Get a replacement from your state's DMV or equivalent agency
When you lose your driver's license, you need to report it to the agency that issued it — usually your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), though some states call it the Department of Licensing or Secretary of State. You can report the loss and request a replacement in person, by mail, or online, depending on your state. Most states let you order a replacement without taking a new photo or retaking the written test.
The process is straightforward: you report the license lost or stolen, pay a replacement fee (typically $15 to $30), and receive a new card with the same license number. Some states mail the replacement to you within one to two weeks. Others let you pick it up at a local office the same day. A few states issue a temporary paper license while you wait for the card to arrive.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your state DMV by phone, website, or in person to report the loss and order a replacement — do not wait.
- You will need to pay a replacement fee, which varies by state but is usually between $15 and $30.
- Bring proof of identity and proof of residency to an in-person appointment, or upload digital copies if you order online.
- Your replacement license will have the same number as your lost license, so your driving record stays attached to it.
- If you suspect your license was stolen rather than lost, ask the DMV to flag it as stolen so someone else cannot use it.
Find your state's DMV contact information and hours
Start by searching "[your state] DMV" or "[your state] driver's license replacement" online. Each state maintains a website with phone numbers, office locations, and hours. You can also call 411 or your local city or county government office to get the DMV's direct number.
Many states now let you handle the entire process online through their DMV website. Others require you to visit an office in person or mail in a form. A few states offer both options. Check your state's website first — it will tell you which method is available and what documents you need to bring or upload.
Report the license as lost or stolen
When you contact the DMV, tell them your license is lost. If you believe it was stolen — for example, if your wallet was taken — say that instead. The DMV can flag a stolen license in the system so that if someone tries to use it, the fraud is easier to catch. A lost license is treated as a standard replacement request.
You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and license number if you remember it. If you do not remember your license number, the DMV can look it up using your name and date of birth. Have your Social Security number ready as well, since most states use it to verify your identity.
Gather the documents you need
For an in-person replacement, bring a government-issued photo ID (such as a passport or state ID card) and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address on it. Some states accept a recent piece of mail from a government agency.
If you are ordering online or by mail, you will upload digital copies of these documents instead. Take clear photos of both sides of your ID and your proof of address. Make sure the text is readable and the entire document fits in the frame. Some states also ask you to upload a new photo of yourself for the replacement license.
Pay the replacement fee and choose your delivery method
Replacement fees range from $15 to $30 depending on your state. Some states charge extra if you want expedited delivery or a duplicate card. You can usually pay by credit card, debit card, or check, depending on whether you are paying in person, online, or by mail.
When you place your order, you will choose how you want to receive the new license. Standard mail delivery takes one to three weeks. Some states offer expedited mail for an extra fee. If you visit an office in person, ask whether you can walk out with a temporary paper license the same day while you wait for the card to arrive in the mail.
What to do while you wait for your replacement
You cannot legally drive with an expired or lost license. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, ask the DMV whether they issued you a temporary paper license. Some states do this automatically; others only issue one if you ask. A temporary license is valid for driving but not for other purposes like boarding a plane or entering a federal building.
If you do not have a temporary license and you need to drive, you have two options: wait for the replacement to arrive, or ask someone else to drive you. Driving without a valid license can result in a traffic citation, fines, and points on your driving record, even if you have a legitimate license that is straightforward in transit.
Protect yourself if your license was stolen
If your wallet or purse was stolen along with your license, monitor your credit reports for fraudulent activity. You can request a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — at annualcreditreport.com. Check for accounts or charges you do not recognize.
Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file. This tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place a fraud alert by calling any of the three credit bureaus; they will notify the others. If you find fraudulent accounts, report them to the Federal Trade Commission at reportidentitytheft.ftc.gov and to the creditor directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a temporary license while I wait for my replacement?
Yes, if your state issued you a temporary paper license. This is valid for driving but not for other identification purposes. If you did not receive one, contact the DMV to ask whether they can issue one. Without a temporary or valid license, you cannot legally drive.
What if I find my original license after I order a replacement?
Contact the DMV and let them know. If your replacement has not been mailed yet, they may be able to cancel the order. If it has already been mailed, you will receive it anyway. Keep both cards until the DMV tells you what to do with the duplicate — some states ask you to return the old one or destroy it.
Do I need to take a new written test or photo for a replacement license?
No. A replacement license uses your existing photo and information. You only retake the written test or photo if your license has expired and you are renewing it, not replacing it. A replacement is faster because it skips those steps.
How long does a replacement license take to arrive?
Standard mail delivery takes one to three weeks depending on your state. Some states offer expedited delivery for an extra fee, which can cut the time to five to seven business days. If you visit an office in person, ask whether they can issue a temporary paper license you can use when ready.
What if I lost my license out of state?
Contact the DMV in the state that issued your license, not the state where you lost it. You can usually do this online or by phone. Your replacement will be mailed to an address you provide, which does not have to be in that state.