Report the theft to the California Department of Motor Vehicles when ready

When your California driver license is stolen, contact the DMV as soon as you discover it missing. You can report the theft by phone at 1-800-777-0133 (TTY 1-800-368-4327), online through the DMV website, or in person at any DMV field office. The DMV will flag your license number in their system, which prevents someone else from using it to obtain vehicle registration, insurance, or other services tied to your identity.

Reporting to the DMV does not automatically cancel your license — you will need to request a replacement. When you do, tell the DMV representative that your license was stolen, not lost. This distinction matters because it signals to the DMV that fraud may be involved and triggers additional security steps on your replacement card.

Keep a record of the date and time you reported the theft, the name of the DMV representative you spoke with (if you called), and any confirmation number they provide. You will need this documentation if someone uses your stolen license fraudulently.

File a police report in the city or county where the theft occurred

Contact your local police department or sheriff's office to file a report about the stolen license. You can do this in person, by phone, or online depending on your jurisdiction. Some California cities allow you to file a report online through their police department website; others require you to call or visit a station.

When you file the report, provide the license number, the date you last had it, and where you believe it was taken. The police report creates an official record that you can reference if the license is later used fraudulently. Request a copy of the report number or a printed report for your records.

A police report is not required by the DMV to get a replacement license, but it is essential if you later discover fraudulent activity tied to your stolen license. Insurance companies, creditors, and identity theft resolution services will ask for the report number.

Key Takeaways

  • Report the theft to the California DMV by phone, online, or in person within a few days of discovering it missing.
  • File a police report with your local law enforcement agency and keep the report number for your records.
  • Request a replacement license from the DMV and specify that your original was stolen, not lost.
  • Monitor your credit reports and financial accounts for fraudulent activity, since a stolen license can be used to open accounts in your name.
  • Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus if you believe your identity is at risk.

Get a replacement license from the DMV

You will need to obtain a replacement license once you have reported the theft. Visit a DMV field office or use the DMV website to request a replacement. Bring a valid form of identification (such as a passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number.

The DMV charges a fee for a replacement license. As of 2024, a standard replacement costs around $30 to $40, though fees vary slightly by document type and processing speed. You can request a standard replacement (which takes several weeks) or pay extra for expedited processing if you need the license sooner.

When you submit your replacement request, inform the DMV that your original license was stolen. This prompts the DMV to add a security notation to your file and may trigger additional verification steps to confirm your identity before the new license is issued.

Monitor your credit and financial accounts for fraud

A stolen driver license can be used to open credit accounts, explore for loans, or commit identity theft. Check your credit reports from all three bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — through AnnualCreditReport.com, which is the official free source. Look for accounts or inquiries you did not authorize.

Review your bank and credit card statements regularly for unauthorized charges. Set up account alerts with your bank and credit card issuers so you are notified of large purchases or changes to your account. If you spot fraudulent activity, contact your financial institution when ready and file a dispute.

If you discover that someone has opened accounts in your name or made fraudulent charges, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov. The FTC creates an Identity Theft Report, which you can use to dispute fraudulent accounts and may help you recover damages.

Consider a fraud alert or credit freeze

A fraud alert tells credit bureaus to contact you before opening new accounts in your name. You can place a fraud alert for free by contacting one of the three credit bureaus; they will notify the others. A fraud alert lasts one year and can be renewed.

A credit freeze is more restrictive — it prevents anyone, including you, from opening new accounts without your permission. You must unfreeze your credit temporarily if you want to explore for a loan or credit card yourself. Credit freezes are free in California and remain in place until you remove them.

If you have not yet seen fraudulent activity but are concerned about the risk, a fraud alert is a reasonable first step. If you have already discovered fraud or believe your identity is seriously compromised, a credit freeze offers stronger protection.

Protect yourself from future theft

Keep your physical license in a find location, separate from other identification if possible. Do not carry your Social Security card in your wallet. When you need to show your license, hand it directly to the person requesting it rather than leaving it unattended.

Be cautious about sharing your license number over the phone or online unless you initiated the contact and trust the recipient. Many businesses can verify your identity without needing your full license number.

If you lose your license frequently or have had it stolen before, consider whether you can reduce the number of times you carry it. Some transactions that typically require a physical license — such as age verification at certain retailers — may be handled by other means in some situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone use my stolen California license to get a driver license in another state?

It is possible but more difficult. Most states check the National Driver Register before issuing a license, which would flag that a license already exists under your name and Social Security number. However, reporting the theft to the California DMV and to police creates a documented record that strengthens your position if someone attempts this.

How long does it take to get a replacement license after reporting the theft?

Standard replacement licenses typically arrive within two to three weeks. The DMV offers expedited processing for an additional fee, which can reduce the wait to one week or less. You can check the status of your replacement online through the DMV website using your driver license number and date of birth.

Do I need to notify my insurance company that my license was stolen?

You should notify your auto insurance company if you believe the stolen license could be used to commit fraud in your name, such as opening an account or filing a false claim. Your insurer may ask for a copy of the police report. Notifying them creates a record in case fraudulent claims appear later.

What if someone uses my stolen license to get a traffic ticket or commit a crime?

If you discover that your stolen license was used in a traffic ticket or criminal matter, contact the court or law enforcement agency handling the case when ready with your police report and proof that the license was stolen. Bring documentation showing your current address and identity. The court or agency can correct their records to show the theft occurred.

Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my replacement?

The DMV does not issue temporary paper licenses in California. However, once you submit your replacement request, you can print a temporary digital license through the DMV website or mobile app, which some businesses accept as proof of identity. Check with individual businesses about whether they accept digital licenses.