Where to request a replacement driver's license
You get a copy of your driver's license from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), or whatever that agency is called in your state — some call it the Secretary of State's office, the Registry of Motor Vehicles, or the Department of Transportation. You cannot get one from a bank, a government benefits office, or a third-party service, though some states allow you to request one online or by mail instead of going in person.
The fastest route is usually your state DMV's website. Most states now let you order a duplicate license online, pay the fee with a credit or debit card, and have it mailed to you within one to three weeks. If your state does not offer online ordering, you will need to visit a DMV office in person with your current ID and payment.
A few states also let you request a duplicate through the mail by filling out a form, including a photocopy of your current license, and mailing it with a check or money order. This route typically takes longer — three to six weeks — because the form has to travel both ways.
Key Takeaways
- Most states let you order a duplicate driver's license online through the DMV website, which is faster than going to an office.
- You will need to pay a fee that varies by state, usually between $5 and $20 for a duplicate.
- If you order online or by mail, your replacement will arrive in one to three weeks; in-person requests are sometimes faster.
- You must have a current form of ID to request a duplicate, whether you are ordering online, by mail, or in person.
What you need before you request
Have your current driver's license number ready, or know your date of birth and the state where your license was issued. If you are ordering online, the DMV website will ask for one or both of these to pull up your record. If you cannot remember your license number, you can usually call the DMV and give them your name and date of birth to look it up.
You will also need a payment method. Most online systems accept credit cards and debit cards. If you are going in person or mailing a request, check whether your state accepts checks, money orders, or cash — policies vary. Have the exact fee amount ready; some offices do not make change.
If you are requesting a duplicate because your license was lost or stolen, some states ask you to sign a statement saying so. This is usually just a checkbox on the online form or a line you sign on a paper form. You do not need a police report unless you are also reporting identity theft.
Steps to order online
Go to your state DMV's official website and look for a link that says "Order a Duplicate License," "Replace Lost License," or "Reorder License." The exact wording varies by state. Click that link and you will be asked to enter your driver's license number or your name and date of birth.
The system will pull up your record and show you the current address on file. If that address is wrong, you may be able to update it as part of the same transaction, or you may need to do that separately. Confirm the address where you want the replacement mailed.
Select the reason for your request — usually "lost," "stolen," or "duplicate" — and review the fee. Pay with your credit or debit card. You will receive a confirmation number and an estimated delivery date. Write down the confirmation number in case you need to check on your order later.
In-person requests at a DMV office
Bring your current ID (your passport, a state ID card, or another government-issued photo ID will work if you do not have your license with you), proof of your address, and payment. Proof of address can be a recent utility bill, a lease, a bank statement, or a government letter with your name and current address on it.
Go to your nearest DMV office during business hours. Check the office's website first — many now use appointment systems, and walk-ins may have long waits or may not be accepted at all. If appointments are required, book one online or by phone before you go.
Tell the staff member you need a duplicate license. They will verify your identity, confirm your address, and process your payment. You will usually get a temporary paper license on the spot, and your plastic replacement will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.
Mail-in requests
read the duplicate license form from your state DMV website. Fill it out completely, including your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the address where you want the replacement sent. Sign and date the form.
Make a photocopy of your current driver's license — both the front and back — and attach it to the form. Include payment by check or money order made out to your state DMV or the specific agency name listed on the form. Put everything in an envelope and mail it to the address shown on the form.
Keep a copy of everything you send, including the form and a photo of the check or money order. Mail takes time to arrive and be processed, so expect three to six weeks before your replacement shows up. If you do not receive it after six weeks, call the DMV with your confirmation details to check the status.
Fees and timing by state
The cost of a duplicate driver's license ranges from about $5 to $20 depending on your state. Some states charge less for a duplicate than for a renewal. A few states offer the first duplicate free if your license was stolen, but charge a fee if it was lost. Check your state DMV website for the exact fee.
Timing also varies. Online orders usually arrive in one to three weeks. In-person requests often come with a temporary paper license you can use right away, with the plastic card arriving in one to two weeks. Mail-in requests take the longest — three to six weeks — because processing is slower and mail travel time is longer.
If you need your license urgently, an in-person visit is your fastest option because you leave with a temporary document that is valid for driving. If you can wait, online ordering is usually cheaper and requires no trip to an office.
What to do if your address has changed
If you have moved since your license was issued, you can update your address when you request the duplicate. Online systems usually let you change it as part of the same transaction. If you are going in person, bring proof of your new address and the staff will update it while processing your duplicate request.
If you are mailing your request, write your new address clearly on the form and include proof of that address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The DMV will update your record and send the duplicate to your new address.
Some states charge a small additional fee to update your address at the same time you request a duplicate. Check the fee schedule on your state DMV website before you submit your request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a duplicate license if my current one is expired?
Yes. A duplicate is a replacement of your current license, whether it is active or expired. You can order a duplicate of an expired license. If you also need to renew it, that is a separate transaction and may cost more.
What if I do not have any ID to show when I go in person?
You will need some form of government-issued photo ID — a passport, a state ID card, a military ID, or a tribal ID. If you have none of these, call your DMV office before you go and ask what documents they will accept as proof of identity. Some offices have alternative procedures for people without photo ID.
How long is a duplicate license valid?
A duplicate license is valid for the same length of time as your original license. If your original license expires in three years, your duplicate will too. You do not get a new expiration date just because you ordered a replacement.
Can someone else pick up my duplicate license if I cannot go to the DMV?
If you ordered online or by mail, the license is mailed to the address you provided, so anyone at that address can receive it. If you need to pick it up in person at a DMV office, policies vary by state. Some allow a family member to pick it up with a signed note from you; others require the person named on the license to come in. Call your DMV office to ask what they allow.
What if my duplicate license arrives damaged or with the wrong information?
Contact your state DMV with your confirmation number and explain the problem. Most states will send you a replacement at no extra charge. Keep the damaged license and follow the DMV's instructions on whether to return it or destroy it.