Where to get a replacement license in DC

The DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues replacement licenses for lost, stolen, or damaged cards. You can request a replacement in person at the DMV Service Center at 301 C Street NW, Washington DC 20001, or online through the DC DMV website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route is fastest if you have your documents ready; the online route takes longer but requires no trip to the office.

If you lost your license within DC, you do not need a police report to get a replacement — the DMV will issue one based on your identity documents alone. If your license was stolen, you may want to file a report with DC Metropolitan Police for your records, but it is not required to obtain a new card.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace a lost DC license in person at the DMV Service Center or online through the DC DMV website, depending on your situation and how quickly you need the card.
  • Bring a valid form of identification (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) and proof of DC residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) to the DMV office.
  • The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license valid for eight years, or $30 for a REAL ID-compliant license.
  • Processing time is same-day if you go in person with all required documents; online requests typically take 7 to 10 business days.
  • You can drive legally in DC while your replacement is being processed if you bring a receipt from the DMV showing you requested one.

Documents you need to bring

The DC DMV requires proof of identity and proof of residency. For identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, state ID from another state, military ID, or permanent resident card. The document must not be expired.

For residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your DC address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank or credit card statement, or government mail addressed to you. A pay stub with your address also works. Bring the original or a certified copy — photocopies alone are not accepted.

If you do not have a document dated within 60 days, you can bring two documents from different sources, even if older. The DMV will accept a combination approach if you explain the gap.

In-person replacement at the DMV Service Center

Walk into the DMV Service Center at 301 C Street NW during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.). You do not need an appointment for a replacement license. Bring your identity document, residency proof, and the $20 or $30 fee (cash, check, or card accepted).

The DMV will take a new photo and issue your replacement card on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to your address. The plastic card arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before the plastic arrives, the paper license is legal in DC and most states.

Online replacement through the DC DMV website

You can request a replacement online at dmv.dc.gov if your license was not suspended or revoked and you are not a commercial driver. Log in or create an account, select "Replace License," and upload photos of your identity document and residency proof. Pay the $20 or $30 fee by card.

The DMV will mail your replacement card to the address on file. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date they receive your request. You will not receive a temporary paper license through the online process, so if you need to drive before the card arrives, you must go in person instead.

Driving while your replacement is being processed

If you went in person to the DMV, you received a paper receipt showing you requested a replacement. This receipt is a valid temporary license in DC for 30 days. You can drive with it, and police will recognize it as proof you have a pending replacement.

If you submitted your request online, you do not have a temporary license. If you need to drive before your card arrives, you must visit the DMV in person to get the paper receipt. Alternatively, you can carry a copy of your confirmation email from the online request, though it is not as strong as the DMV receipt if stopped by police.

What to do if your license was stolen

A lost license and a stolen license are handled the same way at the DMV — you get a replacement using the same process. However, if you believe your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to file a report with DC Metropolitan Police (non-emergency line: 202-727-9099) for your records. This creates a paper trail in case the license is used fraudulently.

You do not need the police report to get a replacement from the DMV. The report is useful only if someone uses your stolen license to open accounts or commit fraud in your name — in that case, you would show the police report to creditors or fraud investigators as proof the license was not in your possession.

Replacing a license from another state

If you moved to DC and lost your out-of-state license, you cannot replace it through the DC DMV. You must contact the DMV in the state that issued it. However, you can convert to a DC license at the same time. Bring your identity and residency documents to the DC DMV, pay the $20 or $30 fee, and they will issue a new DC license. You do not need the old out-of-state license to do this.

If you want to keep your out-of-state license active as well, contact that state's DMV separately. Most states allow you to hold licenses from multiple states, though DC will issue you a DC license if you are a DC resident.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license the same day I report it lost?

Yes, if you go in person to the DMV Service Center with your identity and residency documents. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and a plastic card within 7 to 10 business days. Online requests take 7 to 10 days for the card to arrive and do not include a temporary license.

What if I do not have a recent utility bill or lease?

Bring two older documents from different sources — for example, a bank statement from three months ago and a pay stub from two months ago. The DMV will accept the combination. If you have no documents at all, call the DMV at 202-737-4404 to ask about alternative proof options.

Do I need a police report to replace a lost license?

No. The DC DMV will issue a replacement based on your identity and residency documents alone. A police report is optional and useful only if you suspect fraud or identity theft later.

How much does a replacement license cost?

A standard DC driver's license replacement costs $20 and is valid for eight years. A REAL ID-compliant license costs $30 and is also valid for eight years. REAL ID is required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 2025.

What if my address changed since I lost my license?

Bring current residency proof showing your new address. The DMV will issue a replacement with the updated address at no extra cost. If you have not updated your address yet, update it first through the online portal or in person, then request the replacement.