What you need to do right now
To replace a lost or damaged California driver license, you submit a form to the DMV either online, by mail, or in person at a field office. The DMV will mail you a replacement license at the address on file — you do not pick it up in person. Processing takes about two weeks by mail, or same-day if you go to a field office and pay extra for a rush license. You will need your Social Security number, current address, and either a credit card or bank account for the fee.
The fastest route is the DMV's online replacement system at dmv.ca.gov, which works if your license is not suspended or revoked and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal. If either of those things is true, you must go to a field office or mail in a form.
Key Takeaways
- California's online replacement system at dmv.ca.gov takes about two weeks and costs $32 if you order a standard license or $47 for a rush license mailed overnight.
- You can replace your license by mail using form DL 44 if you cannot use the online system, though mail processing takes three to four weeks.
- Visiting a DMV field office in person lets you walk out with a temporary paper license the same day and receive your plastic license by mail within two weeks.
- You cannot replace a license online if it was suspended, revoked, or if you have changed your name or address since your last renewal.
- The DMV mails all replacement licenses to your address on file — you do not pick up a replacement license at the office.
Replacing your license online
Go to dmv.ca.gov and select "Replace a Lost or Damaged Driver License" from the homepage. You will need your driver license number, Social Security number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your phone number on file. The system will verify your identity and show you the address where your replacement will be mailed.
You can choose standard delivery (about two weeks for $32) or rush delivery (overnight for $47). Pay with a credit card or debit card. The DMV will send you a confirmation number by email. Your replacement license will arrive by mail at the address shown during checkout — typically within 10 to 14 business days for standard delivery.
The online system will not work if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have changed your name since your last renewal, or if you have changed your address and have not updated it with the DMV yet. In those cases, use the mail or in-person route instead.
Replacing your license by mail
read or print form DL 44 from dmv.ca.gov. Fill in your name, date of birth, current address, and Social Security number. In the box labeled "Reason for process," select "Replacement of Lost/Damaged License." Sign and date the form.
Mail the completed form to the address listed on the form itself — this varies by county. Include a check or money order for $32 (standard license) or $47 (rush license) made out to "Department of Motor Vehicles." Do not send cash. Mail processing takes three to four weeks from the date the DMV receives your form.
Keep a copy of your form and the check number for your records. The DMV does not send a confirmation when mail is received, so you will not know your form arrived until your replacement license shows up in the mail.
Replacing your license in person at a field office
Find your nearest DMV field office at dmv.ca.gov by entering your city or ZIP code. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, proof of your current address (a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and payment for the replacement fee. You do not need to bring your old license if it is lost.
Walk in during office hours — no appointment is required for a replacement license, though some offices have shorter wait times at certain times of day. Tell the staff member you need to replace a lost or damaged license. They will take your information, take your photo, and give you a temporary paper license valid for 60 days.
Your plastic replacement license will be mailed to your address on file within two weeks. The fee is $32 for a standard license. If you want your license mailed faster, ask about rush options when you are at the counter — some offices can arrange overnight delivery for an additional fee, though this varies by location.
What to do while you wait for your replacement
If you got a temporary paper license at a field office, that is valid for driving and identification for 60 days. If you ordered online or by mail, you do not receive a temporary license — you will need to wait for your replacement to arrive in the mail before you can use it for driving.
If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, visit a field office in person to get the temporary paper license. If you need to prove your identity before your replacement arrives, the temporary paper license works for most purposes, though some businesses may not accept it.
Fees and payment methods
A standard replacement license costs $32. A rush license (overnight delivery) costs $47. These are the only two options — there is no middle ground for faster-than-standard but slower-than-overnight delivery.
Online and by mail, you can pay with a credit card, debit card, or bank account. At a field office, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The DMV does not refund the fee if you find your original license after you have ordered a replacement.
If your license was suspended or revoked
You cannot replace a suspended or revoked license through the online system or by mail. You must visit a DMV field office in person. Bring proof of your current address and your Social Security number. The staff will tell you whether your suspension or revocation can be cleared before issuing a replacement, or whether you need to resolve the underlying issue first.
Suspensions and revocations have different causes — unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, medical conditions, or DUI convictions, among others. The DMV cannot clear all of these at the counter. If your suspension or revocation requires court action or payment to another agency, you will need to handle that before the DMV can issue a replacement license.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a replacement license?
Standard delivery by mail takes 10 to 14 business days. Rush delivery takes one business day. Mail-in applications take three to four weeks. If you get a temporary paper license at a field office, your plastic replacement arrives within two weeks.
Can I track my replacement license in the mail?
No. The DMV does not provide tracking numbers or status updates for replacement licenses sent by mail. Your license will arrive at the address on file without notice. If it does not arrive within the stated timeframe, contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133.
What if I moved since my last license renewal?
You cannot use the online replacement system if your address has changed. Use the mail or in-person route instead. Bring proof of your new address to a field office, or include your new address on form DL 44 if you mail it in. Your replacement will be sent to the new address you provide.
Do I need my old license to get a replacement?
No. If your license is lost, you do not need to bring it. If your license is damaged, bring it if you have it, but the DMV will issue a replacement without it.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. Replacement licenses are mailed to the address on file and are not held at the field office for pickup. The license will arrive in your mailbox at the address you provided during the replacement process.