Report the loss to your state's DMV when ready
The first step after losing your driver's license is to report it to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Most states let you report a lost or stolen license by phone, online, or in person at a local DMV office. Reporting it stops someone else from using it for identity fraud or to obtain credit in your name.
When you report the loss, have your driver's license number ready if you can remember it, along with your full name, date of birth, and address. If you don't know your license number, the DMV can look it up using your other information. Some states will ask whether the license was lost or stolen — this distinction matters for fraud protection, so answer honestly.
Reporting takes only a few minutes by phone or online in most states. If you go in person, bring a form of identification such as a passport, state ID card, or birth certificate. The DMV will flag your lost license in their system so it cannot be used if someone finds it.
Key Takeaways
- Report your lost license to your state DMV by phone, online, or in person within a few days to prevent fraud and stop someone else from using it.
- A replacement license costs between $15 and $50 depending on your state and how long until your current license expires.
- You can usually get a temporary paper license the same day you report the loss, which is valid for driving while you wait for your replacement card.
- If your license was stolen, file a police report and give the report number to the DMV so they can flag it for fraud investigation.
- Check your credit report within 30 days using a free service like AnnualCreditReport.com to catch any fraudulent accounts opened in your name.
Get a temporary license while you wait for the replacement
Most states issue a temporary paper license on the same day you report the loss. This temporary license is valid for driving and is usually good for 30 to 90 days, depending on your state. You can use it to drive legally while the DMV processes your replacement card.
The temporary license is printed at the DMV office if you report in person, or mailed to you if you report by phone or online. If you report online or by phone, ask the DMV how long the temporary license takes to arrive — some states mail it within a few days, while others may take a week or two. In the meantime, you may be able to drive without a physical license if you have the confirmation number from your report, though this varies by state, so call ahead to confirm.
Keep the temporary license with you while driving, just as you would a regular license. Police will accept it as proof that you reported the loss and are waiting for a replacement.
Pay the replacement fee and choose your delivery method
Replacing a lost driver's license costs money, though the amount varies by state. Most states charge between $15 and $50 for a replacement license. Some states charge less if your current license is not expiring soon, and more if you need it rushed.
When you order the replacement, you can usually choose standard mail delivery or expedited delivery. Standard delivery takes 1 to 3 weeks and costs nothing extra. Expedited or rush delivery takes 3 to 7 business days and typically costs $10 to $25 more. If you need to drive for work or have an urgent reason, expedited delivery may be worth the extra cost.
Some states let you pick up a replacement license at a DMV office the same day or within a few days if you pay an in-person fee. Check your state's DMV website to see what options are available and what each one costs.
File a police report if your license was stolen
If your license was stolen rather than lost, file a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office. You can file in person at the station or, in many places, online through the police department's website. The police report creates an official record that your license was taken without your permission, which protects you if someone uses it fraudulently.
When you file the report, give the police your license number, the date you discovered it was missing, and where you last had it. Ask for a report number or a copy of the report. Bring this report number to the DMV when you report the stolen license — it flags your case for fraud investigation and may speed up the process.
If you believe the theft is connected to identity theft or fraud, tell the police that as well. They may refer you to a detective or fraud unit. Keep a copy of the police report for your records and for any credit monitoring you do later.
Monitor your credit and watch for fraud
A lost or stolen driver's license is a risk for identity theft because it contains your name, address, date of birth, and sometimes your signature. Within 30 days of the loss, check your credit report for any accounts or inquiries you don't recognize.
You can get a free credit report once per year from each of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — through AnnualCreditReport.com. This is the only free service authorized by the federal government. Pull your report from all three bureaus and look for new credit cards, loans, or inquiries you didn't make.
If you find fraudulent accounts or inquiries, contact the credit bureau that reported them and file a dispute. You can also place a fraud alert on your credit file by calling one of the three bureaus — they will notify the other two. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.
Update your address if you've moved since your last license
If you've moved since your current license was issued, you can update your address when you order the replacement. Some states let you update your address online or by mail when you report the loss. Others require you to go to a DMV office in person.
Updating your address at the same time you replace your license saves you a trip later. If you don't update it now, you'll have to do it the next time you renew, and mail sent to your old address could be intercepted. Check your state's DMV website to see whether you can update your address during the replacement process.
Know what to do if your replacement license doesn't arrive
If your replacement license doesn't arrive within the timeframe the DMV gave you, contact the DMV to check the status. Have your confirmation number or report number ready. The DMV can tell you whether the license was mailed and, if so, when.
If the license was mailed but never arrived, the DMV can reissue it and may send it by expedited mail at no extra charge. If there was a delay on the DMV's end, they may waive the replacement fee. Ask what options are available in your state.
While you wait for a replacement, continue using your temporary license. If the temporary license expires before your replacement arrives, contact the DMV again — they can usually extend the temporary license or issue a new one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive without my license while waiting for the replacement?
Yes, if you have a temporary license or a confirmation number from your DMV report. Most states recognize the temporary paper license as valid proof of your right to drive. If you don't have either, call your state DMV to ask what you can show a police officer if you're stopped.
What if I find my lost license after I've reported it?
Contact the DMV and let them know you found it. You can usually cancel the replacement order if you haven't paid yet, or ask the DMV to stop the replacement from being mailed. If the replacement has already been mailed, you can still use your original license — just don't use both.
Do I have to go to the DMV in person to replace a lost license?
Not in most states. Many states let you report the loss and order a replacement online or by phone, and mail you a temporary license and the replacement card. Check your state's DMV website to see what methods are available. Some states do require an in-person visit if you've moved or if your license is expiring soon.
How long does it take to get a replacement license?
Standard delivery usually takes 1 to 3 weeks. Expedited delivery takes 3 to 7 business days and costs extra. If you pick up in person at a DMV office, you may get it the same day or within a few days. Times vary by state, so check your DMV website for the current timeframe.
What should I do if someone uses my lost license to get credit?
File a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov, which creates an official record of the fraud. Contact the creditor that opened the fraudulent account and tell them it was opened without your permission. Place a fraud alert on your credit file by calling one of the three credit bureaus, and consider a credit freeze to prevent new accounts from being opened.