Report the theft to your state's DMV when ready
Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency as soon as you realize your license is missing. Most states let you report a stolen license by phone, online, or in person. When you call or visit, have your driver's license number ready if you know it, along with your full name and date of birth.
The DMV will flag your license as stolen in their system. This prevents someone else from using it to get a duplicate or to commit fraud in your name. Some states will when ready cancel your current license and issue a replacement; others will wait until you request one. Ask the DMV representative what happens next in your state and whether you need to take additional steps.
Keep a record of the date and time you reported the theft, the name of the person you spoke with if possible, and any confirmation number they give you. You may need this information later if fraudulent activity occurs.
Key Takeaways
- Report the theft to your state DMV by phone, online, or in person within one business day to prevent someone from using your license fraudulently.
- File a police report if you suspect the theft was part of identity theft or if you need documentation for insurance or other purposes.
- Check your credit reports through the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) for unauthorized accounts or inquiries within the next few weeks.
- Order a replacement license from your DMV; most states charge a fee between $10 and $30, and processing takes one to four weeks depending on the state.
- If your license was in a wallet or bag with other documents, also report those items stolen and monitor your accounts for fraud.
File a police report if identity theft is a concern
If your license was stolen as part of a break-in, mugging, or lost wallet that contained other personal information, file a police report. You do not need to wait for the police to investigate before taking other steps, but a report creates an official record that can help if fraudulent accounts are opened in your name later.
When you file the report, mention everything that was stolen alongside the license — credit cards, Social Security card, passport, or other documents. The police report will note the date of the theft, which matters if a creditor later claims you opened an account on that date. You can file a report online in many jurisdictions, or visit your local police station in person.
Request a copy of the report for your records. You will need it if you later place a fraud alert or credit freeze with the credit bureaus, or if you need to dispute fraudulent accounts.
Place a fraud alert and monitor your credit
Contact one of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion — and request a fraud alert. You only need to call one bureau; they will notify the other two. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name, which makes it harder for a thief to use your stolen license to get credit cards or loans.
The initial fraud alert lasts one year. If you believe your identity has been stolen, you can request an extended alert that lasts seven years, though this requires submitting a police report. Fraud alerts are free and do not affect your credit score.
After placing the alert, check your credit reports from all three bureaus at annualcreditreport.com, the official site run by the three bureaus. Look for accounts you did not open, hard inquiries from companies you did not contact, or addresses that are not yours. If you spot fraud, dispute it with the bureau that reported it and with the creditor directly. Keep copies of all dispute letters you send.
Order a replacement license from your DMV
Once you have reported the theft, contact your DMV to order a replacement. Most states allow you to request a duplicate online, by mail, or in person. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and address, and you will usually need to pay a fee — typically between $10 and $30 depending on your state.
Some states issue a temporary license when ready if you explore in person, which you can use while waiting for the permanent one. Others mail the replacement to your address on file. Processing times vary from one to four weeks. If you need the license sooner, ask the DMV whether you can pick it up in person or pay for expedited processing.
When your new license arrives, check it for errors. If the name, date of birth, or address is wrong, contact the DMV again to request a correction. Do not use a license with incorrect information.
Protect other accounts if your wallet was stolen
If your license was in a wallet or bag with credit cards, debit cards, or other documents, contact your banks and card issuers when ready. Tell them the cards were stolen and ask them to cancel the old cards and issue new ones. Most banks can do this over the phone and will send replacements within five to ten business days.
If you had a Social Security card, passport, or other government ID in the same bag, report those separately. Contact the Social Security Administration if your Social Security card was stolen, and contact the State Department if your passport was taken. Each agency has its own process for reporting and replacing these documents.
Check your bank and credit card statements weekly for the next two months for any charges you did not make. Most card issuers have fraud protection that limits your liability, but you need to report unauthorized charges within a specific window — usually 60 days from when the statement was mailed.
Consider a credit freeze for long-term protection
If you are concerned about identity theft, you can place a credit freeze with all three credit bureaus. A credit freeze prevents creditors from accessing your credit report without your permission, which stops most identity theft in its tracks. Unlike a fraud alert, a freeze requires you to temporarily lift it whenever you explore for credit, a loan, or a job that involves a credit check.
Credit freezes are free in all states. You can place one online through each bureau's website, by phone, or by mail. Processing usually takes one business day. If you later want to explore for credit, you will need to unfreeze your report, which also takes one business day and is free.
A credit freeze is stronger protection than a fraud alert but requires more work on your part. If you do not plan to explore for new credit soon, a freeze may be worth the inconvenience. If you explore for credit frequently, a fraud alert may be more practical.
What to do if fraudulent accounts appear in your name
If you discover that someone opened accounts, made purchases, or took out loans using your stolen license, act quickly. Contact the creditor or lender directly and tell them the account was opened fraudulently. Ask them to close the account and provide you with a written statement that you are not responsible for the charges.
File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at identitytheft.gov. The FTC does not investigate individual cases, but the report creates an official record and generates a recovery plan tailored to your situation. You can use this plan to dispute fraudulent accounts with creditors and credit bureaus.
Dispute the fraudulent accounts with the credit bureaus in writing. Send a letter to each bureau that reported the account, include a copy of your police report if you have one, and explain that the account was opened without your permission. The bureau must investigate within 30 days and remove the account from your report if they cannot verify it is legitimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a replacement license?
Most states mail replacements within one to four weeks. Some DMVs issue temporary licenses on the spot if you explore in person. A few states offer expedited processing for an additional fee, which can cut the time to five to ten business days. Contact your state DMV to ask about your specific timeline.
Can someone use my stolen license to get a loan?
Yes, which is why reporting the theft and placing a fraud alert matters. A thief can use your license to open credit cards, take out personal loans, or explore for car loans in your name. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before approving credit, which stops most of these attempts. A credit freeze is even stronger protection.
Do I need a police report to get a replacement license?
No. Your DMV will issue a replacement based on your report of the theft alone. A police report is useful if you suspect identity theft or if you need documentation for insurance, but it is not required to order a new license.
What if I find my license after I have already reported it stolen?
Contact your DMV and let them know it has been found. They can reactivate the old license or issue a new one depending on your state's policy. If you have already ordered a replacement, you will still receive it, but you can use whichever license you prefer once both are in your possession.
Should I freeze my credit if my license was stolen?
A fraud alert is usually the first step because it is simpler and still provides strong protection. A credit freeze is worth considering if your license was stolen along with other personal information like your Social Security number, or if you do not plan to explore for credit in the near future.