How to Replace Your California Driver License

How to replace a lost or stolen California driver license

You can replace a lost or stolen California driver license through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in person, by mail, or online. The fastest route is usually the DMV website — you can request a replacement there if your license is still valid and you have not changed your name or address since it was issued. If you go in person, bring your ID and payment, and most DMV offices will issue a temporary license the same day while your permanent one arrives by mail in about two weeks. By mail, the process takes longer but requires no office visit.

The method you choose depends on whether you need to drive before your new license arrives and whether your personal information has changed. If you have moved, changed your name, or your license has expired, you will need to visit a DMV office or use the mail option with additional documents.

Key Takeaways

The DMV website lets you order a replacement online if your license is still valid and your information has not changed, with no office visit required.
Visiting a DMV office in person gets you a temporary license the same day and your permanent license by mail in about two weeks.
You will need to bring a valid ID and payment (currently $30 for a replacement) to any in-person visit.
If your address or name has changed since your license was issued, you must visit an office or use the mail option with proof of the change.
A temporary license issued at the DMV office is valid for 60 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive.

Replacing your license online through the DMV website

The California DMV website (dmv.ca.gov) has an online replacement option that works if your current license is not expired and your name and address have not changed. You will need your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you will receive a confirmation email.

Your replacement license will be mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes about two weeks. You will not receive a temporary license through this method, so if you need to drive before the new one arrives, you should visit a DMV office instead.

Getting a temporary license at a DMV office

Walking into a DMV office and requesting a replacement is the fastest way to drive legally while you wait for your permanent license. Bring a valid ID (a passport, military ID, or another state's driver license all work), your payment, and be prepared to have your photo taken. The DMV will issue you a temporary license on the spot, printed on paper, that is valid for 60 days.

Your permanent license will be mailed to your address on file within about two weeks. The temporary license looks different from a regular license and some businesses may not recognize it, but it is legally valid for driving. If you lose the temporary before your permanent arrives, you can request another one at any DMV office.

Wait times at DMV offices vary widely by location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon usually means shorter lines than midday or Friday. You can check current wait times for your local office on the DMV website before you go.

Replacing your license by mail

You can mail a replacement request to the DMV if you prefer not to visit an office. You will need to fill out Form DL 44 (process for California Driver License), include a copy of your ID, and send a check or money order for $30 to the address listed on the form. The DMV website has the current mailing address and a printable version of the form.

Processing by mail takes longer than in-person or online — typically four to six weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. You will not receive a temporary license this way, so you cannot drive legally during that time. This method works best if you do not need to drive when ready and prefer to avoid the DMV office.

What to bring and what it costs

The replacement fee is currently $30 for a standard driver license. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at a DMV office. If you are mailing your request, send a check or money order only — the DMV does not accept card payments by mail.

For an in-person visit, bring one valid ID. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, military ID, passport card, permanent resident card, or a valid driver license from another state. If your address or name has changed since your license was issued, bring proof of the change — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your new address, or a marriage certificate or court order for a name change.

If your address or name has changed

If you have moved or changed your name since your license was issued, you cannot use the online replacement option. You must either visit a DMV office or use the mail method and include proof of the change.

For an address change, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail all work. For a name change, bring the original or certified copy of the document that changed your name: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will update your information and issue your replacement license with the correct details.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license has been expired for less than five years, you can renew it instead of replacing it, which may be simpler depending on your situation. A renewal updates your photo and address but is a different process than a replacement. If your license expired more than five years ago, you will need to explore for a new license rather than renew, which requires a written test and driving test.

If you lost your license and it is also expired, contact your local DMV office to ask whether replacement or renewal is the right path for your specific situation. The staff can tell you which documents you will need and which process will be faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement license?

By mail, four to six weeks. In person, you get a temporary license the same day and your permanent license arrives by mail in about two weeks. Online, your permanent license arrives by mail in about two weeks with no temporary license issued.

Can I drive with a temporary license?

Yes. A temporary license issued at a DMV office is valid for 60 days and is legally acceptable for driving. Some businesses may not recognize it as a valid ID for non-driving purposes, but it satisfies the law for operating a vehicle.

What if I lost my license and do not have another ID?

You will need to bring some form of valid ID to a DMV office. If you do not have a passport, military ID, or another state's license, contact your local DMV office to ask what other documents they will accept. You may be able to bring a combination of documents like a birth certificate and Social Security card.

Do I have to go to the DMV office in my county?

No. You can visit any DMV office in California, regardless of which county you live in. If one office near you has a long wait, you can try a different location.

What if my replacement license arrives damaged or with wrong information?

Contact the DMV when ready. If the information is wrong, you will need to correct it in person at a DMV office with proof of the correct information. If the license is damaged, you can request a replacement at no additional cost.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.