Report the theft to your state's DMV when ready

Call your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or visit their website to report the stolen license. Most states have a dedicated phone line or online form for this. You will need to provide your license number, date of birth, and the date you discovered it was missing. The DMV will flag your license in their system so it cannot be used fraudulently.

Reporting to the DMV is separate from reporting to police — do both. The DMV handles the license itself; police handle the theft as a crime. Some states let you report both in one place, but calling the DMV directly is faster and guarantees your license gets flagged before someone tries to use it.

After you report it, the DMV will either cancel your current license or issue you a replacement. Ask which one happens and whether there is a fee. Some states charge $10 to $30 for a replacement license; others waive the fee if you report the theft within a certain timeframe.

File a police report

Go to your local police station or file a report online through your city or county's police website. You will need to describe what was in your wallet or bag when it was stolen, when you last saw the license, and where you were when you discovered it missing. The police will give you a report number.

Keep this report number. You will need it if someone uses your stolen license to open accounts, get arrested, or commit fraud in your name. Banks, credit card companies, and identity theft services all ask for the police report number as proof the theft occurred.

Filing a police report does not mean an officer will investigate when ready or recover your license. It creates an official record that protects you if the license is used illegally.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact your state's DMV by phone or online to report the stolen license and have it flagged in their system before someone uses it.
  • File a separate police report and keep the report number, because you will need it to prove the theft if fraud occurs later.
  • Check your credit reports and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus if your Social Security number or financial information was also in your wallet.
  • Order a replacement license from the DMV once the original is reported; most states issue them within one to two weeks.
  • Monitor your name in public records and watch for unexpected arrests or traffic citations, which can signal someone is using your license.

Check your credit and place a fraud alert

A stolen driver's license alone does not directly expose your credit, but if your wallet also contained your Social Security card, credit cards, or bank information, you are at higher risk. Get free copies of your credit reports from all three bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — at annualcreditreport.com. Look for accounts you did not open or charges you did not make.

Contact all three credit bureaus and place a fraud alert on your file. This tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place a fraud alert by phone or online with one bureau, and they are required to notify the other two. The alert lasts one year and is free.

If you find fraudulent accounts or charges, contact the creditor when ready and file an identity theft report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov. The FTC report creates an official record that helps you dispute fraudulent accounts.

Order a replacement license from the DMV

Once you have reported the theft, you can order a replacement license. Most states let you do this online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. You will need to show proof of identity — a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card — and proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease.

Replacement licenses usually arrive within one to two weeks if you order online or by mail. In-person replacement at a DMV office is faster, often the same day, but requires an appointment in many states. Check your state's DMV website for current wait times and whether you need to book ahead.

Some states charge a replacement fee of $10 to $30; others waive it if you report the theft within 30 days. Ask about the fee when you report the theft so you know what to expect.

Monitor for unauthorized use of your name

Someone with your stolen license could use it to get arrested, receive a traffic ticket, or open accounts in your name. These events create public records under your name and can damage your driving record or credit without your knowledge.

Check your driving record with your state's DMV every few months for the next year. You can usually do this online for a small fee or free through some insurance companies. Look for traffic citations or accidents you did not cause.

Set up alerts on your credit reports so you are notified if someone tries to open a new account. Most credit bureaus offer free alerts through their websites. You can also search your name periodically in public records databases to catch unexpected arrests or court cases.

What to do if your license is used fraudulently

If you discover that someone used your stolen license — for example, they were arrested in your name or opened a credit card account — gather all the evidence: police reports, court documents, credit card statements, or arrest records. Contact the organization involved (the police department, court, or creditor) and provide your police report number and the FTC identity theft report.

Send written disputes to creditors and credit bureaus, including copies of your police report and FTC report. Keep copies of everything you send. Creditors are required to investigate disputes within 30 days and remove fraudulent accounts if you provide proof of the theft.

If someone was arrested in your name, contact the police department and court that issued the arrest record. Provide your police report and ask them to correct the record. This process can take months, so start when ready if it happens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive without my license while I wait for the replacement?

Most states let you drive with a police report number or a temporary license issued by the DMV while your replacement is being processed. Ask the DMV what proof you need to carry. Driving without any valid license or proof of reporting is illegal.

What if my stolen license is found and used to get arrested?

Contact the police department and court when ready with your police report number and proof that you reported the theft. Ask them to correct the arrest record and remove it from your name. Bring your replacement license as proof of your identity. This is a common problem and courts have procedures to handle it, but you must act quickly.

Do I need to notify my bank or credit card companies?

Only if your bank cards or account numbers were also in your wallet. If only your driver's license was stolen, there is no when ready risk to your bank accounts. If you are concerned about identity theft, call your bank and ask them to watch for suspicious activity.

How long does it take for the DMV to flag my stolen license?

Most states flag a license within hours of your report, but some take up to one business day. Call the DMV to confirm your license has been flagged before you leave. Do not assume it is done until they tell you.

Will I have to pay for the replacement license if I report the theft?

Most states waive the replacement fee if you report the theft within 30 days, but some charge $10 to $30 regardless. Check your state's DMV website or ask when you report the theft. The fee varies by state.