Get a replacement license by visiting a DMV office or using the online replacement service if your license was lost or stolen

If your California driver's license is lost or stolen, you have two main paths: order a replacement online through the DMV website, or go to a DMV office in person. The online route is faster and costs less, but it only works if your license hasn't expired and you haven't changed your address, name, or other information since it was issued. If any of those things have changed, or if your license expired more than five years ago, you must visit a DMV office instead.

The replacement license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you order online, or you can get it the same day at a DMV office if you go in person. You'll pay a replacement fee — currently $32 for a standard license — whether you choose online or in-person replacement. If your license was stolen, you may also want to report it to local police, though this isn't required to get a replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • Order a replacement online at dmv.ca.gov if your license hasn't expired, your address hasn't changed, and your name is the same as when you got the license.
  • Visit a DMV office in person if your license expired more than five years ago, or if you've changed your name, address, or other information since it was issued.
  • Online replacement takes 7 to 10 business days by mail; in-person replacement gives you a temporary license when ready and the permanent one within two weeks.
  • You'll need to pay a $32 replacement fee, plus any late renewal penalties if your license has been expired for more than a year.
  • If your license was stolen, file a police report for your records, though it's not required to get a replacement.

Replacing your license online through the DMV website

Go to dmv.ca.gov and look for the "Replace a Lost or Stolen License" option under the "Driver Licenses and ID Cards" section. You'll need your California driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The system will verify your identity using information already on file with the DMV.

After you complete the online form and pay the $32 fee with a credit or debit card, the DMV will mail your replacement license to the address on file. If that address is no longer correct, you cannot use the online replacement service — you must go to a DMV office instead. The replacement license will have the same number as your lost license and will be valid for the same expiration date.

Going to a DMV office for in-person replacement

Visit your local DMV office with your Social Security number and date of birth. You don't need to bring your lost license — the DMV can look up your record by your name and personal information. Bring one document that proves your current address, such as a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement. If your address has changed since your license was issued, bring proof of the new address.

At the office, you'll fill out a DL 44 form (process for a Driver License or Identification Card) or a shorter replacement form, depending on what has changed. You'll pay the $32 replacement fee. The DMV will give you a temporary paper license valid for 60 days, and your permanent replacement license will arrive by mail within two weeks. If your license has been expired for more than a year, you may owe additional late renewal penalties on top of the replacement fee.

What to do if your license was stolen

If someone stole your license rather than you straightforward losing it, file a report with your local police department. This creates an official record in case the license is used fraudulently. You don't need the police report to get a replacement license, but having one on file protects you if someone tries to use your license number for identity theft.

After you file the police report, proceed with the online or in-person replacement as described above. Some people also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) if they're concerned about identity theft, though this is separate from replacing your license.

Handling expired licenses and address changes

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot use the online replacement service. You must visit a DMV office and may need to take a new written test and vision test, depending on how long it has been expired. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew it instead of replacing it — renewal is cheaper and can often be done online.

If you've moved since your license was issued, you must update your address at a DMV office or through the online address change service before you can use online replacement. The online address change takes a few days to process, so if you need your replacement quickly, going to a DMV office in person is faster.

Costs and timing for replacement

The standard replacement fee is $32 for a five-year license or $64 for an eight-year license (if you're 70 or older). If your license has been expired for more than a year, you'll owe a late renewal penalty in addition to the replacement fee — the amount varies depending on how long it's been expired. Online replacement takes 7 to 10 business days; in-person replacement gives you a temporary license when ready and the permanent one within two weeks.

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, the temporary paper license the DMV gives you at the office is valid for 60 days. If you ordered online and can't wait for the mail, you can visit a DMV office and pay an additional $15 to get a temporary license while you wait for the replacement you ordered online to arrive.

Finding your nearest DMV office and making an appointment

Use the DMV office locator at dmv.ca.gov to find the office nearest you and check its hours. Many DMV offices now require appointments, which you can book online. Walk-ins are accepted at some locations, but you may wait several hours. Booking an appointment online typically gets you in within a few days.

Bring all required documents with you — your Social Security number, proof of current address, and any documents showing name or address changes. If you're replacing a license that was stolen, bring the police report if you filed one, though it's not required. Arrive a few minutes early to allow time for parking and getting to the right window.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while I wait for my replacement license?

Yes. If you got a temporary paper license at a DMV office, it's valid for 60 days. If you ordered online, you can visit a DMV office and pay $15 for a temporary license while you wait for your replacement to arrive by mail.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still order a replacement online or visit a California DMV office if you're in the state. If you're out of state and need to drive, contact your local DMV office by phone to ask about mailing options or whether you can get a temporary license without visiting in person.

Do I need a police report to get a replacement license?

No. The DMV will replace your license whether it was lost or stolen. Filing a police report is optional but recommended if you're concerned about identity theft or fraud.

Will my replacement license have a different number?

No. Your replacement license will have the same number as your lost license and the same expiration date. The only thing that changes is the physical card itself.

What if I can't find my Social Security number?

You'll need your Social Security number to replace your license online or in person. If you don't have it, contact the Social Security Administration or bring documents that show your number, such as a tax return or W-2 form, to the DMV office.