Report the theft to PennDOT when ready

Call PennDOT's Customer Service Center at 717-787-2937 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time). Tell them your license number, date of birth, and that your license has been stolen. They will flag your license in the system so it cannot be used by someone else.

You do not need to visit an office in person to report the theft — the phone call is enough to protect your license from misuse. PennDOT will note the theft date in their records. Write down the date and time you called, and ask for a confirmation number if they offer one.

If you cannot reach PennDOT by phone, you can also report a stolen license in person at any PennDOT Driver License Center. Bring a photo ID (passport, military ID, or another state's driver's license) and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). The staff will process the theft report on the spot.

Key Takeaways

  • Report the theft to PennDOT by phone (717-787-2937) or in person at a Driver License Center as soon as you discover it is missing.
  • You will need to order a replacement license, which costs $30.50 and takes about two weeks to arrive by mail.
  • File a police report if you believe the license will be used for fraud or identity theft, and keep a copy for your records.
  • Monitor your credit reports and bank accounts for suspicious activity, and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus if you are concerned about identity theft.
  • You can drive legally while waiting for your replacement if you carry the police report or PennDOT's theft confirmation as proof.

Order a replacement license

After you report the theft, you will need to order a replacement. You can do this online at www.dmv.pa.gov, by mail, or in person at a Driver License Center. The replacement fee is $30.50 for a standard license.

If you order online, you will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your phone number. The replacement license will be mailed to the address on file with PennDOT. If your address has changed, update it before ordering so the license arrives at the correct location.

By mail, send a completed DL-44 form (process for a Driver's License or Learner's Permit) along with a check or money order for $30.50 to PennDOT. Include a note explaining that your license was stolen. Mail it to PennDOT, P.O. Box 68467, Harrisburg, PA 17106-8467. Processing takes about two weeks after they receive your process.

In person, bring your photo ID, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your Pennsylvania residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). The replacement will be issued on the spot, though you can also request it be mailed if you prefer.

File a police report if fraud is involved

If you believe someone may use your stolen license to commit fraud, open identity theft, or other crimes, file a report with your local police department. You can do this in person or by phone. Provide the officer with your license number, the date you discovered it was missing, and any details about how it was stolen.

The police report creates an official record that can protect you if the license is later used fraudulently. Keep a copy of the report for your records — you may need it if you have to dispute charges or correct your credit report later.

You can also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov if you suspect identity theft. The FTC does not investigate individual cases, but the report becomes part of a national database and you receive a recovery plan specific to your situation.

Check your credit and bank accounts

Monitor your bank and credit card accounts for unauthorized charges. Log in to your accounts online or call your bank directly to review recent transactions. If you see anything unfamiliar, contact your bank when ready to report it and dispute the charge.

Request your credit reports from all three bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — at www.annualcreditreport.com. You are may have access to to one free report from each bureau per year. Review them for accounts you did not open or inquiries you did not authorize.

If you find fraudulent accounts or inquiries on your credit report, contact the credit bureau in writing and dispute them. Include a copy of your police report with your dispute letter. The bureau must investigate within 30 days and remove inaccurate information.

Consider a fraud alert or credit freeze

A fraud alert tells creditors to contact you before opening new accounts in your name. It lasts one year and is free. Contact one of the three credit bureaus by phone or online, and they will notify the other two automatically. Equifax: 1-800-525-6285. Experian: 1-888-397-3742. TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289.

A credit freeze is stronger — it blocks creditors from viewing your credit report entirely, which makes it much harder for someone to open accounts in your name. You must request a freeze from each bureau separately. It is free in Pennsylvania if you have already been a victim of identity theft or fraud. A freeze lasts until you remove it, so you will need to temporarily lift it if you want to open new credit yourself.

If you are not yet a victim of fraud but are worried about the stolen license, a fraud alert is a reasonable first step. If fraud has already occurred, a credit freeze provides stronger protection.

What to do if stopped by police while waiting for your replacement

You can legally drive while your replacement license is in the mail if you carry proof that you reported the theft. Keep a copy of your police report or a written confirmation from PennDOT showing the theft date and your name. If an officer stops you, explain that your license was stolen and show them the proof.

Most officers will accept this explanation, especially if you can show the police report or PennDOT confirmation on your phone or in your car. However, the officer has discretion, so it is safest to carry the physical document if possible.

If you are concerned about being stopped, you can also request a temporary paper license from PennDOT while you wait for the replacement. Call 717-787-2937 to ask whether this option is available in your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement license?

By mail or online order, expect two to four weeks. In-person replacements at a Driver License Center are issued when ready if you request it, though you can also ask for it to be mailed. Check www.dmv.pa.gov for current processing times, as they vary by season.

Can someone use my stolen license to get a job or open a bank account?

Yes, which is why reporting it quickly matters. Once PennDOT flags your license as stolen, it will not pass verification checks that employers or banks run. However, some employers or institutions may not verify thoroughly, so monitoring your credit and accounts remains important.

Do I have to pay to report the theft?

No. Reporting the theft to PennDOT by phone or in person is free. You only pay $30.50 for the replacement license itself.

What if I find my stolen license after I order a replacement?

Destroy it or turn it in to PennDOT. Do not use it, even if you have not yet received the replacement. Once PennDOT flags it as stolen, it is no longer valid.

Should I file a police report if it is just a lost license, not stolen?

A police report is most useful if you suspect fraud or identity theft. If you straightforward lost your license and do not think anyone will misuse it, reporting the theft to PennDOT alone is usually enough. However, filing a police report costs nothing and creates a record, so it is a reasonable precaution either way.