Report your stolen license to your state's DMV and your local police

When your driver's license is stolen, you need to report it in two places: your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and your local police department. The DMV report stops someone from using your license as identification or to commit fraud in your name. The police report creates an official record in case the thief uses it for crimes, and it protects you if someone later claims you were somewhere you weren't.

You do not have to do these in any particular order, but doing both right away matters. A stolen license can be used to open accounts, rent cars, or pose as you in traffic stops. The faster you report it, the faster the license becomes invalid and the less time a thief has to misuse it.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact your state DMV first by phone or online to report the theft and request a replacement license in the same transaction.
  • File a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office, either in person or online depending on what your jurisdiction offers.
  • Keep the police report number and DMV confirmation number for your records in case fraud occurs later.
  • You will need to pay a replacement fee at the DMV, which varies by state but typically ranges from $15 to $50.
  • Your replacement license will arrive by mail within one to three weeks in most states, though some offer expedited options for an extra fee.

How to report to your state DMV

Start by calling your state's DMV or visiting its website. Most states let you report a stolen license online through your DMV account or by filling out a form on their website. A few states still require you to call or visit in person, so check your state's specific process first.

When you report to the DMV, have your driver's license number ready if you can remember it, or your Social Security number. Tell them your license was stolen, not lost—this distinction matters because it flags your license as potentially fraudulent. The DMV will when ready deactivate your old license so it cannot be used.

At the same time, request a replacement license. You can usually do this in the same call or online form. The DMV will tell you the fee (typically $15 to $50 depending on your state) and whether you need to visit an office in person or if they can mail you a new one. Many states now mail replacement licenses automatically after you report a theft, but some require you to come in for a new photo.

How to file a police report

Contact your local police department's non-emergency line or visit your local precinct in person. If you live in an unincorporated area, contact your county sheriff's office instead. Many police departments now let you file a theft report online through their website, which is often faster than calling or visiting.

Tell the officer or online form that your driver's license was stolen. Provide your name, license number (if you remember it), and where you last had it. The officer will ask when you discovered it was missing and whether you've noticed any suspicious activity on your accounts. Be honest about the timeline—if you're not sure exactly when it was stolen, say so.

The police will give you a report number. Write this down and keep it. If someone later uses your stolen license to commit a crime or open fraudulent accounts, you will need this report number to prove you reported the theft before it happened.

What to do if you suspect fraud

If you discover that someone has used your stolen license—for example, you get a traffic ticket you didn't receive, or a credit card bill for charges you didn't make—contact the police department again and give them your original report number. They can add the fraud to your existing report.

Also contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and ask them to place a fraud alert on your credit file. This makes it harder for someone to open new accounts in your name. You can do this for free by calling any one of the bureaus, and they will notify the other two automatically.

Getting your replacement license

After you report the theft to your DMV, they will either mail you a new license or tell you to come in for a new photo. Check your state's DMV website or your confirmation email to see which applies to you. Most states mail replacement licenses within one to three weeks.

If you need a license sooner—for example, you have to drive for work—ask the DMV about expedited replacement. Some states offer this for an extra fee and will mail your license in five to seven business days. A few states also issue temporary paper licenses on the spot if you visit in person.

Until your new license arrives, you can use your police report number as proof that you reported the theft. Some employers and rental car companies will accept this as temporary proof of identity, though it is not a substitute for a valid license if you are pulled over while driving.

Protecting yourself after a theft

Beyond reporting to the DMV and police, monitor your accounts for the next few months. Check your credit card and bank statements regularly for charges you did not make. Look at your credit report at annualcreditreport.com (the only free, official source) to see if anyone opened accounts in your name.

If your license was stolen along with other documents—your wallet, for instance—also consider placing a freeze on your credit file. This prevents anyone from opening new accounts in your name, even if they have your Social Security number. You can do this for free through any of the three credit bureaus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while waiting for my replacement license?

Not legally. Your old license is now invalid because you reported it stolen. You should not drive until your replacement arrives. If you are pulled over, you cannot show a valid license. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, ask your DMV about a temporary paper license or expedited replacement options.

What if I find my license after I report it stolen?

Contact your DMV and let them know. They may be able to reactivate it, though this depends on your state's rules. It is still safer to get a replacement, since you cannot be certain no one made a copy or used it while it was missing. Keep the replacement you ordered.

Do I have to file a police report if I just report to the DMV?

You are not legally required to, but it is strongly recommended. A police report protects you if the thief uses your license to commit a crime or if someone later claims you were involved in an incident. Without a report, you have no official proof that you reported the theft before any fraud occurred.

Will my new license have the same number?

This varies by state. Some states issue a new number with your replacement license, while others keep the same number. Your DMV will tell you which applies to you when you report the theft. If you get a new number, update your records with your employer, insurance company, and any other organizations that have your license number on file.

How much does a replacement license cost?

Replacement fees vary by state, typically ranging from $15 to $50. Some states charge the same fee for a stolen license as for a lost one, while others may charge slightly more. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee, and ask whether expedited replacement costs extra.