Driver's License Replacement Costs Vary by State

The cost to replace a driver's license ranges from about $5 to $30, depending on which state issued your license. Most states charge between $10 and $20. The fee covers the administrative work of issuing a new card with the same license number and information as your original.

Some states charge less if you're replacing a lost or damaged license than they do for a standard renewal. Others charge the same fee regardless of the reason. A few states charge more for expedited replacement — getting your new license in days instead of weeks — though this option isn't available everywhere.

The replacement fee is separate from any other costs you might face. If your license was suspended or revoked, you may owe reinstatement fees before you can get a replacement. If you need to change your address or name at the same time, some states bundle that into the replacement fee; others charge extra.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states charge between $10 and $20 to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged driver's license.
  • The exact fee depends on your state and whether you choose standard or expedited processing.
  • You'll need to pay the replacement fee when you submit your request, either in person or online.
  • Some states allow you to order a replacement online and pay by credit card; others require you to visit a DMV office and pay in cash or check.

How to Find Your State's Exact Replacement Fee

Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website lists the current replacement fee. Search "[your state] DMV driver's license replacement cost" or go directly to your state's DMV site and look for a fee schedule or pricing page.

Call your local DMV office if the website doesn't clearly state the fee. The staff can tell you the exact amount, what payment methods they accept, and whether you can pay online or only in person. Having this information before you go saves a trip if you don't have the right payment method.

Where and How You Pay

Payment method depends on how you request your replacement. If you order online through your state's DMV portal, you'll pay by credit or debit card at the time of submission. If you go to a DMV office in person, you can usually pay cash, check, or card — but call ahead to confirm, because some locations have restrictions.

A few states mail you an invoice after you request a replacement online, and you pay when the new license arrives. Others require payment upfront before they process your request. The DMV website or a phone call to your local office will tell you which applies to you.

Standard Processing vs. Expedited Replacement

Standard replacement typically takes two to four weeks from the time you submit your request. You pay the base replacement fee — usually $10 to $20 — and receive your new license by mail.

Expedited or rush replacement, where available, costs extra — often $10 to $25 on top of the standard fee — and gets your license to you in three to seven business days. Not all states offer this option. If you need to drive before a standard replacement arrives, check whether your state allows you to request a temporary paper license at no extra cost while you wait for the plastic card.

What Happens If You Need to Change Information at the Same Time

If your address, name, or other information has changed since your license was issued, you can update it when you request a replacement. Some states include this in the replacement fee. Others charge an additional fee — typically $5 to $10 — for the information change.

A few states treat a name or address change as a renewal rather than a replacement, which may cost more. Check your state's DMV website or call to confirm whether updating your information will increase the total cost beyond the base replacement fee.

Replacing a License That Was Suspended or Revoked

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward pay the replacement fee and get a new one. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension — paying outstanding fines, completing a required course, or serving a suspension period — and then pay a reinstatement fee before you can get a replacement license.

Reinstatement fees vary widely by state and by reason for suspension. They can range from $50 to several hundred dollars. Contact your state's DMV or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you owe and in what order you need to pay it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license the same day I request it?

Most states do not issue licenses the same day. Standard processing takes two to four weeks by mail. A few states offer in-person replacement at certain DMV offices, where you can receive a temporary paper license when ready and the plastic card by mail within days. Check your state's DMV website to see if this option is available in your area.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You must replace it through the state that issued it, not your current state. Contact that state's DMV by phone or website, provide your license number or other identifying information, and request a replacement. You'll pay that state's fee and have the new license mailed to your current address.

Do I have to pay the replacement fee if the DMV damaged my license?

Most states waive the replacement fee if they caused the damage — for example, if a license arrived from the printer with a defect. Contact your DMV and explain the damage. They will usually issue a replacement at no charge if they determine it was their error.

Can I pay the replacement fee with a check or money order?

It depends on your state and how you submit your request. Online orders usually require a credit or debit card. In-person visits at a DMV office often accept checks, cash, and cards, but policies vary by location. Call your local office to confirm what they accept before you go.

Will the replacement fee be different if I need a REAL ID-compliant license?

Most states do not charge extra for a REAL ID license. The replacement fee is the same whether you get a standard license or a REAL ID version. However, if you're upgrading from a standard license to REAL ID at the time of replacement, a few states may charge a small additional fee. Check your state's DMV website or call to confirm.