Start with the place you last remember having it

Your driver's license is most often found in the same places you check first: your wallet, a jacket pocket, your car's glove compartment, or on a nightstand or desk. Before you assume it is lost, retrace the last time you used it. Did you show it at a store, a bar, a bank, or during a traffic stop? Call that location and ask if someone turned one in to their lost and found.

If you drove somewhere and cannot remember where your license went, check your car thoroughly — under the seats, in the door pockets, between the center console cushions, and in the trunk. Many people find their license weeks later in a place they did not think to look the first time.

Check with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles

Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) keeps a record of every license it has issued. You can contact them to confirm whether your license is still active in their system and whether they have received a report that it was found. Each state's DMV has a website with a phone number and sometimes an online chat option.

When you call, have your full name, date of birth, and the address on your license ready. The DMV can tell you the issue date and expiration date of your license, which helps you remember whether you have had it recently. If your license was turned in to a police department or a business, the DMV may have a record of that.

Key Takeaways

  • Check your car, wallet, and common places at home before assuming your license is lost, since most licenses are found in these locations.
  • Call businesses where you recently showed your ID — stores, banks, and restaurants keep lost and found items for 30 to 90 days.
  • Contact your state's DMV by phone or their website to confirm your license is still in their system and ask if one has been turned in.
  • If your license is truly lost, you will need to request a replacement, which requires a visit to your DMV office and a fee that varies by state.
  • Some states allow you to order a replacement online or by mail, while others require you to appear in person with proof of identity.

What to do if you find it was turned in to a police department

If your license was found and turned in to a local police department, you can pick it up in person at the station where it was turned in. Bring another form of ID if you have one — a passport, a state ID card, or a work badge. The police will verify your identity and return your license to you.

Some police departments hold found items for 30 to 90 days before disposing of them, so time matters if your license has been missing for a while. Call the non-emergency line of the police department in the area where you lost it and ask whether they have a driver's license under your name.

How to order a replacement if your license is truly lost

If you have searched thoroughly and your license does not turn up, you will need to request a replacement from your state's DMV. The process varies by state. Some states allow you to order a replacement online through their DMV website, some require you to mail in a form and payment, and some require you to visit a DMV office in person.

You will need to bring or submit proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The fee for a replacement license varies by state, typically ranging from $10 to $50. Processing time also varies — some states issue a replacement within days, while others take two to four weeks.

What happens while you wait for your replacement

While your replacement is being processed, you may need to show proof of your identity in situations where a driver's license is normally required. If you ordered your replacement online or by mail, ask the DMV whether they will email you a temporary license number or a digital copy you can show on your phone.

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, some states issue a temporary paper license at the DMV office that is valid for 30 to 60 days. If you ordered by mail, you can visit a DMV office in person to request a temporary license while you wait for the permanent one.

Protecting yourself if your license was stolen

If you believe your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, consider reporting it to your state's DMV and to the police. A stolen license can be used for identity theft or fraud. Reporting it creates an official record that the license is no longer valid, which can help protect you if someone tries to use it.

You should also monitor your credit report for any unusual activity. You can order a free credit report once per year from each of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — through AnnualCreditReport.com. If you see accounts or inquiries you did not make, contact the credit bureau and the creditor when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my old license number if I find it after I ordered a replacement?

Yes. Once you find your original license, you can bring it to the DMV and ask them to cancel the replacement order if it has not been issued yet. If the replacement has already been issued, you can keep both — your original license will still be valid, and you will straightforward have a duplicate.

What if I lost my license out of state?

Contact the DMV in the state that issued your license. They can tell you whether it has been turned in and can process a replacement. You do not need to be in that state to order a replacement by mail or online, though some states require an in-person visit for certain types of replacements.

How long does it take to get a replacement license?

Processing time varies by state. Some states issue replacements within one to three business days if you order online, while others take two to four weeks. Ask your DMV for their current processing time when you place your order, as it can change during busy periods.

Do I have to pay a fee for a replacement if I lost my license?

Yes, most states charge a fee for a replacement license, typically $10 to $50. A few states waive the fee if you report your license lost within a certain time frame, so ask your DMV about their policy when you contact them.