What to Do When Your Driving Licence Is Lost or Stolen

Report a lost or stolen licence to police first, then to your licensing authority

If your driving licence has been lost or stolen, you need to file a police report before you contact your licensing authority. The police report creates an official record that protects you if someone uses your licence fraudulently — for example, if they get pulled over while driving or rack up traffic violations in your name. Without this report, you may be held responsible for violations committed by whoever has your licence.

The process differs slightly depending on whether your licence was lost or stolen. A stolen licence needs a police report; a lost licence may not strictly require one, but filing a report anyway protects you against misuse. Either way, you will then need to request a replacement from your licensing authority, which is usually your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent body.

The entire process typically takes two to four weeks from start to finish, though you can often drive legally while your replacement is being processed if you have filed the police report and submitted your replacement request.

Key Takeaways

File a police report as soon as you discover your licence is lost or stolen, because this protects you from liability if someone uses it illegally.
You can file a police report online, by phone, or in person at your local police station, depending on your jurisdiction.
After filing the police report, contact your state's DMV or licensing authority to request a replacement licence.
Most states allow you to drive legally while your replacement is being processed if you have proof of your police report and replacement request.
A replacement licence usually costs between $20 and $50 and arrives within two to four weeks.

How to file a police report for a lost or stolen licence

Start by contacting your local police department's non-emergency line. Most police departments now allow you to file a report online through their website, which is often the fastest option. Search "[your city] police report online" or "[your county] police report" to find the form. Online reporting typically takes 10 to 15 minutes and generates a report number when ready.

If you cannot file online, call your local police department's non-emergency number (not 911) and ask to file a report for a lost or stolen licence. Have your licence number ready if you know it — you can find it on any documents you received when you first got your licence, or you can call your DMV to look it up. The police will ask for your name, address, date of birth, and when you last saw the licence.

If your licence was stolen (not just lost), mention that during the report. Some police departments treat stolen documents differently and may flag your name in their system. You will receive a report number — save this number and any confirmation email or receipt, because you will need it when you contact your DMV.

Requesting a replacement licence from your DMV

After you have filed the police report, contact your state's DMV or equivalent licensing authority. Most states now allow you to request a replacement online through their website. Search "[your state] DMV replace lost licence" to find the form. You will typically need to provide your driver's license number, date of birth, and the police report number from your report.

If you prefer to explore in person, visit your local DMV office. Bring your police report number (or a copy of the report if you have one), proof of identity such as a passport or birth certificate, and proof of your current address such as a utility bill or lease. Some states also require a completed process form, which you can read from the DMV website before you go.

The replacement fee varies by state but typically ranges from $20 to $50. Some states charge less for a replacement than for a new licence. Ask whether your state offers expedited processing for an additional fee — this can reduce the wait time from four weeks to one to two weeks.

What to do while you wait for your replacement

In most states, you can continue to drive legally while your replacement licence is being processed, as long as you have filed the police report and submitted your replacement request. However, you should carry proof of both — either a copy of your police report and a confirmation email from your DMV, or a receipt from your in-person DMV visit.

If you are pulled over by police, explain that your licence is being replaced and show the officer your proof of the police report and replacement request. Most officers will accept this, but it is not may provide. To be safest, keep these documents in your vehicle at all times while you are waiting.

If your replacement licence does not arrive within the timeframe your DMV quoted, contact them to check the status. Delays sometimes happen, especially if your process was incomplete or if there is a backlog at your local office.

Protecting yourself against identity theft and fraud

A lost or stolen licence is a document that contains your name, address, date of birth, and licence number — information that can be used for identity theft. Beyond filing the police report, consider placing a fraud alert on your credit report. You can do this for free by contacting any of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.

Monitor your credit report for the next few months to watch for unauthorized accounts or inquiries. You can view your credit report for free once per year at AnnualCreditReport.com, which is the official government website. If you spot suspicious activity, contact the credit bureau and file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov.

If your licence was stolen and you are concerned about someone using it to drive, ask the police whether they can flag your licence number in their system. Some departments do this automatically when you file a report; others require you to ask.

What happens if someone uses your stolen licence

If someone uses your stolen licence to drive or to commit a traffic violation, the violation will initially appear on your driving record. This is why the police report is so important — it creates a record that you reported the licence stolen before the violation occurred. When you discover the violation, contact your local police department and provide them with your original police report number. They can investigate and potentially update their records to show that you were not the driver.

If a violation appears on your record after you have filed the police report, you can contest it. Contact your state's DMV and explain that your licence was stolen. Provide your police report number. The DMV can investigate and may remove the violation from your record. This process can take several weeks, so start it as soon as you notice the violation.

In rare cases, if someone uses your stolen licence to commit a serious crime, the police may contact you as part of their investigation. Having filed the initial report protects you by establishing that you reported the licence stolen and did not authorize its use.

Replacing a licence that was lost abroad or in another state

If you lost your licence while traveling outside your home state, file a police report in the jurisdiction where it was lost. Then contact your home state's DMV to request a replacement. You can usually do this by mail or online without returning home first. You will need to provide the police report number from the jurisdiction where you filed the report.

If you are stranded without a licence and need to drive, some states issue a temporary paper licence or a temporary digital licence that you can display on your phone. Ask your DMV whether this option is available and how to request it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to file a police report if my licence is lost, not stolen?

Technically, no — most jurisdictions only require a police report for stolen documents. However, filing one anyway is a good idea because it protects you if someone finds your licence and uses it fraudulently. The report takes only a few minutes and costs nothing.

Can I drive without my licence while I wait for the replacement?

In most states, yes, as long as you carry proof that you have filed a police report and requested a replacement. This proof can be a copy of the police report, a receipt from your DMV visit, or a confirmation email from your DMV. Check your state's specific rules by contacting your DMV directly.

How much does a replacement licence cost?

The cost varies by state but typically ranges from $20 to $50. Some states charge less for a replacement than for a new licence. You can find your state's exact fee on your DMV website. Expedited processing, if available, usually costs an additional $10 to $25.

What if I find my licence after I have already requested a replacement?

Contact your DMV and let them know you found it. If your replacement has not yet been issued, they may cancel the order and refund your fee. If the replacement has already been issued, you will have two valid licences temporarily — destroy the old one and use the new one.

Can I get a temporary licence while I wait for my replacement?

Some states offer temporary paper licences or temporary digital licences that you can use while your permanent replacement is being processed. Ask your DMV whether this option is available in your state and whether there is an additional fee.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.