Documents and identification you must bring

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged California driver's license, you need to bring two things to the DMV: proof of identity and proof of California residency. The DMV will not process your replacement without both.

For proof of identity, bring one document from this list: a valid passport (U.S. or foreign), a certified birth certificate, a California ID card, a military ID, or a tribal ID. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents from a secondary list — for example, a Social Security card plus a school transcript, or a bank statement plus a utility bill. The DMV website lists all acceptable secondary documents.

For proof of residency, bring a recent document showing your current California address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. You cannot use a post office box as proof of residency.

Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it — your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return. If you were born outside the U.S., bring your immigration documents or passport showing your legal status in the country.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring one primary identity document (passport, birth certificate, or California ID) and one proof of residency dated within 60 days.
  • The DMV charges a replacement fee that varies depending on how much time is left on your current license — typically $35 to $40.
  • You can replace your license in person at any DMV office, or by mail if your license was not suspended or revoked.
  • Processing takes 10 to 14 business days by mail, or you can walk out with a temporary paper license the same day if you go in person.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report first, though it is not required by the DMV.

In-person replacement at a DMV office

Walk into any California DMV office with your documents and fill out Form DL 44 (the standard driver's license process). You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary widely by location and time of day. The DMV website shows current wait times for each office.

Bring your documents to the counter, pay the replacement fee, and sit for a new photo. You will walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 60 days while the DMV mails your permanent card. The permanent license arrives in 10 to 14 business days.

If you have changed your name, address, or other information since your original license was issued, tell the DMV staff before you sit for the photo. They will update your record.

Replacement by mail

You can mail in your replacement request if your license was not suspended or revoked. Send a letter to the DMV that includes your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the reason for replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged). Include a copy of your proof of identity and proof of residency — do not send originals.

Mail your request to the DMV address for your county. You can find the correct address on the DMV website. Include a check or money order for the replacement fee. The DMV will mail your new license back to you in 10 to 14 business days.

Mail replacement is slower than in-person replacement and you will not receive a temporary paper license. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you must go to a DMV office in person.

Replacement fees and what affects the cost

The replacement fee depends on how much time is left on your current license. If your license expires in more than four years, the fee is typically $40. If it expires in four years or less, the fee is typically $35. Some counties charge slightly different amounts, so check with your local DMV office for the exact fee.

You pay only for the replacement itself — there is no additional charge for the new photo or the temporary paper license. If you are replacing a damaged license and the damage was caused by the DMV's error, ask the staff whether the fee can be waived.

The DMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at in-person offices. By mail, send a check or money order only.

Temporary paper license and when you can drive

When you replace your license in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready. This temporary license is valid for 60 days and allows you to drive while you wait for your permanent card to arrive by mail.

Keep the temporary license with you whenever you drive. It is not a full replacement for your permanent license — some businesses and law enforcement may not accept it as identification for non-driving purposes. Once your permanent license arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid.

If you replace by mail, you do not receive a temporary license. You cannot legally drive until your new permanent license arrives.

If your license was stolen and you want a police report

Filing a police report is not required by the DMV, but it may protect you if someone uses your stolen license number for fraud. You can file a report online through your local police department's website, or in person at a police station.

A police report does not speed up the DMV replacement process. The DMV will issue your new license on the same timeline whether or not you have filed a report. However, if you discover that your stolen license was used fraudulently, the police report creates an official record.

Common mistakes that delay replacement

The most common reason the DMV rejects a replacement request is missing or outdated proof of residency. Your utility bill, lease, or bank statement must be dated within the last 60 days. A bill from six months ago will not work. Check the date before you go to the DMV.

Another frequent mistake is bringing a secondary identity document when a primary one is available. If you have a passport or birth certificate, bring that instead of trying to use two secondary documents — it is faster and clearer.

If you are replacing a damaged license, bring the damaged card itself if you still have it. The DMV can see the damage and process the replacement more quickly. If the card is too damaged to bring, explain what happened to the staff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if it was suspended or revoked?

No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with the DMV before you can replace your license. Contact the DMV to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take. Once that is cleared, you can then request a replacement.

What if I do not have proof of residency dated within 60 days?

You will need to obtain a document that meets the requirement. Ask your utility company, bank, or landlord for a recent statement. If you cannot get one, bring two documents from the DMV's secondary residency list — for example, a lease agreement plus a piece of mail from a government agency.

How long does it take to get my permanent license if I replace in person?

The permanent license arrives by mail in 10 to 14 business days. You can drive on your temporary paper license during this time. If your permanent license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the DMV to check the status.

Can I change my address at the same time I replace my license?

Yes. Tell the DMV staff before you sit for your photo. They will update your address in the system and print it on your new license. Bring proof of your new address along with your other documents.

What if my name has changed since my original license was issued?

Bring a document showing your legal name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will update your name on your new license. You may also need to update your name with Social Security and other agencies.