Where to order a new driver's license
You order a replacement driver's license through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which may also be called the Secretary of State's office or Division of Motor Vehicles depending on where you live. Most states now let you order online through their official website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. A few states still require you to appear in person, so check your state's DMV site first to see which methods are available to you.
The fastest route is usually online if your state offers it — you can complete the order in 10 to 15 minutes without leaving home. Mail-in orders take longer because the DMV has to process your paperwork, but they work if you cannot visit an office. In-person orders are slowest in terms of wait time at the office, but you walk out with your temporary license the same day in most states.
Key Takeaways
- You must order through your state's official DMV website, not a third-party service, and most states charge between $15 and $35 for a replacement license.
- Online ordering is fastest and available in most states, but you will need your Social Security number, current address, and a payment method.
- Mail-in orders require you to print a form from the DMV website, include a check or money order, and mail it to the address listed on that form.
- In-person orders at a DMV office usually take one to three hours but give you a temporary license to use while you wait for the permanent one by mail.
- Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 14 days in most states, though some states offer expedited shipping for an extra fee.
What documents and information you need before you start
Have your Social Security number, current address, and date of birth ready before you begin. You will also need a valid payment method — a debit card, credit card, or bank account number for online orders, or a check or money order for mail-in orders. Some states ask for your old license number if you still have it, though this is not required.
If you are ordering in person, bring a document that proves your identity and current address. This can be a passport, birth certificate, utility bill, lease, or bank statement. The DMV website for your state lists exactly which documents they accept, so check that list before you go to avoid a wasted trip.
How to order online
Go to your state's official DMV website and look for a link that says "Order a Replacement License," "Replace Lost License," or "Renew or Replace." Click that link and you will be taken to a form. Enter your name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, and driver's license number if you have it. The form will ask why you need a replacement — select "Lost" or "Stolen" depending on your situation.
Review the information you entered to make sure it is correct, then choose your payment method and complete the transaction. You will receive a confirmation email with a reference number. Save this number — you may need it to track your order or contact the DMV. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided, usually within 7 to 14 days.
Some states offer rush or expedited shipping for an additional fee, typically $10 to $25. If you need your license sooner, look for this option during checkout. A few states also let you pick up your license at a DMV office instead of having it mailed, which can cut the wait time to two to three days.
How to order by mail
Visit your state's DMV website and read the form for replacing a lost or stolen license. The form is usually called "process for Replacement License" or "DL-44" (the exact name varies by state). Print the form and fill it out completely with your name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, and the reason for replacement.
Write a check or money order for the replacement fee — this ranges from $15 to $35 depending on your state — and make it payable to your state's DMV or Department of Motor Vehicles. Do not send cash. Include both the completed form and the check in an envelope and mail it to the address printed on the form or listed on the DMV website.
Mail-in orders typically take three to four weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. You have no temporary license during this period, so you cannot legally drive. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you will need to order in person at a DMV office instead to get a temporary license the same day.
How to order in person at a DMV office
Find your nearest DMV office using the location finder on your state's website. Some states let you schedule an appointment online, which can cut your wait time from two to three hours down to 15 to 30 minutes. If appointments are not available, arrive early in the day — DMV offices are usually less crowded in the morning.
Bring your proof of identity and address (passport, birth certificate, utility bill, lease, or bank statement), your Social Security number, and a payment method. Tell the staff member at the counter that you need to replace a lost or stolen license. They will give you a form to fill out or may enter your information into the computer themselves.
Pay the replacement fee, which is usually $15 to $35. The DMV will give you a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 to 60 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided, typically within 7 to 14 days.
How long it takes and what to expect
Online orders usually result in a license arriving within 7 to 14 days. Mail-in orders take longer — typically three to four weeks from when the DMV receives your envelope, plus however long it takes for your mail to reach them. In-person orders give you a temporary license the same day, and your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 14 days.
If your state offers expedited shipping, you can pay extra to receive your license in three to five days instead. A few states also offer in-office printing, where you can pick up your license at the DMV office within two to three days instead of waiting for mail delivery. Check your state's DMV website to see which options are available.
If your license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the DMV using the reference number from your confirmation email or receipt. They can tell you whether your order is still being processed or if there was a problem with the address or payment.
What to do if you cannot find your state's online system
A small number of states do not yet offer online ordering for replacement licenses. If your state's DMV website does not have an online form, you have two options: mail in your process using the form available on the website, or visit a DMV office in person. Neither option is faster than the other — mail takes three to four weeks, and in-person takes one to three hours of your time plus 7 to 14 days for mail delivery of the permanent license.
If you cannot find the replacement form on your state's website, call the DMV phone number listed there. A staff member can mail you the form or tell you which DMV office is nearest to you. Some states also have DMV kiosks in grocery stores or other public places where you can pick up forms and pay fees, though these are less common.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a replacement driver's license cost?
Most states charge between $15 and $35 for a replacement license. The exact fee depends on your state and whether you choose expedited shipping. Check your state's DMV website for the current fee, as prices change occasionally.
Can I use a temporary license to drive while I wait for my permanent one?
Only if you ordered in person at a DMV office — they give you a temporary paper license valid for 30 to 60 days. If you ordered online or by mail, you do not receive a temporary license and cannot legally drive until your permanent license arrives.
What if I ordered online but entered the wrong address?
Contact your state's DMV when ready using the reference number from your confirmation email. Some states can change the mailing address if you call within a few days of ordering. If they cannot change it, you may need to cancel the order and place a new one, though this depends on your state's policy.
Do I need my old license to order a replacement?
No. You need your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. Your old license number is helpful but not required. If you have it, include it to speed up the process, but do not delay your order if you cannot find it.
Can someone else order a replacement license for me?
For online and mail-in orders, you must submit the process yourself using your own information. For in-person orders, you must appear at the DMV office yourself — another person cannot order on your behalf. This is a security requirement to prevent fraud.