You need a police report, proof of identity, and proof of residency — then visit your state DMV in person
A stolen driver's license is treated differently from a lost one because you must report the theft to police first. Most states will not process a replacement without a police report number or incident report. After you file the report, you go to your DMV with the report, a valid ID (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof you live in that state, and the replacement fee. The whole process usually takes one to three weeks if you visit in person, longer if you mail documents.
The key difference from a lost license is that theft creates a record. Police document the theft, which protects you if someone tries to use your stolen license for fraud. The DMV uses that report to flag your old license as invalid in their system, so it cannot be used to rent a car, open a bank account, or board a plane even if someone finds it.
Key Takeaways
- You must file a police report before the DMV will replace a stolen license; the report number or incident report is required at the DMV.
- Bring the police report, a valid ID (passport or birth certificate), proof of current address, and your replacement fee to the DMV in person.
- Processing takes one to three weeks for in-person replacement; mail-in replacement takes longer and is not available in all states for theft.
- Your old license is flagged as stolen in the DMV system, so it cannot be used for identification or transactions even if someone else finds it.
- Fees vary by state, usually between $20 and $50, and some states charge extra if you need the license faster than standard processing.
File a police report before you visit the DMV
Contact your local police department's non-emergency line or file a report online through your city or county website. You do not need to wait for an officer to come to your home; most departments let you file a theft report by phone or through their online portal. Tell them your driver's license was stolen and provide the license number if you remember it, your date of birth, and where you last had it.
The police will give you a report number when ready or within 24 hours. Write this number down — you will need it at the DMV. Some states accept a police report number alone; others require you to bring a printed copy of the incident report itself. Call your state DMV before you go to ask which one they need.
If you cannot reach police or file a report in your area, ask the DMV what alternative they accept. A few states will process a replacement with a signed affidavit stating the license was stolen if a police report is not available, but this is uncommon and varies by state.
Gather your identity and residency documents
You need two things: proof of who you are and proof of where you live. For identity, bring a valid passport, birth certificate, state ID card, or military ID. A passport is fastest because it is federal and accepted everywhere. If you do not have a passport, a certified birth certificate (the official copy with a raised seal, not a photocopy) works in all states.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name with your current address. It must be dated within the last 60 days in most states, though some allow up to 90 days. A phone bill, insurance bill, or government mail also works. Do not bring a credit card statement or a letter from an employer — most DMVs do not accept those.
If you have moved recently and your documents show an old address, bring two documents: one showing your old address and one showing your new address. This proves the move is recent and legitimate.
What to bring to the DMV in person
| Document | Why You Need It | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Police report number or incident report | Proves the license was stolen and flags it as invalid | Call the DMV first to confirm whether they need the number or a printed copy |
| Valid ID (passport, birth certificate, state ID, or military ID) | Proves your identity | Must be current or expired less than 5 years; a certified birth certificate counts as valid ID |
| Proof of residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage, or bank statement) | Proves you live in the state | Must be dated within 60 days; must be in your name and show your current address |
| Replacement fee ($20–$50, varies by state) | Covers the cost of the new license | Check your state DMV website for the exact amount; some states charge extra for rush processing |
| Completed process form (if required) | Official record of your request | Most states have you fill this out at the DMV; some let you fill it online before you arrive |
Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. The DMV will not accept a photocopy of your birth certificate; it must be a certified copy with a raised seal from the vital records office. Bring your Social Security number written down or memorized — you will need it to fill out the process.
In-person replacement at the DMV
Visit your local DMV office during business hours. Bring all documents listed above. You will fill out a replacement process (usually form DL-44 or similar, depending on your state), show your documents to a clerk, and have your photo taken. The clerk will verify the police report number in their system and flag your old license as stolen.
Processing time is usually one to three weeks. You can ask if your state offers rush processing for an extra fee, which may reduce the wait to five to seven business days. Some DMVs issue a temporary paper license on the spot so you have proof of identity while you wait for the plastic card.
If you cannot visit the DMV in person, check whether your state allows mail-in replacement for stolen licenses. Many states do not — they require you to appear in person for theft because the DMV needs to verify the police report and take a new photo. Call your state DMV to ask whether mail-in is an option.
State-by-state differences in replacement fees and timelines
Replacement fees range from $20 to $50 depending on your state. California charges $35 for a standard replacement and $70 for rush (5–7 business days). Texas charges $16 for a replacement and $31 for expedited service. New York charges $65 for a replacement license. Check your state DMV website for the exact fee before you go, because some offices do not accept credit cards and you may need cash or a check.
Processing timelines also vary. Some states mail the license within 7 to 10 business days; others take up to three weeks. A few states offer same-day or next-day service if you pay a rush fee and visit in person. If you need the license urgently — for travel or work — ask the DMV whether they issue a temporary paper license while you wait for the plastic card.
A handful of states (including some in the Northeast and Midwest) allow you to file a police report and request a replacement online, then pick up the license at the DMV office within a few days. This is faster than waiting for mail delivery. Check your state's DMV website to see whether this option is available.
Protect yourself after reporting the theft
Once you file the police report, your old license is flagged in the DMV system as stolen. This means it cannot be used for official transactions like boarding a plane, renting a car, or opening a bank account — the system will reject it. However, someone could still try to use it for fraud in other ways, so monitor your credit and identity.
Request a free credit report from all three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) at annualcreditreport.com. Check for accounts you did not open. If you see fraud, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov and contact your bank and credit card companies when ready. Keep a copy of your police report — you may need it to dispute fraudulent charges or accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace a stolen license by mail instead of going to the DMV?
Most states require you to appear in person for a stolen license because the DMV needs to verify the police report and take a new photo. A few states allow mail-in replacement if you include a copy of the police report. Call your state DMV to ask whether mail-in is an option in your state.
What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?
You can get a certified birth certificate from your state's vital records office (usually the county clerk or health department) for $10 to $30. This takes one to two weeks by mail. If you need the license faster, ask the DMV whether they accept a military ID, state ID card, or tribal ID as proof of identity instead.
How long does it take to get a replacement license after I file the police report?
Processing usually takes one to three weeks from the date you visit the DMV. Some states offer rush processing for an extra fee, which may reduce the wait to five to seven business days. A few states issue a temporary paper license on the spot so you have proof of identity while you wait for the plastic card.
What if someone uses my stolen license before I report it?
File a police report for the theft and a separate report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov. Keep copies of both reports. Contact your bank and credit card companies to report any fraudulent charges, and request a free credit report from all three bureaus to check for accounts opened in your name.
Do I need to bring the police report itself, or just the report number?
Call your state DMV before you go — some accept the report number alone, while others require a printed copy of the incident report. The police will give you the report number when ready; getting a printed copy may take one to three business days.