What you need to do right now
To replace a lost or damaged California driver license, you must visit a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person with proof of identity and residency. You cannot replace a license entirely by mail or online, though you can schedule an appointment online to skip the walk-in line. The DMV will take a new photo, issue a temporary license on the spot, and mail your permanent replacement within 10 to 14 business days.
If your license was lost or stolen, you do not need to file a police report first — the DMV handles the replacement without one. If it was damaged, bring the old license with you so the DMV can see the damage and process it as a replacement rather than a new issuance.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DMV office in person with a valid ID and proof you live in California; no online or mail-only replacement exists.
- Book an appointment on the DMV website before you go to avoid waiting hours in line, though walk-ins are accepted.
- The DMV will give you a temporary paper license when ready and mail the permanent card within 10 to 14 business days.
- A replacement license costs $39 if you are under 70, or $24 if you are 70 or older; payment is by cash, check, or card at the office.
- If your license was stolen, you can request a new number during replacement to prevent identity misuse, though this costs extra and takes longer.
Documents you must bring to the DMV
Bring one document that proves who you are. The DMV accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or a certified birth certificate with a government-issued photo ID. If you do not have a passport or military ID, bring your birth certificate and another photo ID — a school ID, employee badge, or even a library card with your photo counts.
You also need proof that you live in California. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. If you recently moved and your name does not match your address on the bill, bring a second document — a piece of mail from a government agency, court, or financial institution addressed to you at your current address.
If you are replacing a damaged license, bring the old license itself. If it is lost, you do not need to bring anything to prove it was lost — just tell the DMV staff when you arrive.
How to book an appointment and what to expect
Go to dmv.ca.gov and click "Schedule an Appointment." Select your county, then choose "Driver License Services" and "Replace Lost or Damaged License." Pick a date and time that works for you. The DMV usually has appointments available within a few days, though busy offices in large cities may book out further. You will receive a confirmation email with your appointment number.
Arrive 10 minutes early with all your documents. The DMV will call your number when it is your turn. Tell the staff member you are replacing a lost or damaged license. They will ask you to confirm your address and any other information on file, take a new photo, and collect payment. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you are called.
Before you leave, the DMV will hand you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Use this as your legal license while you wait for the permanent card. The permanent replacement will arrive by mail within 10 to 14 business days. If it does not arrive after 15 days, call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to check the status.
Cost and payment methods
A replacement license costs $39 if you are under 70 years old, or $24 if you are 70 or older. The DMV accepts cash, personal checks, and debit or credit cards at the office. Some offices may have card readers that are temporarily down, so bringing cash or a check is safer if you want to avoid delays.
If you request a new driver license number during replacement — which you can do if your license was stolen and you are concerned about identity misuse — the cost is higher and the process takes longer. Ask the DMV staff about this option when you arrive; it is not automatic and must be requested at the time of replacement.
If you cannot visit an office in person
California does not allow mail-in or online replacement for a lost or damaged license. You must visit a DMV office. If you are unable to travel to an office due to a disability or medical condition, you can request a home visit by calling 1-800-777-0133 and explaining your situation. The DMV will assess whether a home visit is possible in your area; this is not a may provide service and depends on staff availability.
If you are temporarily out of state or out of the country, you can wait to replace your license when you return to California. Your license remains valid for identification purposes even if it is lost, and you can use your temporary paper license (if you obtained one before leaving) or other government ID for travel or age verification.
What to do if your license was stolen
If your license was stolen rather than lost, the replacement process is the same — you still visit the DMV with proof of identity and residency. You do not need a police report. However, you should consider whether you want to request a new driver license number to prevent someone from using your old number fraudulently.
A new number adds cost and takes longer to process, so decide this before you go to the DMV. If you are concerned about identity theft beyond the license itself, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them. This is separate from the DMV process and does not cost money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license at a DMV office without an appointment?
Yes, walk-ins are accepted at all DMV offices, but you will likely wait longer than if you had scheduled an appointment. During busy hours, walk-in waits can exceed two hours. Booking an appointment online takes five minutes and usually cuts your wait to 15 to 30 minutes.
How long is the temporary paper license good for?
The temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent replacement should arrive by mail within 10 to 14 business days, so you will have it before the temporary expires. If the permanent license does not arrive within 15 days, contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133.
What if I moved to a different county since I got my license?
You can replace your license at any DMV office in California, not just the county where you originally got it. Bring proof of your current address in your new county. The DMV will update your address during the replacement process.
Do I need to take a new written test or driving test to replace my license?
No. A replacement license does not require a written test or driving test. The DMV will only take a new photo and process the replacement. You keep the same license number and expiration date as your original license.
What if I lost my license and do not have a birth certificate or passport?
You can bring other documents that prove your identity, such as a military ID, tribal ID, or even a school or employee ID with your photo. If you do not have any photo ID, contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 before you visit to ask what alternative documents they will accept in your situation.