Report the theft to your state's DMV and get a replacement document
When your driver's license is stolen, you need to report it to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency — the name varies by state but the process is similar everywhere. The DMV will flag your old license as invalid so it cannot be used for identification or to rent a car or open accounts. You then request a replacement license, which arrives by mail within one to three weeks depending on your state.
You do not need to file a police report first, though you may want to for your own records if the theft was part of a larger incident. The DMV report itself is what matters legally — it cancels the stolen document and creates a record that you reported it.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your state DMV in person, by phone, or online to report the theft and request a replacement license.
- Bring the same documents you would need for a renewal: proof of identity, proof of residence, and your Social Security number.
- A replacement license costs less than an original license in most states, typically $15 to $30.
- Your replacement will have a new number and expiration date, and the old license becomes invalid when ready once reported.
- If you need to drive before the replacement arrives, some states issue a temporary paper license on the spot.
How to contact your DMV about a stolen license
Start by going to your state's DMV website and looking for "report lost or stolen license" or "replace license." Most states now let you report the theft and request a replacement online without visiting an office. If your state does not offer online reporting, call the DMV's main number or visit a local office in person.
When you contact the DMV, have your name, date of birth, and the license number ready if you know it. If you do not remember the number, the DMV can look it up using your name and Social Security number. Tell them the license was stolen, not lost — this distinction matters because it flags the document as potentially fraudulent if someone tries to use it.
Some states process theft reports and replacements in the same transaction. Others require you to report the theft first, then submit a separate replacement request a few days later. The DMV representative will tell you which applies to you.
Documents you will need to bring or submit
A replacement license requires the same identity documents as a renewal. You will need proof of identity (your passport, birth certificate, or another state ID), proof of residence (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address), and your Social Security number. Some states also ask for a new photo, which means you may need to visit an office rather than handle everything online.
If you are replacing a license that was stolen from your home or car, bring a police report if you have one — it is not required, but it can speed things up if the DMV has questions. If the theft happened out of state, you may need to contact that state's DMV as well to report it there.
The cost of a replacement license
A replacement stolen license costs less than an original license in most states. Typical fees range from $15 to $30, though a few states charge up to $50. Some states waive the fee if you report the theft within a certain window, usually 30 days. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee and whether any waivers explore to you.
You pay the fee when you submit your replacement request, either online with a credit card or in person at a DMV office. If you report the theft online, the fee is usually charged when ready. If you visit an office, you can pay by cash, check, or card depending on what the office accepts.
How long it takes to get a replacement
A replacement license typically arrives by mail within one to three weeks. Standard processing takes 7 to 14 days in most states, but mail delivery adds another week. Some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee — usually $10 to $25 — that cuts the timeline to 5 to 10 days total.
Your old license becomes invalid the moment you report it stolen, even if the replacement has not arrived yet. If you need to drive before the replacement comes, ask the DMV whether they issue a temporary paper license. Many states do this on the spot at an office visit or by mail after an online report. A temporary license is valid for 30 to 90 days and looks like a printed letter with your photo and license number.
What to do if someone uses your stolen license
If you discover that someone has used your stolen license — for example, you get a traffic ticket you did not receive, or a store calls about a fraudulent purchase — contact your DMV when ready and provide them with the details. The DMV can note the fraudulent use in their system and may issue you a new license number if needed.
You should also consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) if the theft included other documents like your Social Security card. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place one for free by calling any of the three bureaus.
Temporary licenses and driving while you wait
If your state issues temporary paper licenses, request one when you report the theft. A temporary is valid for driving, renting a car, and most identification purposes, though some businesses may not accept it. It is printed when ready at an office or mailed to you within a few days if you report online.
If your state does not issue temporary licenses and you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you have limited options. Some states let you request an expedited replacement for a higher fee. Others allow you to carry a copy of your DMV report as proof that you reported the theft, though not all police officers or businesses will accept it. Call your DMV to ask what documentation they recommend you carry while waiting.
Protecting yourself after a stolen license
A stolen driver's license is a risk because it contains your name, address, date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number — enough information for identity theft. Beyond reporting it to the DMV, monitor your credit reports for suspicious activity. You can check your credit for free once per year at annualcreditreport.com, which is the official site run by the three major bureaus.
If the license was stolen along with other documents or from your home, consider whether your mail is at risk. A stolen address plus a stolen ID makes it easier for someone to intercept mail or open accounts in your name. You can ask the U.S. Postal Service to hold your mail or require a signature for delivery while you sort things out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to file a police report to replace a stolen license?
No. The DMV report is what matters — it cancels the stolen license and creates an official record. A police report is optional and useful mainly for your own records or if the theft was part of a larger crime. Some states ask for a police report number if you have one, but will process the replacement without it.
Can I get a replacement license the same day?
Not usually. Most states mail replacements within one to three weeks. Some offer expedited processing for an extra fee that cuts it to 5 to 10 days. A few states issue temporary paper licenses on the spot at an office visit, which you can use to drive while waiting for the permanent replacement.
What if I do not remember my license number?
The DMV can look it up using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. You do not need the number to report the theft or request a replacement — the DMV will find your record in their system.
Will my replacement license have the same number as the stolen one?
No. A replacement license gets a new number and a new expiration date. The old number becomes invalid once you report the theft. This is intentional — it prevents someone from using the stolen license even if they somehow obtain it.
What should I do if I see my stolen license being used?
Contact your DMV and provide details of where and when it was used. The DMV will note the fraudulent use in their system. If it was used to commit a crime or open accounts, also contact the police or the relevant business to report the fraud.