Where to request a duplicate license and what it costs
You get a duplicate driver's license from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Secretary of State, or equivalent agency — the name varies by state. Most states let you request one in person at a local office, by mail, or online through their website. A few states offer phone requests as well.
The fee ranges from about $5 to $30 depending on your state and whether you want a standard or expedited replacement. Some states charge less if you lost your license versus if it was stolen. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee and current methods available — many states have expanded online options in recent years, and what was mail-only five years ago may now be available same-day online.
Processing time varies sharply. In-person requests at a DMV office typically produce a temporary paper license on the spot and a plastic card by mail within one to two weeks. Mail requests usually take two to four weeks. Online requests, where available, often produce a temporary digital license when ready and mail the physical card within the same timeframe as in-person requests.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your state's DMV website to find the exact fee, accepted methods (online, mail, or in-person), and processing times for your state.
- In-person requests at a DMV office are fastest and usually give you a temporary license the same day.
- You will need to prove your identity with documents like a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card — the exact list is on your state's DMV site.
- If your license was stolen rather than lost, some states require you to file a police report or sign a statement under penalty of perjury.
- A duplicate license has the same expiration date as your original, so you are not renewing — you are replacing.
What documents you need to bring or submit
Every state requires proof of identity and proof of your current address. Proof of identity typically means a passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, or a combination of documents — your state's DMV website lists exactly which documents they accept. Proof of address can be a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address on it.
If your license was stolen, not lost, some states require a police report number or a signed statement under penalty of perjury saying it was stolen. A few states do not require this distinction. Check your state's DMV site or call their main line to confirm what they need before you go in or mail anything.
If you are requesting by mail, you typically send photocopies of these documents along with a completed form (usually available on the DMV website). If you are requesting in person, bring the originals — the DMV staff will verify them and return them to you.
Requesting online versus by mail versus in person
Online requests are the fastest option where available. You upload photos of your documents, pay the fee by credit or debit card, and receive a temporary digital license (usually valid for 30 to 60 days) when ready. The physical card arrives by mail within one to three weeks. Not all states offer this yet — check your state's DMV homepage to see if it is available.
In-person requests at a DMV office are reliable and give you a temporary paper license the same day, which you can use for identification or driving until the plastic card arrives. You will need to wait in line, which can be long during peak hours (typically mid-morning on weekdays). Bring all original documents and the completed form if you have already filled it out.
Mail requests are slower but require no trip to an office. You send photocopies of your documents, the completed form, and a check or money order to the address listed on your state's DMV website. Processing takes two to four weeks, and you will not have any temporary license during that time. This method works if you do not need to drive when ready.
What happens if you need to drive before your duplicate arrives
If you requested in person at a DMV office, you receive a temporary paper license on the spot. This is valid for driving and identification until your plastic card arrives by mail. Keep it with you — it is your legal proof of licensure during that period.
If you requested by mail or online, you will not have a temporary license unless your state offers a digital temporary license (which some now do). In that case, check your state's rules on whether a digital license on your phone is accepted by police during traffic stops — most states now accept them, but a few do not yet. If your state does not accept digital licenses and you need to drive before the card arrives, you may need to make a second trip to a DMV office to get a temporary paper license, or wait for the card to arrive.
Replacing a license that was stolen versus lost
Most states treat stolen and lost licenses the same way and charge the same fee. However, some states require additional documentation if your license was stolen. A few ask for a police report number; others ask you to sign a statement under penalty of perjury that it was stolen. A small number of states do not distinguish between the two at all.
If your license was stolen, you may also want to report it to the police for your own records, especially if you are concerned about identity theft. A police report number can help if someone tries to use your old license fraudulently. Your state's DMV website will tell you whether they require this report as part of the duplicate request.
Renewing versus replacing: why the distinction matters
A duplicate license has the same expiration date as your original license. You are not renewing — you are replacing. This means if your license expires in two years, your duplicate also expires in two years, even if you just received it. When that expiration date arrives, you will need to renew through the normal renewal process, not request another duplicate.
If your license is already expired and you lost it, you will need to renew it rather than straightforward request a duplicate. Renewal involves a new photo, updated information, and sometimes a vision test or written test depending on your state's rules. Check your state's DMV website to see whether you should renew or request a duplicate based on your license's current expiration date.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a duplicate license take to arrive?
In-person requests produce a temporary paper license the same day and a plastic card within one to three weeks. Mail requests take two to four weeks. Online requests, where available, give you a temporary digital license when ready and mail the physical card within one to three weeks. Times vary by state and current processing volume.
Can I request a duplicate if my license is expired?
If your license is expired, you typically need to renew rather than request a duplicate. Renewal involves a new photo and updated information. Check your state's DMV website to confirm whether your situation calls for a duplicate or a renewal, or call the DMV directly.
What if I do not have a current address to put on the duplicate?
You need proof of a current address to request a duplicate. If you are homeless or do not have a utility bill or lease, some states accept mail from a shelter, social services agency, or a letter from someone who can verify your residence. Call your state's DMV to ask what documents they accept in your situation.
Do I need to take a new photo for a duplicate license?
No. A duplicate uses the photo from your original license. You do not need to sit for a new photo unless you are renewing your license, which is a separate process.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You request a duplicate from the state that issued your license, not from the state where you lost it. Contact that state's DMV directly or visit their website. If you need to drive when ready in another state, some states accept a temporary paper license from your home state's DMV office, but rules vary.