Where to replace your driver's license
You replace a driver's license at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), or whatever your state calls it — some states use the Secretary of State's office, others use the Department of Transportation. The exact name and location depend on where you live. You can find your state's office by searching "[your state] DMV" or visiting your state government's main website and looking for the motor vehicles section.
Most states let you replace a license in person at a local DMV office, by mail, or online through their website. The fastest method is usually in person, because you walk out with a temporary license the same day. Mail and online options take longer — typically one to three weeks — but you do not have to leave home.
Before you go or submit anything, check your state's DMV website for the exact process, because the steps and documents required vary by state. Some states charge a small fee for replacement; others do not. Your state's website will tell you the fee and whether you can pay online or only in person.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles directly, either online, by phone, or in person, to find out which replacement method is available to you.
- In-person replacement usually gives you a temporary license on the spot, while mail and online replacements take one to three weeks.
- You will need to prove your identity and residency, typically with documents like a birth certificate, Social Security card, and a utility bill or lease.
- Replacement fees vary by state and range from free to around $30, depending on whether you lost the license or it was damaged.
- If your license was stolen, some states require you to report it to the police first or provide a police report number.
Documents you will need to bring or submit
The exact documents required depend on your state, but most DMVs ask for proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. A valid passport or birth certificate works for identity. A utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address works for residency. Your Social Security card itself, or a tax return or W-2 form with your number on it, works for Social Security proof.
If your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged, some states require a police report or a report number from your local police department. Call your local police non-emergency line to ask whether you need to file a report, or check your state DMV's website for the theft requirement.
Bring or upload the original documents or certified copies — photocopies usually do not work. If you are replacing by mail, make copies for your records before sending originals, because the DMV will not return them.
Replacing your license in person
Go to your nearest DMV office during business hours with your documents and payment (if required). You will fill out a form — usually the same form you filled out when you first got your license, or a shorter replacement form. The DMV staff will take a new photo and process your process on the spot.
You will receive a temporary paper license or a temporary plastic card that is valid for 30 to 60 days, depending on your state. Your permanent license will arrive in the mail within one to two weeks. Keep the temporary license with you until the permanent one arrives, because it is your proof that you are licensed to drive.
Some states require you to make an appointment before you come in. Check your state's DMV website to see whether walk-ins are accepted or whether you need to book a time slot online.
Replacing your license by mail
If your state offers mail replacement, go to the DMV website and read the replacement form. Fill it out completely, make copies of your documents, and mail everything to the address listed on the form. Include payment if your state charges a fee — the website will say whether to send a check or money order.
Mail replacement takes longer than in-person replacement because the DMV has to receive your packet, process it, and mail your new license back to you. This usually takes two to four weeks total. You will not have a temporary license during this time, so you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives.
Send your documents by certified mail or a tracked service so you have proof of delivery. Keep copies of everything you send in case the DMV loses your packet and you need to resubmit.
Replacing your license online
Some states let you order a replacement license through their DMV website without going in person or mailing documents. You upload photos of your documents, pay the fee online, and your new license is mailed to you. This method is faster than mail but slower than in person — usually one to two weeks.
Not all states offer online replacement yet, and some only offer it for certain types of replacement (for example, if your license expired but was not lost or stolen). Check your state's DMV website to see whether this option is available to you. If it is, the website will have a link to start the process.
What to do if you cannot find your documents
If you do not have a birth certificate or Social Security card, you can still replace your license, but the process takes longer. Contact your state DMV to ask which alternative documents they accept. Many DMVs accept a passport, a military ID, a school transcript, or a previous driver's license as proof of identity.
If you do not have proof of residency, ask the DMV which documents work — some accept a lease, others accept a mortgage statement, utility bill, or even a letter from a government agency addressed to you at your current address. The DMV website usually lists acceptable documents, but if you are unsure, call and ask before you make a trip.
Fees and how to pay
Replacement fees vary by state. Some states charge nothing for a lost or damaged license, while others charge $10 to $30. A few states charge more if your license was stolen versus lost. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee and whether it applies to your situation.
If you replace in person, you can usually pay with cash, check, or debit card at the DMV office. If you replace by mail, you will send a check or money order. If you replace online, you will pay by debit or credit card through the website. The DMV website will tell you which payment methods are accepted for your chosen method.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a replacement license?
In person: you get a temporary license the same day, and your permanent license arrives in one to two weeks. By mail: two to four weeks total. Online: one to two weeks. Times vary by state and how busy the DMV is.
Can I drive with a temporary license?
Yes, a temporary license issued by the DMV is valid for driving. Keep it with you at all times until your permanent license arrives. If you replace by mail and do not receive a temporary license, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You must replace it through the DMV of the state that issued it, not your current state. Contact that state's DMV office and ask about mail or online replacement options, since traveling back may not be practical.
Do I need a police report if my license was stolen?
Some states require a police report number, others do not. Check your state's DMV website or call the DMV to ask. If a report is required, call your local police non-emergency line to file one before you explore for replacement.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
If you replace by mail or online, the license is mailed to the address you provide, so anyone at that address can receive it. If you replace in person and cannot go yourself, call your DMV to ask whether a family member or friend can pick it up on your behalf — policies vary by state.