What an affidavit of loss is and when you need one
An affidavit of loss is a signed statement you file with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to report that your driver's license has been lost or stolen. You file it instead of — or sometimes before — you request a replacement license. The affidavit creates an official record that you reported the loss, which protects you if someone uses your lost license fraudulently.
You need an affidavit of loss if your license has gone missing and you want to report it to the DMV before ordering a replacement. Some states require it; others make it optional but recommend it. A few states skip the affidavit step entirely and let you report the loss when you request the replacement card itself.
Filing an affidavit does not replace your license — it straightforward documents that you reported it missing. You will still need to request a replacement license separately, either at the same time or afterward.
Key Takeaways
- An affidavit of loss is a signed statement reporting your missing license to the DMV, and whether you need one depends on your state's rules.
- You can file the affidavit in person at a DMV office, by mail, or online through your state's DMV website — check your state's site first to see which methods are available.
- You will need your name, address, license number (if you remember it), and a description of how the license was lost, plus a valid ID to sign the affidavit.
- Filing an affidavit creates an official record of the loss but does not replace your license; you must request a replacement card separately.
- The affidavit protects you by documenting that you reported the loss before anyone could use it fraudulently in your name.
Check your state's DMV website for the affidavit form and filing method
Start by visiting your state's DMV website and searching for "affidavit of loss" or "lost license report." Most states post the form online as a PDF you can read and print, or they offer an online filing option you can complete directly on their site. A few states do not use affidavits at all — they let you report the loss when you order your replacement license instead.
If you cannot find an affidavit form on the website, call your state DMV's main number and ask whether your state requires one and where to get it. Some states keep the form only at local DMV offices, not online. Write down the form name and number (for example, "Form DL 44") so you can reference it when you call or visit.
Your state's website will also tell you whether you can file by mail, online, or in person only. Online filing is fastest if your state offers it; mail takes one to two weeks; in-person filing is when ready but requires a trip to a DMV office.
Gather the information you will need before you start
Before you fill out the affidavit, collect the following: your full legal name, current address, date of birth, and your driver's license number if you remember it. If you do not know your license number, write down the expiration date or the year you received the license — the DMV can look it up from that.
You will also need to describe how the license was lost (for example, "lost at the grocery store," "stolen from my car," "lost while traveling"). Be brief and factual. The DMV does not need a long story, just enough to document what happened.
Have a valid ID ready — a passport, state ID card, or birth certificate — because you will need to prove your identity when you sign the affidavit. If you are filing in person, bring the original ID. If you are filing by mail or online, you may need to provide a copy or your ID number.
Fill out the affidavit form accurately
The affidavit form is usually one page and asks for your personal information, license details, and a description of the loss. Fill in every blank that applies to you. Use black or blue ink if you are printing and writing by hand. Type clearly or print legibly — the DMV staff will not be able to process a form they cannot read.
When you reach the section asking how the license was lost, keep your answer straightforward: "Lost at home," "Stolen from wallet," or "Lost during move" are all sufficient. Do not leave this section blank, even if you are unsure exactly what happened. Write something like "Lost — location unknown" if that is the case.
At the bottom of the form, you will see a signature line and a date line. Sign the affidavit in front of a notary public if your state requires it (check the form or your state's website). Many states do not require notarization for a lost license affidavit, but some do. If notarization is required and you do not get it, the DMV will reject the form and send it back.
File the affidavit by your state's accepted method
If your state offers online filing, go to the DMV website, upload the completed form, and follow the prompts to submit it. You will usually receive a confirmation number when ready. Save or print this number in case you need to follow up.
If you are filing by mail, print the completed affidavit, sign it, and mail it to the address listed on the form or the DMV website. Use regular mail or certified mail (certified is slower but gives you proof of delivery). Include a copy of your ID if the form requests it. Mail typically takes one to two weeks to process.
If you are filing in person, bring the original completed form, your valid ID, and any other documents the form lists. Go to your local DMV office during business hours. The staff will review the form on the spot, answer any questions, and file it. You will usually receive a receipt or confirmation number before you leave.
Request your replacement license after the affidavit is filed
Filing the affidavit does not produce a new license — it only documents the loss. Once the affidavit is processed (usually within one to two weeks), you need to request a replacement license separately. Some DMV offices let you request the replacement at the same time you file the affidavit; others require you to wait for the affidavit to be processed first.
When you request the replacement, you will pay a replacement fee (usually $15 to $50, depending on your state) and provide a new photo if required. The replacement license will arrive by mail within one to three weeks, or you may be able to pick it up at a DMV office if your state offers that option.
Keep the affidavit confirmation number or receipt until your replacement license arrives. If there are any delays or questions, you can reference the affidavit filing to show you reported the loss officially.
What to do if your lost license is found or used fraudulently
If your license turns up after you have filed the affidavit, you do not need to file anything else. straightforward keep the license or turn it in to your local DMV office. The affidavit stays on file as a record that you reported it lost, which is fine.
If you discover that someone has used your lost license fraudulently — for example, they were stopped by police or used it to open an account — contact your state DMV when ready and report the fraud. Provide the affidavit confirmation number and explain what happened. The DMV can flag your account and invalidate the lost license so it cannot be used further. You may also want to file a police report and contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to monitor for identity theft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to file an affidavit of loss, or can I just order a replacement license?
It depends on your state. Some states require an affidavit before you can get a replacement; others make it optional. Check your state DMV website or call to find out. Even if it is optional, filing one protects you by creating an official record of the loss, which is useful if the license is used fraudulently later.
What if I do not remember my driver's license number?
Write down the expiration date or the year you received the license instead. The DMV can look up your license number from your name and date of birth. If the form has a blank for the license number and you truly cannot fill it in, leave it blank and write "unknown" next to it, or call the DMV to ask what to do.
Do I need to get the affidavit notarized?
Most states do not require notarization for a lost license affidavit, but some do. Check the form itself or your state DMV website. If notarization is required and you skip it, the DMV will reject the form. A notary is available at most banks, UPS stores, and public libraries for a small fee (usually $5 to $15).
How long does it take for the affidavit to be processed?
Online filing is usually processed within a few days. Mail filing takes one to two weeks. In-person filing is processed when ready, and you receive a receipt before you leave. After the affidavit is processed, you still need to request your replacement license, which takes another one to three weeks to arrive.
Can I file an affidavit if my license was stolen, not lost?
Yes. The affidavit covers both lost and stolen licenses. When you fill out the form, straightforward write "stolen" in the section describing how the license was lost. If you believe the theft was part of a larger crime, you can also file a police report separately, which may help if the license is later used fraudulently.