Monitor your credit report for unauthorized accounts

Request a free copy of your credit report from each of the three bureaus at annualcreditreport.com, the official site run by Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You are may have access to to one free report per bureau per year. Check each report for accounts you do not recognize, inquiries from creditors you did not contact, or personal information that is wrong.

If you find unauthorized accounts or inquiries, contact the bureau that reported them and dispute the item in writing. Include a copy of your police report and your DMV theft report. The bureau must investigate within 30 days and remove the item if it cannot verify it.

Check your reports again in three to six months, even if you found nothing the first time. Fraudsters sometimes wait weeks or months before using stolen information. If you placed a fraud alert, creditors should be calling you to verify before opening accounts, which gives you a chance to catch fraud early.

Understand what a thief can and cannot do with your stolen license

A stolen driver's license is valuable to a thief because it contains your name, address, date of birth, and a photo ID. However, it does not give them direct access to your bank accounts or credit cards. They cannot use it to withdraw money from your bank or charge purchases to your credit cards unless they also have those account numbers.

What a thief can do is use your license to open new credit accounts, explore for loans, or rent an apartment in your name. They can also use it to board a plane or enter a government building if the photo resembles them. This is why reporting the theft to your DMV and placing a fraud alert are important—they make it harder for someone to use your license to commit fraud.

If you discover that someone has used your license to open accounts or commit fraud, file an identity theft report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov. The FTC will create a record of the theft and provide you with a recovery plan. You can also file a report with your state's attorney general's office.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement license after reporting it stolen?

Processing time depends on your state and how you order. Mail or online orders usually take one to three weeks. In-person replacements at a DMV office may be issued the same day or within a few days. Some states offer expedited mail service for an extra fee. Contact your state DMV to ask about your specific timeline.

Do I have to file a police report if my license was stolen?

No, it is not required, but it is strongly recommended if the theft happened in a public place or if other items were stolen. A police report creates an official record that protects you if the license is used fraudulently. It also documents the theft for insurance purposes if you need to file a claim.

Can someone use my stolen license to get a loan in my name?

Yes, which is why reporting the theft and placing a fraud alert are important. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before approving new credit. Without it, a thief could potentially use your license to explore for loans, credit cards, or other accounts. A credit freeze is even stronger protection.

What should I do if I see fraudulent charges after my license is stolen?

Contact your bank or credit card company when ready to report the fraudulent charges. They will investigate and typically refund unauthorized charges within 30 to 60 days. Also file a dispute with the credit bureau that reported the charge, and file an identity theft report with the FTC at identitytheft.gov.

Will my replacement license have a different number?

This depends on your state. Some states issue a new license number when you report a theft; others keep the same number. Ask your DMV when you report the theft. If your number changes, update it with your employer, insurance company, and any other organizations that have it on file.