Report the theft to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles right away
Call your state's DMV during business hours and tell them your license has been stolen. Have your driver's license number ready if you can find it, or your date of birth and full name. The DMV will flag your license in their system so it cannot be used by someone else to rent a car, open accounts, or pass through airport security under your name.
Most states let you report a stolen license by phone, online, or in person. Online reporting is fastest — you can usually complete it in five minutes. If you call, expect to wait on hold. In-person visits to a DMV office typically take 30 to 60 minutes but may provide when ready processing.
After you report the theft, ask the DMV representative or check their website for the next step: whether you need to order a replacement license when ready or wait for them to mail you instructions. Some states issue a temporary paper license on the spot; others mail a replacement in 7 to 14 business days.
Key Takeaways
- Report the theft to your state DMV by phone, online, or in person as soon as you discover it missing.
- The DMV will flag your license number so it cannot be used fraudulently, but you still need to order a replacement to drive legally.
- File a police report if you suspect the theft was part of identity theft or if you need the report for insurance or other purposes.
- Check your credit reports and consider a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus if personal information was on or near the license.
- Replacement licenses usually cost $20 to $50 and take one to three weeks to arrive by mail, depending on your state.
File a police report if identity theft is a concern
You do not have to file a police report for a stolen license alone — the DMV report is usually enough to stop someone from using it. However, file a report if you believe the theft was part of a larger crime, if your wallet or purse was stolen along with the license, or if you notice suspicious activity on your credit accounts afterward.
Call your local police non-emergency line or visit your police department's website to file a report. Bring any information you have about when and where the license went missing. The police will give you a report number, which you can use if you need to dispute fraudulent charges or accounts opened in your name.
Place a fraud alert on your credit file
A fraud alert tells credit bureaus and lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. Contact one of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion — and request an initial fraud alert. You only need to contact one; that bureau will notify the other two.
An initial fraud alert lasts one year and is free. It does not prevent you from opening accounts yourself, but it requires lenders to call you at a phone number you provide before approving credit applications. If you believe your identity has already been stolen, you can request an extended fraud alert, which lasts seven years.
You can place a fraud alert online, by phone, or by mail. Online is fastest — most bureaus process it within 24 hours. Keep the confirmation number they give you for your records.
Check your credit reports for unauthorized accounts
Request free copies of your credit reports from all three bureaus at annualcreditreport.com, the official government site. Review each report for accounts you did not open, inquiries from lenders you did not contact, or addresses you do not recognize. If you find fraudulent activity, contact the credit bureau in writing and dispute the accounts.
You are may have access to to one free report from each bureau per year. If you placed a fraud alert, you can request additional free reports within 60 days. Check your reports again in three to six months to make sure no new fraudulent accounts have appeared.
Order a replacement license from your DMV
After you report the theft, your DMV will tell you how to order a replacement. Most states let you order online, by mail, or in person. Online ordering is fastest and usually costs $20 to $50, depending on your state. You will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address.
Some states mail a replacement license within 7 to 10 business days; others take up to three weeks. If you need to drive before the replacement arrives, ask the DMV whether they issue a temporary paper license or digital license you can show on your phone. A few states let you read a temporary digital license when ready after ordering online.
If you move before the replacement arrives, contact the DMV with your new address so they can forward it or reissue it to the correct location.
Notify your insurance company and financial institutions
Call your auto insurance company and tell them your license was stolen. They may flag your policy to watch for fraudulent claims. Also contact your bank and credit card companies if your wallet or purse was stolen along with the license, since thieves may have found payment cards or account information nearby.
Ask your bank whether they recommend freezing your accounts temporarily or monitoring them for suspicious activity. Most banks offer free fraud monitoring if you report a theft. If you had other documents in your wallet — Social Security card, insurance cards, or medical ID — contact those organizations as well.
Consider a credit freeze if you suspect identity theft
A credit freeze blocks lenders from viewing your credit report, which prevents thieves from opening accounts in your name. Unlike a fraud alert, a freeze stops new credit applications entirely — you will need to temporarily lift the freeze if you want to open a legitimate account yourself.
A credit freeze is free and permanent until you remove it. Place one with all three credit bureaus if you believe your identity has been stolen or if you found fraudulent accounts on your credit report. You can place a freeze online, by phone, or by mail. Each bureau will give you a PIN to lift the freeze later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone use my stolen license to get a loan or credit card?
Yes, which is why reporting the theft to the DMV and placing a fraud alert are important. A fraud alert requires lenders to call you before approving credit in your name. A credit freeze is stronger — it blocks lenders from viewing your credit report entirely. Monitor your credit reports regularly for accounts you did not open.
How long does it take to get a replacement license?
Most states mail a replacement within 7 to 14 business days, though some take up to three weeks. A few states offer temporary digital licenses you can read when ready after ordering online. Check your state DMV's website for the exact timeline and whether a temporary license is available.
Do I need to file a police report?
You do not need a police report just for a stolen license — the DMV report is sufficient. File one if your wallet or purse was stolen, if you suspect identity theft, or if you need the report for insurance or other purposes. A police report gives you a report number to use when disputing fraudulent accounts.
What if I find my license after I reported it stolen?
Contact your DMV and tell them the license was found. They will remove the theft flag from their system. You can continue using the original license if it is still valid. If you already ordered a replacement, you can keep it as a backup or destroy it.
Should I freeze my credit or just place a fraud alert?
A fraud alert is a good first step — it is free and lasts one year. A credit freeze is stronger but requires you to temporarily lift it if you want to open new accounts. If you found fraudulent accounts on your credit report or believe your identity has been stolen, a freeze offers more protection.