What an affidavit of loss is and when you need one
An affidavit of loss is a signed, sworn statement you file with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) when your driver's license has been lost or stolen. It tells the DMV officially that you no longer have the card and cannot find it. The DMV uses this document to flag your old license as invalid in their system, which protects you if someone else tries to use it.
You need an affidavit of loss before you can get a replacement license. Some states require it; others let you skip it if you pay a small fee instead. The affidavit itself is free or costs a few dollars, while a replacement license typically costs $15 to $50 depending on your state.
The main reason to file one is security. Once the DMV records your loss, your old license cannot be used to open accounts, rent a car, or board a plane in your name. Without the affidavit, your lost license stays active in the system until it expires, leaving a window for misuse.
Key Takeaways
- An affidavit of loss is a sworn statement you file with your DMV to report that your driver's license is lost or stolen and cannot be used anymore.
- You can file the affidavit in person at your local DMV office, by mail, or online through your state's DMV website — the method depends on your state.
- You will need to bring or provide your name, date of birth, driver's license number (if you remember it), and a reason for the loss.
- After filing, you can order a replacement license at the same time, which usually arrives within one to three weeks.
- Some states let you skip the affidavit if you pay a replacement fee, but filing one protects your identity by deactivating your old license when ready.
How to file an affidavit of loss at your DMV
The process starts with finding the right form for your state. Go to your state's DMV website and search for "affidavit of loss" or "lost driver's license form." Most states have a PDF you can read and print, or a form you fill out online. A few states do not use a separate affidavit — they handle it as part of the replacement license request.
Once you have the form, fill in your personal details: full name, date of birth, current address, and your driver's license number if you remember it. You will also write a brief statement about when and where you lost the license, or that it was stolen. The form asks you to swear or affirm that the information is true — this is what makes it an affidavit, not just a regular form.
Sign the form in front of a notary public or at your DMV office. Some states let you sign it at home and bring it in; others require you to sign it in front of a DMV employee or notary. Check your state's instructions before you go. If you need a notary and do not have one, banks, law offices, and some libraries offer notary services for free or a small fee.
Where and how to submit your affidavit
You have three main options: in person, by mail, or online. In person is fastest — you walk into your local DMV office, hand over the signed affidavit, and often order your replacement license on the same day. Bring your form, a photo ID (passport, state ID, or other government-issued card), and proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease).
By mail works if you prefer not to visit an office. Print and sign the affidavit, put it in an envelope with a copy of your ID and address proof, and send it to the address listed on your state's DMV website. Mail takes longer — typically one to two weeks for the DMV to receive and process it, plus another week or two for your replacement license to arrive.
Online filing is available in some states. You upload a photo of your signed affidavit, a photo of your ID, and a photo of your address proof through the DMV's website. This is usually the fastest option if your state offers it. Check your state DMV's website to see which methods are available where you live.
What information you need to have ready
Before you start, gather these details: your full legal name, date of birth, current address, and your driver's license number if you can remember it. If you do not remember your license number, the DMV can look it up using your name and date of birth, so do not worry if you cannot find it.
You will also need to describe the loss. Write down when you last had the license and where you think you lost it, or state that it was stolen. If it was stolen, you do not need a police report to file the affidavit, but having one can speed things up. If you have a police report number, include it on the form.
For the in-person or mail route, bring or send a copy of a government-issued photo ID (passport, state ID, military ID) and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days). These prove who you are and where you live.
Timeline for getting your replacement license
After you file the affidavit, the DMV deactivates your old license in their system right away — usually within the same day if you file in person, or within a few business days if you mail or upload it. This means your lost license cannot be used, even if someone finds it.
Your replacement license takes longer. If you order it in person at the DMV, it typically arrives within one to three weeks by mail. If you file by mail or online, add another one to two weeks for the DMV to process your affidavit before they even start on the replacement. Some states offer expedited replacement for an extra fee, which can cut the time in half.
While you wait, you can request a temporary paper license at the DMV office, which you can use for driving and identification until your new card arrives. Not all states offer this, so ask when you file your affidavit.
What happens if you find your lost license
If your license turns up after you have filed the affidavit, contact your DMV and let them know. They can reactivate it in the system so you do not have to use the replacement. You may be able to do this by phone, online, or in person — check your state's website for the process.
If you have already received your replacement license, you now have two valid licenses. You can keep both or destroy the old one. There is no penalty for having filed the affidavit if the license reappears. The important thing is that the DMV knows the status of each card.
Affidavit of loss vs. replacement without an affidavit
Some states let you skip the affidavit and go straight to ordering a replacement license by paying a higher fee — usually $10 to $20 extra. This is faster if you are in a hurry, but it leaves your old license active in the system for a while. If someone finds it, they could potentially use it until it expires.
Filing the affidavit takes a bit longer but costs less and protects you when ready. It is the safer choice if you are worried about identity theft or fraud. If your license was stolen rather than lost, filing an affidavit creates an official record that can help if someone tries to use it.
Check your state's DMV website to see which option is available to you and what the costs are. Some states require the affidavit; others make it optional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a notary to sign the affidavit?
It depends on your state. Some states require a notary signature; others let you sign it in front of a DMV employee; and some let you sign it at home and bring it in. Check your state's affidavit form or DMV website to see what is required. If you need a notary, banks and law offices usually offer the service for free or a small fee.
Can I file an affidavit of loss online?
Some states offer online filing through their DMV website, where you upload a photo of your signed affidavit and ID. Others require you to file in person or by mail. Visit your state's DMV website and look for "lost license" or "affidavit of loss" to see what methods are available where you live.
What if I do not remember my driver's license number?
You do not need it. The DMV can look up your license number using your name and date of birth. If the form asks for it and you do not have it, leave that field blank or write "unknown" and the DMV will fill it in when they process your affidavit.
How long does it take to get a replacement license after filing an affidavit?
If you file in person and order the replacement at the same time, your new license usually arrives within one to three weeks. If you file by mail or online, add another one to two weeks for the DMV to process the affidavit first. Some states offer expedited service for an extra fee that can cut the time in half.
Do I need a police report to file an affidavit of loss?
No. You can file an affidavit whether your license was lost or stolen without a police report. However, if it was stolen and you have filed a police report, including the report number on your affidavit can help the DMV and may protect you if someone tries to use your license fraudulently.