Where to get a replacement driver's license
You replace your driver's license at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), or whatever your state calls it — some states use the Secretary of State's office or a Division of Driver Services. The process is the same whether your license was lost, stolen, damaged, or expired: you go to a DMV office in person, bring the required documents, pay a fee, and receive a replacement.
Most states let you start the process online or by mail, but you will need to visit an office to provide your signature and have your photo taken. A few states allow mail-in replacement for certain situations, such as a straightforward renewal or a name change on an existing license, but a lost or stolen license almost always requires an in-person visit.
The fastest route is usually to find your state's DMV website, check the office locations and hours near you, and call ahead to confirm they have the documents you need. Many DMV offices now let you reserve a time slot online, which can cut your wait time from hours to minutes.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DMV office in person to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged driver's license, though some states let you start the process online first.
- Bring your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and proof of your identity — the exact documents vary by state and by whether your license was lost or expired.
- Replacement fees range from roughly $15 to $50 depending on your state and how long the new license is valid.
- A replacement license usually arrives within two to four weeks if you receive it by mail, or when ready if you get a temporary paper license at the office.
- If your license was stolen, report it to police first and bring the report number to the DMV, as some states require it to issue a replacement.
Documents you need to bring
Every state requires proof of identity and proof of your current address. Proof of identity usually means your Social Security card, birth certificate, or passport. Proof of address means a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address on it — typically dated within the last 60 days.
If your license was lost or stolen, bring a police report if your state requires one. Check your state's DMV website for the exact list, because requirements vary. Some states ask for your old license number if you remember it, and some require a completed process form that you can read ahead of time or fill out at the office.
If your name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring the document that proves it: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have changed your address since your last license but have not updated it, bring proof of the new address.
How much it costs and how long it takes
Replacement fees vary by state. Most states charge between $15 and $50 for a replacement license. Some states charge less if you are replacing a license that was lost or stolen versus one that was damaged. A few states charge more if you want a license that is valid for longer — for example, a 4-year license might cost $25 while an 8-year license costs $40.
If you receive your replacement at the DMV office, you usually get a temporary paper license that is valid when ready while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you. The plastic license typically arrives within two to four weeks. If you need a license sooner, some states offer expedited printing for an extra fee, usually $10 to $25, which can cut the wait to one to two weeks.
Processing time at the office itself depends on how busy the DMV is. Offices that let you book a time slot online usually process you within 30 minutes to an hour. Walk-in offices can have waits of two to four hours, especially on weekdays and at the end of the month.
If your license was stolen
If your license was stolen, report it to the police and get a report number. Some states require this report number when you explore for a replacement, while others just ask you to state that it was stolen. Bring the report number to the DMV if you have it.
Reporting a stolen license also protects you if someone tries to use it for fraud. The police report creates a record, and some states flag stolen licenses in their system so that if someone tries to use yours, it will be caught. You do not need to wait for the police to complete their investigation — you can replace your license when ready after filing the report.
If you are concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them. This makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name.
Replacing an expired license
An expired license can usually be replaced by mail or online in most states, without a visit to the DMV office. You fill out a form, pay the fee, and mail it in with a copy of your expired license. The replacement arrives by mail within two to four weeks.
However, if your license expired more than a certain number of years ago — usually five to ten years, depending on your state — you may have to visit the office in person and retake the written test or vision test. Check your state's rules before you assume you can renew by mail.
If your license is expiring soon but has not expired yet, you can renew it instead of replacing it, which is often faster and cheaper. Renewal usually just requires updating your address or photo, while replacement is for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses.
Getting a temporary license while you wait
Most DMV offices issue a temporary paper license on the spot when you complete your replacement process. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready and remains valid until your plastic license arrives in the mail. Write down the expiration date and keep the temporary license with you while you drive.
If your state does not issue a temporary license at the office, ask whether you can get a letter from the DMV stating that you have applied for a replacement. Some police officers will accept this letter if you are pulled over, though it is not a legal substitute for a license.
If you need to drive before your replacement arrives and your state does not offer a temporary license, you have a few options: ask someone else to drive you, use a rideshare service, or wait until your replacement arrives. Driving without a valid license or a temporary license can result in a traffic citation.
Replacing your license online or by mail
Some states let you replace a lost or stolen license by mail, though this is less common than in-person replacement. You typically fill out a form on the DMV website, pay the fee online, print the form, sign it, and mail it along with copies of your documents and your old license if you have it. The replacement arrives by mail within two to four weeks.
A few states offer online replacement for certain situations, such as if your license was lost within the last year and you have not had a name change. Check your state's DMV website to see whether mail-in or online replacement is an option for your situation.
Mail-in and online replacement are slower than in-person replacement because you do not get a temporary license at the time of process. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you will have to arrange other transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while waiting for my replacement license to arrive?
Yes, if you received a temporary paper license at the DMV office when you applied. This temporary license is valid for driving and remains valid until your plastic license arrives. If your state does not issue a temporary license, you cannot legally drive until your replacement arrives.
What if I lost my license and do not have my Social Security card or birth certificate?
You can bring other forms of identity, such as a passport, military ID, or state ID card. If you do not have any of these, contact your DMV office to ask what other documents they will accept. You may be able to bring a combination of documents, such as a school ID plus a utility bill, to prove your identity.
How much does it cost to replace a driver's license?
Fees vary by state and typically range from $15 to $50. Some states charge less for a replacement than for a renewal, and some charge more if you want a license valid for a longer period. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee.
Do I need a police report to replace a stolen license?
It depends on your state. Some states require a police report number when you replace a stolen license, while others do not. Check your state's DMV website or call your local DMV office to confirm whether a report is required.
Can I replace my license by mail if it expired?
Most states allow mail-in renewal for an expired license, though the process is called renewal rather than replacement. If your license expired more than five to ten years ago, you may have to visit the office in person. Check your state's DMV website for the rules that explore to your situation.