Report the theft to your state's DMV right away
Call your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or visit their website to report that your license has been stolen. You will need to provide your license number if you know it, your date of birth, and a description of when and where you last saw it. The DMV will flag your license in their system so it cannot be used by someone else.
Most states let you report a stolen license by phone, online, or in person at a local DMV office. Online reporting is usually fastest — you can often complete it in minutes. If you call, have your Social Security number ready; the DMV will ask for it to confirm your identity.
After you report it, the DMV will either cancel your current license when ready or issue you a replacement. Ask during your report whether you need to come in person or if they can mail a new one to you. Some states mail replacements automatically; others require you to request one.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your state DMV by phone, online, or in person within a day or two of discovering the theft, because a stolen license can be used to open accounts or commit fraud in your name.
- The DMV will cancel the stolen license and can issue a replacement, which usually arrives by mail within one to three weeks depending on your state.
- File a police report if you believe someone may use your license for fraud, identity theft, or to avoid traffic tickets — this creates an official record that protects you.
- Place a fraud alert with the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to make it harder for someone to open new accounts using your information.
- You can drive legally with a temporary license or receipt from the DMV while you wait for your replacement to arrive.
File a police report if you suspect fraud or identity theft
If you think someone may use your stolen license to open credit accounts, get a loan, or commit other fraud in your name, file a police report. You can do this in person at your local police station or, in many areas, online through your police department's website. The report creates an official record that helps protect you if fraudulent activity shows up later.
Tell the police officer or online form that your license was stolen and describe the circumstances — where you were, when you last saw it, and whether you suspect a specific person. The police will give you a report number. Keep this number; you may need it if you later dispute fraudulent charges or accounts opened in your name.
A police report is not required to get a replacement license, but it is worth filing if there is any chance someone could misuse your identity. It also protects you if someone uses your license to avoid a traffic ticket — the report shows the ticket was not your fault.
Place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus
Contact one of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion — and ask them to place a fraud alert on your credit file. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You only need to call one bureau; they will notify the other two automatically.
The fraud alert lasts for one year and is free. To place one, call the bureau's fraud department, provide your name and Social Security number, and explain that your license was stolen. They will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions. You can also place a fraud alert online through each bureau's website, though calling is faster.
After you place the alert, monitor your credit report for accounts you did not open. You can check your credit report free once a year at AnnualCreditReport.com. If you see fraudulent accounts, contact the creditor and the credit bureau when ready to dispute them.
Get a replacement license from the DMV
Once you have reported the theft to the DMV, ask what you need to do to receive a replacement. In most states, the DMV will mail a new license to your address on file at no charge or for a small fee (usually under $20). The replacement typically arrives within one to three weeks, depending on your state and whether you paid for expedited shipping.
While you wait, you can drive legally using a temporary license or a receipt from the DMV showing you reported the theft and requested a replacement. Keep this document with you in your car. Police will accept it as proof you have a valid license on order.
If you need a license sooner, some states offer expedited replacement for an additional fee, or you can visit a DMV office in person to get a temporary paper license the same day. Check your state's DMV website for the fastest option in your area.
Monitor your accounts and credit for suspicious activity
Over the next few months, watch your bank and credit card statements for charges you did not make. Check your email and mail for bills or account statements from companies you did not contact. Scammers sometimes use a stolen license to open utility accounts, phone lines, or credit cards.
If you spot fraudulent activity, contact the company or bank when ready and report it as fraud. They will cancel the fraudulent account and may refund unauthorized charges. Also report the fraud to the credit bureaus and provide them with documentation — a police report number, screenshots of fraudulent charges, or letters from creditors.
Consider placing a credit freeze if you are very concerned about identity theft. A credit freeze prevents anyone, including you, from opening new accounts in your name without unfreezing it first. It is free and lasts until you remove it. You can place one through each of the three credit bureaus' websites.
What to bring if you visit the DMV in person
If you go to a DMV office to get a replacement license, bring documents that prove your identity and residency. Most states require a birth certificate or passport and a recent utility bill or lease showing your current address. Some states also ask for your Social Security number or a Social Security card.
Call your local DMV office or check the state website before you go, because document requirements vary by state and sometimes by office. Having the right documents the first time saves you a trip. Bring the police report number if you filed one — it may speed up the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive without a license while I wait for my replacement?
Yes, if you have a temporary license or a receipt from the DMV showing you reported the theft and requested a replacement. Keep this document in your car. If you do not have either, you should not drive until your replacement arrives, as you could be cited for driving without a valid license.
Will someone be able to use my stolen license to get a driver's license in another state?
It is possible but difficult. Most states check the National Driver Register before issuing a license, which would flag that your license is stolen. However, it is still worth reporting the theft quickly so the flag is in the system. If you are very concerned, you can call the DMV in neighboring states and ask them to note the theft in their records.
How much does a replacement license cost?
The cost varies by state, typically ranging from free to $25. Some states charge a small fee for a replacement; others waive it if you report the theft. Check your state's DMV website or call to find out the exact cost and whether you can pay online or only in person.
What if I find my license after I have already reported it stolen?
Contact the DMV and let them know it has been found. They may be able to reactivate the original license or cancel the replacement order if it has not shipped yet. If the replacement has already been mailed, you can straightforward destroy the stolen license and use the replacement when it arrives.
Do I need to report the theft to my insurance company?
No, a stolen license does not affect your auto insurance. However, if someone uses your license to get into a car accident or receive a traffic ticket, contact your insurance company and provide them with the police report number. This protects you from liability for accidents or violations you did not commit.