You cannot print an official driver's license at home
Your driver's license is a government-issued ID card produced only by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency). It cannot be printed on a home printer, and printing a copy that looks like your real license is illegal in all states — even for personal use.
What you can do is print a copy of your driver's license for your own records, to show to a landlord or employer as proof you have one, or to keep with important documents. This copy has no legal standing and cannot be used as ID anywhere. If you need an actual replacement license, you must order it through your state's DMV.
Key Takeaways
- A printed copy of your driver's license is not a legal ID and cannot be used to prove your identity to police, banks, or any official body.
- If you have lost your physical license, you must order a replacement through your state's DMV website or in person at a local office.
- Printing a document that resembles an official license is a crime, even if you do it for yourself.
- A scanned or photographed copy of your license can be useful for personal records or to show a private employer that you hold a valid license.
When you actually need a replacement license
If your physical driver's license is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact your state's DMV directly. Most states now let you order a replacement online through their official website, which takes five to ten business days to arrive by mail. Some states charge a replacement fee (typically $5 to $20) and require you to verify your identity before processing the order.
If you need an ID sooner, you can visit a DMV office in person. Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (a recent utility bill or lease), and proof of citizenship (a birth certificate or passport). The DMV will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 to 60 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed.
How to make a copy for your own records
If you want to keep a scanned or printed copy of your license for personal reference — to attach to a rental process, store with your important documents, or send to a private employer — you can photograph or scan your physical license and print that image at home.
Use your phone camera or a flatbed scanner to capture both sides of your license. Save the image as a PDF or JPG file. Open the file in any document viewer or photo process and print it on standard 8.5 by 11 inch paper. This copy is for your records only and has no legal value as identification.
What a printed copy cannot do
A printed copy of your driver's license cannot be used to board a plane, enter a government building, open a bank account, or prove your identity to law enforcement. Banks, airlines, and government agencies require the original physical card or a state-issued ID document like a passport.
If someone asks you to show your driver's license, you must show them the actual card. Handing them a printed copy will not satisfy the request and may raise suspicion about why you do not have the real one with you.
How to order a replacement if you are out of state
If you live in a different state than where you got your license, you can still order a replacement from your home state's DMV. Visit the DMV website for the state that issued your license, find the "replace a lost license" or "duplicate license" option, and follow the online process. You will need to provide your license number (if you remember it), date of birth, and Social Security number.
If you do not know your license number, call the DMV's customer service line — the number is on the state's official website. They can look up your information by name and date of birth and tell you what documents you need to submit. Replacement licenses ordered by mail typically arrive within one to two weeks.
Digital ID options in some states
A growing number of states now offer a digital driver's license that you can store on your phone through Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. This is an official state-issued credential, not a printed copy, and can be used at TSA checkpoints and some other locations. Check your state's DMV website to see if a digital license is available where you live.
To set up a digital license, you usually read your state's official DMV app, verify your identity through the app, and then add the license to your phone's wallet. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Your physical license remains valid and you can carry both at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to print my own driver's license?
Yes. Creating any document that resembles an official government ID is a federal crime, even if you print it only for yourself and never show it to anyone. The penalty can include fines and jail time. A printed copy for personal records is legal only if it clearly looks like a photocopy and is not used as identification.
Can I use a photo of my license instead of the physical card?
No. Police, banks, and other official bodies will not accept a photograph or screenshot of your license as proof of identity. You must have the physical card with you. Some private employers may accept a photo to verify that you hold a valid license, but this is at their discretion.
How long does it take to get a replacement license by mail?
Most states mail replacement licenses within five to ten business days of your order. Expedited options are sometimes available for an extra fee and can reduce the wait to two to three business days. Check your state's DMV website for current processing times, as they vary by state and season.
What if I lost my license and need ID right now?
Visit a DMV office in person with proof of identity and residency. They will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 30 to 60 days while your permanent card is printed. Some states also issue temporary digital licenses through their mobile app on the same day.
Can I print a license from another state?
No. Each state's DMV is the only body that can issue or replace a license from that state. If you need a license from a different state, you must move there and explore for a new one, or contact the original state's DMV to order a replacement.