Report it to your state's DMV first, then to local police

When your driver's license is stolen, you need to report it in two places: your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and your local police department. The DMV report stops someone from using your license as ID or to get a duplicate. The police report creates an official record in case the license is used for fraud. Start with the DMV because they can act faster — many states let you report online or by phone the same day you discover the theft.

The order matters because the DMV needs to know before you replace the license. If you get a new license without reporting the old one stolen, both versions stay active in the system, and someone holding the original can still use it. Once you report it stolen to the DMV, that license number gets flagged as invalid, even if someone tries to use it later.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact your state DMV first — most states let you report online, by phone, or in person, and the process takes minutes to hours.
  • File a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office to create an official record of the theft.
  • Get a replacement license from the DMV after reporting the theft; you will need to pay a replacement fee, which varies by state.
  • If the stolen license is used for fraud, the police report number helps you dispute charges and prove you reported it stolen before the fraud occurred.
  • Watch your credit reports and bank statements for the next few months in case the thief uses your personal information.

How to report to your state DMV

Every state DMV handles stolen license reports differently, but most offer at least two ways to report: online through their website or by calling their customer service line. Some states also let you report in person at a DMV office. The fastest method is usually online — you enter your license number, date of birth, and a description of how it was stolen, and the report is processed when ready. If you do not remember your license number, you can provide your name and address instead.

To find your state's DMV website, search "[your state] DMV stolen driver's license" or go directly to your state's official DMV page. Look for a link that says "report a lost or stolen license" or "replace a license." Some states combine this with their general license replacement process. Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready when you call or go online. If you cannot find the online option, call your state DMV's main number — they can walk you through reporting over the phone and may mail you a form to sign and return.

Filing a police report for the theft

After reporting to the DMV, contact your local police department or sheriff's office to file a theft report. You can usually do this online through your city or county police website, by calling the non-emergency line, or by going to a police station in person. The non-emergency line is the right choice unless the theft happened as part of a larger crime like a car break-in or home burglary — in that case, report the whole incident together.

When you file the report, tell the officer or online form exactly where and when the license went missing. If it was stolen from your wallet, car, or home, describe that. If you straightforward cannot find it, say that too. The police will give you a report number — write this down and keep it somewhere safe. You will need this number if the stolen license is later used for fraud, because it proves you reported the theft before the fraudulent activity occurred. This protects you from being held responsible for charges made in your name.

Getting a replacement license after reporting the theft

Once you have reported the theft to the DMV, you can request a replacement license. In most states, you can do this at the same time as reporting the theft — the DMV will process both together. You will need to provide a form of ID (a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card), proof of your address (a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. Replacement fees vary by state, typically ranging from $15 to $50.

Some states issue a replacement license the same day if you go to a DMV office in person; others mail it to you within one to two weeks. Ask about expedited replacement if you need the license urgently — some states offer this for an extra fee. When your new license arrives, destroy the old one if you find it, or write "STOLEN" across it and keep it for your records in case questions come up later.

Protecting yourself if the stolen license is misused

A stolen driver's license can be used to open accounts, rent apartments, or make purchases in your name. To catch this early, check your credit reports at annualcreditreport.com — this is the official free site run by the three major credit bureaus. You can get one free report from each bureau every 12 months. Look for accounts or inquiries you did not open. You can also place a fraud alert on your credit file, which tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.

Monitor your bank and credit card statements for the next few months for charges you did not make. If you find fraudulent activity, contact your bank or credit card company right away and provide them with your police report number. The report number shows you reported the theft before the fraud happened, which strengthens your case for disputing the charges. Keep copies of the police report and the DMV theft report together with your important documents.

What to do if you cannot find your state DMV contact information

If you are having trouble locating your state DMV's website or phone number, start by searching "[your state] DMV" in a search engine — the official site should appear at the top. State DMV websites are usually formatted as dmv.[state].gov or [state].gov/dmv. You can also call your state's main information line and ask for the DMV's customer service number.

If you have moved recently and are not sure which state's DMV to contact, report the theft to the state that issued your license, not your current state. The license belongs to the state that issued it, so that is where the theft report needs to go. Once you have reported it there, you can explore for a license in your new state if you have moved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to report to the police if I already reported to the DMV?

The DMV report stops the license from being used as valid ID, but the police report creates an official record of the theft. If the license is later used for fraud, the police report number protects you by proving you reported it stolen beforehand. It takes only a few minutes to file, so it is worth doing.

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

Contact the DMV and let them know you found it. They can remove the stolen flag from the system. If you have already received a replacement license, you can keep using the new one — the old one will remain flagged as invalid even if you find it.

Can someone use my stolen license to get a duplicate license?

Once you report the license stolen to the DMV, the system flags that license number as invalid. Most states will not issue a duplicate of a flagged license without additional verification. This is why reporting to the DMV quickly is so important.

How long does it take to get a replacement license?

If you go to a DMV office in person, many states issue a replacement the same day. If you explore by mail or online, expect one to two weeks. Some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee if you need it faster.

Should I be worried about identity theft if my license is stolen?

A stolen license is a risk, but not a may provide of identity theft. Monitor your credit reports and bank statements for the next few months. If you see suspicious activity, report it to your bank or credit card company with your police report number. Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file for extra protection.