Report the theft to PennDOT right away

If your Pennsylvania driver's license has been stolen, contact PennDOT (Pennsylvania Department of Transportation) as soon as you realize it is missing. Call their customer service line at 717-787-2937 during business hours, Monday through Friday. Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready when you call.

PennDOT will flag your license number in their system so it cannot be used fraudulently. This step protects you if someone tries to use your stolen license to open accounts, rent a car, or commit identity theft in your name. The sooner you report it, the sooner that protection takes effect.

You do not need to file a police report first to contact PennDOT, though you may want to file one anyway if you suspect the theft was part of a larger crime or if your wallet contained other documents.

Key Takeaways

  • Call PennDOT at 717-787-2937 to report your stolen license and have it flagged in their system.
  • You will need to replace your license by visiting a PennDOT Driver License Center in person with proof of identity and residence.
  • A replacement license costs $30.50 and is valid for the remainder of your original license's expiration date.
  • If your wallet was stolen along with your license, also contact your bank and credit card companies to monitor for fraud.
  • File a police report if you believe the theft was part of identity theft or a larger crime.

Get a replacement license at a PennDOT Driver License Center

After reporting the theft, you will need to visit a PennDOT Driver License Center to replace your license in person. You cannot replace a stolen license by mail or online. Find your nearest center at www.dmv.pa.gov by entering your zip code.

Bring one form of primary identification (such as a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card) and one form of proof of residence (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your address has changed since your last license, bring documents showing your current address.

The replacement fee is $30.50. Your new license will be valid through the expiration date of your original license, not for a full renewal period. If your original license was set to expire soon, you may want to renew it at the same time, which costs an additional fee.

Monitor your credit and accounts for fraud

A stolen driver's license is a valuable document for identity theft. Thieves can use it to open credit accounts, explore for loans, or rent apartments in your name. Start monitoring your accounts when ready and consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file.

Contact your bank and credit card companies to report the theft and ask them to watch for suspicious activity. You can also request a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) at www.annualcreditreport.com. Review these reports for accounts you did not open.

If you find fraudulent accounts or charges, contact the creditor when ready and file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at www.identitytheft.gov. Keep records of all communications and documentation of the fraud.

File a police report if appropriate

If your wallet or purse was stolen, or if you suspect the theft is part of identity theft or another crime, file a report with your local police department. You can file in person at your local police station or, in some jurisdictions, online through your police department's website.

A police report creates an official record of the theft and can help if you later discover fraudulent accounts opened in your name. It also documents the crime for your records and may be needed if you file an identity theft claim with your insurance company.

Keep a copy of the police report number for your records. You may need it when contacting creditors or the credit bureaus about fraud.

What happens if someone uses your stolen license

If someone uses your stolen license to get a traffic ticket, commit a crime, or open an account, the offense may appear on your record. Because you reported the license stolen to PennDOT, you have documentation that you were not the person using it.

If you discover that your stolen license was used fraudulently, contact PennDOT again to document the misuse. Keep records of any tickets, charges, or accounts that were opened fraudulently. If you are contacted by law enforcement about an incident involving your stolen license, explain that the license was stolen and provide the date you reported it to PennDOT.

Temporary identification while you wait for your replacement

If you need to drive before you can visit a PennDOT Driver License Center, you cannot legally operate a vehicle without a valid license. However, once you have reported your license stolen and scheduled an appointment at a Driver License Center, you may be able to request a temporary paper license at the center on the day of your visit.

Some Driver License Centers issue temporary licenses on the spot, though this varies by location. Call the center you plan to visit ahead of time to ask whether they can issue a temporary license the same day you explore for your replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a police report to replace my license?

No. PennDOT will replace your license based on your report of theft to them. A police report is optional but recommended if you suspect identity theft or if your entire wallet was stolen.

How long does it take to get a replacement license?

You receive your replacement license on the day you visit the Driver License Center, provided you bring the required documents. There is no waiting period after your visit.

What if I find my stolen license after I report it?

Contact PennDOT again to let them know the license has been found. They can remove the theft flag from their system. Do not use the license; destroy it or return it to PennDOT.

Can I replace my license online or by mail?

No. Replacement of a stolen license must be done in person at a PennDOT Driver License Center. This is a security measure to prevent fraud.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport for identification?

PennDOT accepts other forms of primary identification, such as a Social Security card, military ID, or naturalization papers. Call 717-787-2937 to ask what documents they will accept in your situation.