Documents and information you need before you go

To replace a lost driver's license, you will need to bring proof of your identity, proof of your address, and your Social Security number. The exact documents vary by state, but most states accept a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card as proof of identity. For address proof, a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days usually works.

You will also need to know your current license number if you remember it, though the DMV can look it up if you cannot. Bring your Social Security card or be ready to provide the number from memory. Some states require you to bring the original documents; others accept copies. Call your state's DMV before you go to confirm what they will accept in your specific location.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government-issued photo ID (passport or state ID card) and a recent utility bill or lease showing your current address.
  • Have your Social Security number ready, either on your card or memorized.
  • Know your current license number if possible, though the DMV can search for it using your name and date of birth.
  • Call your state DMV before visiting to confirm which documents they accept and whether originals or copies are required.
  • Bring payment for the replacement fee, which ranges from $15 to $50 depending on your state and license type.

Proof of identity documents that work

A U.S. passport is the strongest form of ID and is accepted in every state. If you do not have a passport, a state ID card (not your driver's license) works in all states. A birth certificate is also widely accepted, though some states require it to be certified or an official copy rather than a photocopy.

Military ID, tribal ID, and passport cards are accepted in most states. Some states also accept a school ID or work ID if it has your photo and signature, but these are less reliable — call ahead if these are your only options. Foreign passports are accepted in some states but not others, so verify before you go.

Proof of address: what counts

A utility bill in your name dated within the last 60 days is the easiest proof of address. Electricity, gas, water, internet, or phone bills all count. A lease or rental agreement with your signature and current address also works. Bank statements, credit card statements, and mortgage documents are accepted in most states if they show your name and address.

Government mail counts in some states — a tax return, voter registration card, or letter from a government agency with your address. Insurance documents (auto, home, or renter's) work in many states. If you have recently moved and do not yet have a bill in your new name, ask the DMV whether a lease, signed rental agreement, or a notarized letter from your landlord will work instead.

Payment and fees

Replacement driver's license fees vary widely by state. Most states charge between $15 and $50 for a standard replacement. Some states charge more if you want an expedited replacement (finished in days rather than weeks). A few states offer free replacements if your license was stolen, though you may need to file a police report first.

Check your state DMV website for the exact fee before you go, since some locations accept only cash or card, and others accept both. If you are replacing a license that expired more than a certain number of years ago (usually five to ten years), your state may charge a renewal fee on top of the replacement fee.

Special documents if your name has changed

If you have married, divorced, or legally changed your name since your last license, bring the document that proves the change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change all work. The document should be an official copy, not a photocopy, in most states.

If you are in the process of changing your name but do not yet have the final paperwork, call your DMV to ask whether you can replace your license under your current legal name and update it later. Some states allow this; others require you to wait until the name change is final.

What to bring if you cannot find your documents

If you do not have a birth certificate or passport, you can order one before you go to the DMV. A birth certificate takes one to four weeks to arrive depending on your state and whether you pay for expedited processing. A passport takes four to six weeks through the mail, or two to three weeks if you go in person to a passport acceptance facility.

If you need a replacement license before your birth certificate arrives, ask your DMV whether you can bring a different form of ID instead — some states accept a school transcript, baptism record, or hospital birth record as temporary proof of identity. You may also be able to bring an affidavit (a sworn statement) signed by someone who knows you, though this varies by state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring my old license if I still have it?

No. If you have lost your license, you will not have it to bring. If you still have it for some reason, bringing it can speed up the process, but it is not required. The DMV can look up your record using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

This depends on your state. Some states allow a family member or friend to pick up your license if you sign a form authorizing them. Others require you to pick it up in person. Call your DMV to ask what your state allows before you send someone on your behalf.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

If you are not a U.S. citizen or do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a replacement license. Bring your passport or visa instead, and ask the DMV what other documents they need. Some states issue licenses to non-citizens; others have different rules.

Do I need to bring my original documents or can I make copies?

Most states require original documents or certified copies for proof of identity and address. Photocopies are usually not accepted. Check your state DMV website or call before you go, since some states have different rules for different document types.

What if my address on my documents does not match my current address?

Bring both documents — one showing your old address and one showing your new address. The DMV will update your record to your current address. If you have just moved and do not yet have a bill in your new name, a lease or notarized letter from your landlord can serve as proof of your new address.