Your paper license is temporary, and you need to replace it before the expiration date printed on it

When you first get a driver's license, most states issue you a paper temporary license that you carry while your plastic card is being made. This paper version looks like a receipt — it has your photo, name, license number, and an expiration date, usually 30 to 60 days out. The plastic card arrives by mail later. If your paper license expires before the plastic one shows up, you cannot legally drive, even if you know your plastic card is on the way.

The expiration date on your paper license is not the same as your actual license expiration. It is only the important date for the temporary paper to stop working. Once your plastic card arrives, throw the paper away — you do not need to do anything else with it.

Key Takeaways

  • Your paper driver's license expires on the date printed on it, usually 30 to 60 days after you receive it, and you cannot drive after that date.
  • The plastic card arrives by mail separately and replaces the paper license entirely — you do not need to return the paper or do anything with it once the card comes.
  • If your plastic card has not arrived by the expiration date on the paper, contact your state's DMV or Department of Motor Vehicles before that date to request a replacement.
  • Carrying an expired paper license while driving is illegal, even if you have proof that your plastic card is in the mail.

What happens if your plastic card does not arrive in time

Most plastic licenses arrive within two to three weeks of your paper license being issued. If you are getting close to the expiration date on your paper and the plastic has not shown up, contact your state's DMV when ready — do not wait until the paper expires.

When you call or visit the DMV website, have your paper license number ready. The DMV can check the status of your plastic card and tell you whether it is still being printed, lost in the mail, or stuck somewhere else. If it is delayed, they can issue you a replacement plastic card on the spot or by mail, depending on your state's process.

Some states allow you to request an extension of your paper license if the plastic is delayed, though this is not standard everywhere. Asking the DMV is always worth doing — they would rather extend your paper than have you driving on an expired license.

If you lose your paper license before the plastic arrives

Losing your paper license before the plastic card comes is not ideal, but it is fixable. You cannot drive on a lost license, even temporarily. Go to your local DMV office or visit their website to report it lost and request a replacement.

The DMV will issue you a new paper temporary license on the spot if you go in person, or they will mail you one if you request it online. This new paper license will have a new expiration date, giving you another 30 to 60 days. Your original plastic card is still being made and will arrive separately — you will end up with two plastic cards (the original and a replacement), and you can use whichever one arrives first.

Keeping your paper license safe while you wait

Your paper license is your only legal proof of driving status until the plastic arrives. Keep it in your wallet or a safe place at home, not loose in your car where it can get wet or damaged. If it gets torn, faded, or unreadable, the police can refuse to accept it as valid identification during a traffic stop.

You must carry your paper license with you every time you drive. Unlike some states that allow you to show proof of a valid license on your phone, a paper license requires the physical document. If you are stopped and cannot produce it, you can be cited for driving without a license even though you have one.

What to do once your plastic card arrives

When your plastic driver's license arrives in the mail, check that all the information is correct — your name, address, license number, and expiration date. If anything is wrong, contact the DMV to request a correction.

Once you have confirmed the plastic card is correct, throw away the paper license. You do not need to return it to the DMV, and you do not need to keep it as a backup. The plastic card is your official license now, and that is what you carry from that point forward.

Different rules by state

The length of time your paper license is valid varies by state. Some states give you 30 days, others 60 days, and a few give longer periods. Check the expiration date printed on your specific paper license — that is the only important date that matters for you.

A few states have moved away from paper temporary licenses entirely and issue a digital temporary license that you can show on your phone instead. If your state does this, you will receive instructions on how to read and display it. The rules are the same — it expires on the date shown, and you need the plastic card before that date to keep driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired paper license if my plastic card is in the mail?

No. An expired paper license is not valid for driving, even if you have proof that your plastic card is on the way. If you are stopped, you can be cited for driving without a valid license. Contact your DMV before the expiration date to request a replacement or extension.

Do I need to return my paper license to the DMV when the plastic arrives?

No. You can throw away your paper license once the plastic card arrives. The DMV does not require you to return it, and keeping it serves no purpose. The plastic card is your official license from that point on.

What if the plastic card arrives with the wrong information on it?

Contact your DMV when ready and report the error. They will issue a corrected plastic card. Do not drive with an incorrect license if the information is wrong — use your paper license until the corrected plastic card arrives, or contact the DMV about a temporary extension if your paper is about to expire.

Can I get a digital copy of my license instead of waiting for the plastic?

Some states allow you to add your license to a digital wallet on your phone once the plastic card is issued, but this does not replace the paper license while you are waiting. A few states offer digital temporary licenses, but you would need to check your state's DMV website to see if this option exists where you live.

How long does it take to get the plastic card after I receive the paper license?

Most states mail the plastic card within two to three weeks. The exact timeline varies by state and by how busy the DMV is. If more than three weeks have passed and you have not received it, contact your DMV to check the status before your paper license expires.