What to bring when you report your license stolen

To replace a stolen driver's license, you need to visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency in person. Bring your Social Security number, a form of identification that is still valid (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), and proof of your current address. You will also need to file a police report for the theft — most states require the report number or a copy of the report itself before they will issue a replacement.

The specific documents vary slightly by state. Some states accept a utility bill or lease as proof of address; others want a bank statement or government mail. A few states will let you bring a notarized affidavit if you do not have a current utility bill. Call your state DMV before you go to confirm what counts as proof of address in your state, because showing up with the wrong document means a second trip.

You will pay a replacement fee, which ranges from about $20 to $50 depending on your state. Some states charge extra if you need the license faster than the standard mail delivery — typically an expedited option costs $10 to $25 more. Bring cash or a debit card; not all DMV offices accept credit cards.

Key Takeaways

  • You must file a police report for the theft and bring the report number or a copy to the DMV.
  • Bring a valid form of ID (passport or birth certificate), proof of your current address, and your Social Security number.
  • The replacement fee is typically $20 to $50, with an additional charge if you want expedited processing.
  • Visit the DMV in person — you cannot replace a stolen license by mail or online in any state.
  • Call your state DMV before you go to confirm which documents count as proof of address, since requirements vary.

Filing the police report first

You must report the theft to local police before you go to the DMV. This does not have to be a lengthy process — you can file the report online in many jurisdictions, by phone in others, or in person at a police station. The police will give you a report number when ready or within a day or two. Some departments email the report; others mail it or let you print it from their website.

The DMV needs either the report number or a copy of the actual report. If you file online and receive only a number, write it down or screenshot it. If you receive a printed copy, bring that. Do not delay the DMV visit waiting for an official document in the mail — most DMV offices will accept the report number alone, and you can follow up with a copy later if they ask for it.

Proof of address and identity documents

Proof of address must show your current street address and be dated within the last 60 days in most states. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreement, or bank statement all work. Some states accept government mail like a tax return or Social Security statement. A few states will not accept a lease unless it is notarized, so check your state's rules.

For identity, bring a document that is still valid — an unexpired passport, birth certificate, or state ID card. If your passport or ID is also stolen, a birth certificate alone is usually enough, but call ahead. Do not bring an expired driver's license as your only form of ID; the DMV will not accept it as proof of identity when you are replacing it.

If you do not have a current utility bill or lease, ask your state DMV whether they accept a notarized affidavit of residence. You can get this notarized at a bank, UPS store, or notary public for $5 to $15. This takes an extra day or two, so plan accordingly if you need your license quickly.

Standard vs. expedited replacement timelines

Standard replacement usually takes 7 to 14 business days by mail, depending on your state. Some states deliver in as little as 5 days; others take up to three weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license at the DMV that you can use when ready while you wait for the permanent card to arrive.

If you need the license faster, most states offer expedited processing for an additional fee. Expedited typically means 3 to 5 business days instead of 7 to 14. A few states offer rush service for an even higher fee, with delivery in 1 to 2 business days. Ask the DMV clerk which options are available and what each costs before you pay.

What happens if you cannot get a police report

If you report the theft but the police department does not issue a report number or written report — which occasionally happens with online filings or if they classify it as a low-priority case — ask the police department for a case number or incident number instead. Write down the name of the officer you spoke with and the date and time of your report. Bring this information to the DMV.

Most DMV offices will accept a case number or incident number in place of a formal report. If your state requires a full written report and the police will not provide one, contact your state DMV's customer service line before you visit. They can tell you whether they will accept an affidavit from you stating that you reported the theft, or whether you need to escalate the police report request.

Replacing your license if you also lost your Social Security card

If the theft included your Social Security card or you do not know your number, you will need to bring additional documents. Most states will accept a W-2, tax return, or Social Security statement as proof of your number. If you do not have any of these, you can request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration before you go to the DMV, though this adds time to the process.

Alternatively, some states will let you visit the DMV with a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your number, or they will let you sign an affidavit stating you do not have your card. Call your state DMV to ask what they will accept. If you are in a hurry, the affidavit route is usually faster than waiting for a replacement Social Security card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license by mail if I have a police report?

No. All states require you to visit a DMV office in person to replace a stolen license. You cannot do this by mail or online, even with a police report. The DMV needs to verify your identity and take a new photo for the replacement card.

What if the police will not file a report because the theft happened out of state?

File the report in the state where the theft occurred, not where you live now. If that state's police will not file a report, contact your current state's DMV and ask what they will accept instead. Some states will issue a replacement based on your statement alone if you cannot obtain a police report through no fault of your own.

Do I need to bring the original police report or just the report number?

Most DMV offices will accept just the report number. If you have a printed or digital copy of the report, bring it anyway — it speeds up the process and eliminates confusion. If you only have the number, write it down clearly so the DMV clerk can enter it into their system.

Will my temporary paper license work for flying or getting into bars?

A temporary paper license works for driving and most everyday purposes, but TSA does not accept it for air travel. For bars and age-restricted venues, it depends on the business — some accept it, others do not. If you need to fly or need a photo ID for a specific purpose, ask the DMV whether they can issue a temporary photo ID card instead of just a paper license.

What if I moved and my address on the police report does not match my current address?

Bring proof of your current address to the DMV. The police report can show your old address — the DMV will update your address when they issue the replacement license. You do not need to file a new police report with your new address.