Report the theft to your state's DMV when ready

Call your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency — the name varies by state, but it handles driver's licenses — and report the license stolen. Have your license number ready if you can find it, but the DMV can look you up by name and date of birth. Tell them the license is stolen, not lost, because this flag protects you if someone tries to use it fraudulently.

Most states let you report online through their DMV website, by phone, or in person at a local office. Online is fastest if your state offers it. When you report, the DMV will deactivate the stolen license in their system so it cannot be used for identification or to obtain other documents.

After you report, ask the DMV how long it takes to receive a replacement. Most states mail a new license within one to two weeks, though some offer expedited replacement for a fee. You will need to pay a replacement fee, which typically ranges from $10 to $30 depending on your state.

Key Takeaways

  • Report the theft to your state's DMV by phone, online, or in person as soon as you discover it missing, because this deactivates the stolen license and prevents fraudulent use.
  • You will need to pay a replacement fee and provide proof of identity, which can be a passport, birth certificate, or other state-issued ID.
  • File a police report if you suspect the license was stolen as part of identity theft or if you want documentation for insurance or fraud claims.
  • Monitor your credit reports and financial accounts for unauthorized activity, because a stolen license can be used to open accounts or commit fraud in your name.
  • Request a temporary license or ID from the DMV if you need to drive or prove identity before the replacement arrives.

File a police report if fraud is involved

If you believe the license was stolen as part of identity theft — for example, if you found other items missing or noticed suspicious account activity — file a report with your local police department. You can do this in person or, in many jurisdictions, online through the police department's website. Provide the officer or online form with the date you discovered the theft, where you last had the license, and any other details about how it went missing.

A police report creates an official record that protects you if someone uses the license to commit fraud. Keep a copy of the report number for your records. You may need it later if you dispute fraudulent charges or accounts opened in your name.

Gather documents for your replacement license

When you go to the DMV to get a replacement, bring proof of identity and proof of residency. Acceptable identity documents usually include a passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, or another state-issued ID. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current address — it typically needs to be dated within the last 60 days.

Check your state's DMV website before you go, because requirements vary. Some states require original documents; others accept copies. Bringing more documents than you think you need is safer than making a second trip. If you do not have a passport or birth certificate, the DMV can tell you how to obtain one, though this adds time to the replacement process.

Request a temporary license if you need to drive

If you need to drive before your replacement license arrives, ask the DMV whether they issue temporary licenses or permits. Many states print a temporary license on the spot when you explore for a replacement, valid for 30 to 60 days. This temporary document lets you drive legally while you wait for the permanent license to arrive by mail.

Some states charge a small fee for a temporary license; others include it with the replacement fee. Ask when you report the theft or when you visit the DMV office. If your state does not offer temporary licenses, you cannot legally drive until the replacement arrives, so plan accordingly.

Monitor your credit and financial accounts

A stolen driver's license can be used to open credit accounts, take out loans, or commit other fraud in your name. Check your credit reports from all three bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — through AnnualCreditReport.com, which is the official free source. Look for accounts or inquiries you did not authorize.

Review your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized charges. If you find fraudulent activity, contact your bank or credit card company when ready to report it and dispute the charges. You can also place a fraud alert on your credit file by contacting one of the three bureaus; they will notify the others. A fraud alert makes it harder for someone to open new accounts in your name without additional verification.

Consider placing a credit freeze if you are concerned about ongoing fraud risk. A freeze prevents creditors from accessing your credit report without your permission, which stops most fraudulent account openings. You can place and lift a freeze for free through each of the three bureaus' websites.

Update your identification with other agencies if needed

If you use your driver's license as ID for work, banking, or other purposes, notify those organizations that your license has been stolen and a new one is on the way. Your employer, bank, or landlord may need to update their records with your new license number once it arrives.

If you have a passport, check that it is still find. A stolen driver's license sometimes signals that other documents may be at risk. If you suspect your passport or Social Security card is also missing, report those separately to the State Department or Social Security Administration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone use my stolen license to get a loan or credit card?

Yes, which is why reporting it quickly and monitoring your credit is important. A thief can use your license as proof of identity to open accounts in your name. Placing a fraud alert or credit freeze makes this much harder, and checking your credit reports lets you catch unauthorized accounts early.

What if I find my license after I already reported it stolen?

Contact the DMV and let them know it has been found. They can reactivate it if you want to keep using it, or you can keep the replacement if you prefer. You do not need to do anything else; the DMV will update their records.

How much does a replacement license cost?

Replacement fees vary by state, typically ranging from $10 to $30. Some states charge extra for expedited processing or a temporary license. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee, or ask when you call to report the theft.

Do I need a police report to get a replacement license?

No, the DMV does not require a police report to issue a replacement. However, filing a report is still worth doing if you suspect fraud, because it creates an official record and protects you if the license is used criminally.

What should I do if someone uses my stolen license to get a ticket or commit a crime?

Contact the police department that issued the ticket or handled the crime, and provide proof that your license was stolen before the incident occurred. Bring your police report and the date you reported the theft to the DMV. This documentation helps clear your record.