Where to order a certified copy of your driver's license

A certified copy of your driver's license comes from the same place that issued it: your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), or whatever your state calls that office. You cannot get one from a bank, notary, or courthouse — only the DMV has the authority to certify that the copy matches the original on file.

Most states now let you order by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. A few still require you to appear in person, but that number shrinks every year. The fastest route is usually online if your state offers it, followed by mail, then in-person visits (which often mean waiting in line).

Start by searching "[your state] DMV certified copy driver's license" or visiting your state DMV's official website directly. The URL is usually dmv.[state].gov or similar. From there, you will find the exact steps, the fee (which ranges from about $5 to $20 depending on the state), and how long it takes.

Key Takeaways

  • Only your state's DMV can issue a certified copy — not a notary, bank, or any other office.
  • Most states offer online ordering, which is usually faster than mail or in-person visits.
  • You will need to provide your driver's license number, date of birth, and sometimes a copy of your current ID.
  • Processing time ranges from a few days to two weeks depending on whether you order online, by mail, or in person.
  • The fee is typically $5 to $20, and you usually pay by credit card, debit card, or check depending on the method you choose.

What you need before you order

Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready — the DMV will ask for both to pull up your record. If you have lost your license and do not have the number memorized, you can usually call the DMV and give them your name and date of birth instead, and they will look it up for you.

Some states also ask for a copy of a current ID (passport, state ID, or another driver's license) to prove you are the person requesting the copy. This is a security step to prevent someone else from ordering copies in your name. Check your state's requirements on the DMV website before you start the process.

Ordering online

If your state DMV offers online ordering, you will go to their website, enter your license number and date of birth, choose how many copies you want, and pay the fee with a credit or debit card. The system will then either mail the copies to the address on file with your license, or let you choose a different mailing address.

Processing time for online orders is usually three to seven business days, though some states are faster. You will receive a confirmation number when you order — save this in case you need to check on your order or contact the DMV about it.

Ordering by mail

To order by mail, read the request form from your state DMV website (it is usually called a "Certified Copy Request Form" or similar). Fill it out with your name, license number, date of birth, and the number of copies you want. Include a copy of your ID if your state requires it, and a check or money order for the fee.

Mail the form to the address listed on the DMV website — this is usually a central processing office, not your local DMV branch. Mail orders typically take two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives them, plus the time it takes your envelope to arrive. For this reason, mail is slower than online ordering and should only be your choice if you cannot order online.

Ordering in person at a DMV office

Walk into your local DMV office with your driver's license and ask for a certified copy. Bring cash, a check, or a debit card to pay the fee. You will fill out a short form and hand it to the clerk along with your payment.

Some DMV offices can print certified copies on the spot, which means you walk out with them the same day. Others mail them to you within a few days. Call your local office before you go to ask which applies there — this saves you a wasted trip if they cannot print them when ready.

How long certified copies take to arrive

Online orders usually arrive within three to seven business days. Mail orders take longer because you have to mail the form to the DMV, they have to process it, and then they have to mail it back to you — typically two to three weeks total. In-person orders are the fastest if your DMV office can print them on site, but if they mail them, you are waiting the same few days as an online order.

If you need the copy urgently, call your local DMV office and ask if they offer expedited processing or same-day printing. Some do, but it may cost extra. If your state does not offer expedited service and you need the copy within a few days, in-person ordering at an office that prints on site is your best option.

What a certified copy looks like and what it is used for

A certified copy is a photocopy of your driver's license with an official stamp or seal from the DMV stating that it is a true and accurate copy of the original. It looks like a regular photocopy but has the DMV's certification mark on it, which is what makes it official.

You may need a certified copy for a job process, a background check, proof of identity for a bank account, a court case, or to replace a lost or damaged original license. Some organizations will accept a regular photocopy, but if they ask for a "certified" copy, they specifically want the DMV's official version — a photocopy you make yourself will not work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a certified copy if my license is expired?

Yes. The DMV will issue a certified copy of an expired license just as it would for a current one. The copy will show the expiration date, but it is still an official certified document. If you need a current ID, you would need to renew your license separately.

What if I have moved since I got my license?

You can still order a certified copy and have it mailed to your new address. When you order online or by mail, you will have the option to specify a mailing address different from the one on your license. If you order in person, tell the clerk your new address and they will note it.

How many certified copies should I order?

Order at least one extra. Organizations sometimes keep copies on file, and you may need another one later. Ordering multiple copies at once costs less per copy than ordering them separately, and you avoid having to go through the process again.

Can someone else pick up my certified copy if I order it in person?

This depends on your state's policy. Some DMV offices will release a certified copy to anyone who has the confirmation number, while others require the person named on the license to pick it up in person with ID. Call your local office to ask before you send someone on your behalf.

What if the certified copy arrives with a mistake on it?

Contact the DMV when ready with your confirmation number and explain the error. They will investigate whether the mistake is on the copy or on your actual license record. If it is on the copy, they will reissue it for free. If it is on your license record itself, you will need to correct that separately, which may require a visit to a DMV office.