Report the loss to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles right away

The first step is to contact your state's DMV — the exact name and phone number vary by state, but you can find it by searching "[your state] DMV lost license" or calling 411. When you call, tell them your license number if you have it, your full name, and your date of birth. They will flag your license as lost in their system, which prevents someone else from using it if they find it.

Some states let you report a lost license online through their DMV website. Others require you to call or visit in person. A few states have both options. Check your state's DMV website first — it usually has a "lost or stolen license" page that tells you exactly how to proceed and what documents you need to bring if you have to go in person.

Reporting the loss does not automatically replace your license. It straightforward tells the state that your old one is no longer valid. You will still need to request a replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact your state's DMV by phone, online, or in person to report the loss and prevent someone else from using your license.
  • You will need to pay a replacement fee, which ranges from about $10 to $30 depending on your state.
  • A replacement license usually arrives by mail within one to three weeks, though some states offer same-day replacements at the DMV office.
  • While you wait for your replacement, you can request a temporary paper license or ID from the DMV to use for driving and identification.
  • If you suspect your license was stolen rather than lost, also file a report with your local police department.

Request a replacement license in person or by mail

After you report the loss, you need to request a replacement. Most states let you do this at the same time you report it. You will need to bring a form of identification — usually a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card — and pay a replacement fee. The fee typically ranges from $10 to $30, but the exact amount depends on your state and whether you want a standard or expedited replacement.

If you go to the DMV office in person, you can often get a temporary paper license on the spot that you can use for driving and identification while you wait for your permanent replacement to arrive by mail. This temporary license usually lasts 30 to 60 days. If you request your replacement by mail, ask the DMV whether they will send a temporary license with your process or if you need to pick one up at an office.

Get a temporary license while you wait for the replacement

A temporary license is a paper document that the DMV issues when ready and that has the same legal weight as your plastic license for driving and identification purposes. You can use it to drive, board a plane, enter a federal building, or prove your identity to a police officer. The temporary license displays your name, date of birth, license number, and expiration date.

Not all states issue temporary licenses automatically. Some require you to ask for one when you request your replacement, and a few do not offer them at all. If your state does not issue temporary licenses, you may be able to drive legally for a short grace period while your replacement is in the mail — check your state's DMV website for the exact rules. If you cannot drive legally without a license in your state and no temporary license is available, you will need to arrange other transportation until your replacement arrives.

File a police report if you suspect theft

If you believe your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, file a report with your local police department. You do not need to do this in person — many police departments let you file a report online or by phone. Provide them with the date you last saw the license, where you were when you realized it was missing, and any other details you remember.

A police report creates an official record that can protect you if someone uses your license fraudulently. If the person who stole it uses it to get a ticket or commit a crime, the report shows that you reported it missing beforehand. Keep a copy of the police report number for your records.

Check your credit and identity if theft is involved

If your license was stolen, monitor your credit report for the next several months to watch for fraudulent accounts opened in your name. You can request a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — once per year at AnnualCreditReport.com. You can also place a fraud alert on your credit file by contacting any one of the three bureaus; they will notify the others automatically.

A fraud alert tells creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. It lasts for one year and does not cost anything. If you discover that someone has actually opened accounts or made charges using your stolen license, contact those creditors when ready and file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov.

Understand the timeline for receiving your replacement

A standard replacement license usually arrives by mail within one to three weeks, depending on your state and how busy the DMV is. Some states take longer — up to four to six weeks in peak seasons. If you need your license faster, most states offer expedited replacement for an additional fee, usually $10 to $25 on top of the standard replacement fee. Expedited licenses typically arrive within five to ten business days.

A few states also offer same-day replacement if you visit a DMV office in person. You pay the replacement fee, have your photo taken, and walk out with a temporary license that day. Your permanent plastic license still arrives by mail later, but the temporary license is valid for driving and identification when ready.

Update your address if you have moved since your last license

If you have moved since your license was issued, you can update your address when you request your replacement. Bring proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement usually works — along with your identification. The DMV will print your new address on your replacement license.

If you do not update your address now, you will need to do it separately later. Keeping your address current with the DMV is important because it is how they contact you if there are issues with your license or registration, and it is what appears on your license if a police officer asks to see it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

It depends on your state and whether you have a temporary license. If your state issues temporary licenses and you have one, you can drive legally. If you do not have a temporary license, check your state's DMV website — some states allow a short grace period for driving without a license after you report it lost, while others do not. Driving without a valid license or temporary license can result in a ticket.

What if I find my original license after I report it lost?

Contact your DMV and tell them you found it. They will remove the lost flag from their system. If you have already received a replacement license, you can keep using it — both licenses will have the same number, but only one will be active. Destroy your original license by cutting it up so no one else can use it.

Do I need to notify my insurance company?

You do not have to, but it is a good idea to let them know if your license was stolen rather than lost. This creates a record in case someone uses your license information fraudulently. Your insurance company will not change your policy or rates because you lost your license — they only care if you were driving without a valid license when an accident happened.

How much does a replacement license cost?

The cost varies by state, ranging from about $10 to $30 for a standard replacement. Expedited replacements cost more, usually an additional $10 to $25. Some states charge different amounts depending on how long your new license is valid — a license valid for four years costs less than one valid for eight years. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee.

What if I lost my license while traveling out of state?

You can still report it to your home state's DMV by phone or online and request a replacement. It will be mailed to your home address. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask the DMV about temporary licenses or grace periods. You can also contact the DMV office in the state where you are traveling to see if they can issue you a temporary document for identification purposes, though this varies by state.