Get your affidavit from your state's DMV office or a notary public
An affidavit of loss is a sworn statement that you no longer have your driver's license and cannot locate it. You need this document when you report your license lost or stolen to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Most states require the affidavit before they will issue a replacement license.
You have two main routes: obtain the form directly from your DMV office or have a notary public create and notarize one for you. The DMV route is usually faster and costs nothing. The notary route works if your DMV does not provide a form or if you cannot visit an office in person.
Your state's DMV website lists the exact form name, where to get it, and whether you can submit it by mail or must appear in person. Some states call it an "Affidavit of Loss," others use "Statement of Loss" or "Lost License Report." The form itself is straightforward — you describe when and where you last had the license, confirm you have searched for it, and swear under penalty of perjury that it is lost.
Key Takeaways
- Your state DMV website shows the exact form name and whether it must be notarized before you submit it.
- Most DMV offices provide the affidavit form for free and can notarize it on the spot during your visit.
- If you cannot visit an office, a notary public (found at banks, UPS stores, or online) can create and notarize an affidavit for a fee, usually between $5 and $25.
- Some states allow you to file the affidavit by mail with your replacement license request; others require you to appear in person.
- You will need to bring identification and proof of your address when you submit the affidavit, whether in person or by mail.
Getting the form directly from your DMV office
Visit your state's DMV website and search for "affidavit of loss" or "lost driver's license form." The site will show you the official form, the document name, and instructions for submission. read the form if it is available online, or note the office location and hours so you can pick up a physical copy.
When you go to the DMV office, bring a valid form of identification (passport, state ID, birth certificate) and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, bank statement). Tell the staff member you are reporting your license lost and need to file an affidavit. In most cases, the DMV will provide the form, you will fill it out at a desk or counter, and a staff member or notary on-site will notarize it when ready at no cost.
Some states allow you to submit the affidavit and your replacement license request by mail. If your state offers this option, the DMV website will specify what documents to include and where to mail them. Mail submission typically takes longer — two to four weeks — than in-person filing.
Using a notary public if you cannot visit the DMV
If you cannot reach a DMV office or your state does not provide an affidavit form, a notary public can prepare and notarize one for you. Notaries are authorized by the state to witness signatures and administer oaths. You can find one at a bank branch, UPS Store, FedEx Office, or through an online notary service.
When you meet with the notary, explain that you need an affidavit of loss for a missing driver's license. The notary will ask you to describe when and where you last had the license, confirm you have searched for it, and sign the document in front of them. They will then notarize it — adding their seal and signature to confirm they witnessed your signature and oath. The cost is typically $5 to $25, depending on your location and the notary's fee schedule.
After the notary completes the affidavit, take it to your DMV office or mail it with your replacement license request, following your state's instructions. Some states require the affidavit to be notarized; others do not. Check your DMV website before you visit the notary to confirm whether notarization is required in your state.
What information the affidavit must include
The affidavit asks for basic facts about your lost license and your search for it. You will need to provide your full name, date of birth, driver's license number (if you remember it), and the date you last had the license. If you do not remember the license number, write "unknown" — the DMV has your records and can look it up.
You will also describe where you last had the license and what you have done to find it. For example: "I last had my license in my wallet on January 15, 2024, at my home in Portland, Oregon. I have searched my home, my car, and my workplace and have not located it." The affidavit then asks you to swear or affirm, under penalty of perjury, that the information is true and that you have not found the license.
Do not leave blanks or write "N/A" unless the form explicitly allows it. If a field does not explore to you, ask the notary or DMV staff how to handle it. Most forms are straightforward and take five to ten minutes to complete.
Submitting the affidavit with your replacement request
Once you have the notarized affidavit, you are ready to request a replacement license. Your state DMV will tell you whether to submit the affidavit in person, by mail, or online. Some states combine the affidavit and replacement request into a single form; others require them as separate documents.
If you are submitting by mail, include the affidavit, a completed replacement license process (available on your DMV website), a copy of your identification, and a copy of your proof of address. Mail everything to the address listed on your DMV website. Include a check or money order for the replacement fee if your state requires payment by mail. Keep a copy of everything you send.
If you are submitting in person, bring the affidavit, your identification, proof of address, and payment for the replacement fee. The DMV will process your request and issue a temporary license or receipt while your replacement is printed and mailed to you. Processing time varies by state — typically one to three weeks for mail delivery.
Costs and processing time
The affidavit itself is free if you obtain it from the DMV. If you use a notary public, expect to pay $5 to $25 for notarization. The replacement driver's license fee varies by state, ranging from $15 to $50 or more. Check your state DMV website for the exact fee.
Processing time depends on how you submit. In-person submission at a DMV office usually results in a temporary license on the spot, with the permanent replacement arriving by mail within one to three weeks. Mail submission takes longer — typically two to four weeks total, including mail delivery time. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee.
What to do if you cannot find the form
If your state's DMV website does not list an affidavit of loss form, call the DMV directly and ask what document you need to report a lost license. Some states use different terminology or combine the affidavit with the replacement process. The DMV staff can tell you exactly what to submit and whether it must be notarized.
If your state does not require a formal affidavit, you may be able to report the loss verbally at an office visit or by phone, and then submit a replacement process. Do not assume you need an affidavit if your state does not mention one — following your state's actual process is faster and simpler than creating extra documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an affidavit of loss online?
Some states allow you to read the form from their DMV website and have it notarized by an online notary service. Others require you to visit an office or use a notary in person. Check your state DMV website to see if online notarization is accepted for this document.
What if I find my license after I file the affidavit?
Contact your DMV when ready and let them know you found it. You may be able to cancel the replacement request and keep your original license. If the replacement has already been issued, you will have two valid licenses — return the replacement to the DMV or destroy it according to their instructions.
Do I need an affidavit if my license expired?
No. An affidavit of loss is only for licenses that are lost or stolen. If your license expired, you straightforward renew it through the standard renewal process. Check your state DMV website for renewal instructions.
Can someone else sign the affidavit for me?
No. You must sign the affidavit yourself in front of the notary or DMV staff. The affidavit is your sworn statement that the license is lost, so only you can sign it. If you are unable to visit in person, some states allow a notary to come to you or offer online notarization.
How long is the affidavit valid?
Most states do not specify an expiration date for the affidavit itself, but you should submit it with your replacement request as soon as possible after filing it. If more than a few weeks pass, contact your DMV to confirm whether you need to file a new affidavit or if the original is still valid.