What an affidavit of loss is and why you need one
An affidavit of loss is a sworn statement you file with your state's motor vehicle department to report that your driver's license has been lost or stolen. It serves as official documentation of what happened, which protects you if someone tries to use your lost license fraudulently and creates a record that you reported it. Most states require this affidavit before they will issue you a replacement license.
The affidavit is not the same as a police report, though some states ask you to file one alongside it. The affidavit is specifically what the DMV needs to process your replacement. Without it, you cannot get a new license — the DMV will not issue one based on your word alone that the old one is gone.
Key Takeaways
- You must file an affidavit of loss with your state's motor vehicle department to report a lost or stolen driver's license before requesting a replacement.
- Most states provide the affidavit form on their DMV website or at the DMV office itself, and you sign it in front of a notary or DMV staff member.
- Some states require a police report for a stolen license but not for a lost one; check your state's specific rules before you file.
- The affidavit typically costs nothing, though you may pay a fee for the replacement license itself.
- Processing time for a replacement license after filing the affidavit usually ranges from one to three weeks, depending on your state.
Finding your state's affidavit form
Each state's motor vehicle department publishes its own affidavit of loss form. Go to your state's DMV website — search "[your state] DMV affidavit of loss" — and look for a downloadable PDF or a link to order the form by mail. Most states list it under sections labeled "Forms," "Lost License," or "Replacement License."
If you cannot find it online, call your state's DMV customer service line or visit a local DMV office in person. Staff can give you the form when ready or mail it to you. Some states allow you to complete the affidavit at the DMV office itself rather than bringing one you filled out at home.
Write down your state's DMV phone number and website before you start — you will need both to confirm what documents to bring and whether a police report is required in your situation.
What information the affidavit requires
The affidavit asks for basic identifying information: your full name, date of birth, driver's license number (if you remember it), and your current address. You will also state whether the license was lost or stolen, and approximately when you discovered it was missing.
Some states ask you to describe where you last saw the license or the circumstances of the loss — for example, "lost at a restaurant on March 15" or "stolen from my car on March 20." Others straightforward ask you to check a box for "lost" or "stolen" and move on. The form is usually one page and takes five to ten minutes to complete.
Do not sign the affidavit yet. Most states require your signature to be witnessed by a notary public or by a DMV employee. Signing it before you reach the notary or DMV invalidates it.
Getting the affidavit notarized or witnessed
You have two paths: have it notarized by a notary public, or sign it in front of a DMV employee. Check your state's DMV website to see which one is required — most states accept either, but some specify one or the other.
If you need a notary, you can find one at a bank (often free for customers), a UPS Store, a FedEx Office, a library, or a title company. Call ahead to confirm they are available and ask whether there is a fee — notary costs typically range from $5 to $15 per signature. Bring your completed affidavit and a photo ID. The notary will watch you sign, verify your identity, and stamp the document with their seal.
If you prefer to have a DMV employee witness your signature, bring the unsigned affidavit to your local DMV office when you go to request your replacement license. You can sign it there in front of staff, which combines two trips into one.
Filing the affidavit with the DMV
Once the affidavit is signed and notarized (or witnessed by DMV staff), submit it to your state's motor vehicle department. You can do this by mail, in person at a DMV office, or online through your state's portal — check your state's website to see which methods are available.
If you mail it, include a cover letter with your name, current address, phone number, and a brief note: "Enclosed is my affidavit of loss for my driver's license. Please process my replacement." Mail it to the address listed on your state's DMV website for license replacement requests. Use certified mail with return receipt if you want proof it arrived.
If you submit it in person, bring the notarized affidavit, your current photo ID, and any other documents your state requires for a replacement license (usually proof of residency and your Social Security number). Ask the DMV staff for a receipt showing they received your affidavit.
What to do if your license was stolen, not lost
If someone stole your license rather than you straightforward losing it, some states require you to file a police report before or alongside the affidavit. Check your state's DMV website or call their customer service line to confirm whether a report is mandatory in your state.
If a report is required, file it with your local police department (or the police department where the theft occurred). You do not need to wait for the police to complete their investigation — you can file the affidavit with the DMV as soon as you have a police report number. Some states allow you to file the report online; others require you to go to a police station in person.
Bring the police report number or a copy of the report when you submit your affidavit to the DMV. This protects you further by creating an official record that you reported the theft, which can help if someone attempts fraud using your old license number.
Timeline and what happens after you file
Processing time varies by state. Most states issue a replacement license within one to three weeks of receiving your affidavit. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee (typically $10 to $25), which can reduce the wait to three to five business days.
Your state will mail the replacement license to the address you provided, or you may be able to pick it up at a DMV office. Check your state's website or your receipt from the DMV to see which option applies and when you should expect to receive it.
If you do not receive your replacement license within the stated timeframe, contact your state's DMV customer service with your case number or the date you filed. They can check the status and reissue the license if there was a processing error.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a police report to get an affidavit of loss?
It depends on your state and whether your license was lost or stolen. Most states do not require a police report for a lost license, but many do require one if the license was stolen. Contact your state's DMV before you file to confirm what is required in your situation.
Can I sign the affidavit myself without a notary?
Most states require either a notary's seal or a DMV employee's signature as a witness. Signing it yourself without one of these invalidates the affidavit, and the DMV will reject it. Check your state's form to see the witnessing requirement, then arrange for a notary or plan to sign it at the DMV office.
What if I remember my license number?
Include it on the affidavit if you remember it — it helps the DMV process your request faster. If you do not remember it, the DMV can look it up using your name and date of birth, so leaving it blank will not delay your replacement.
Can someone else file the affidavit for me?
No. You must sign the affidavit yourself in front of a notary or DMV employee. The affidavit is a sworn statement that you are making personally, so a family member or friend cannot sign it on your behalf.
Will filing an affidavit of loss affect my driving record?
No. An affidavit of loss is straightforward a report that your license is missing. It does not appear on your driving record and does not affect your insurance rates or your ability to drive once you receive your replacement license.