What to Do When You Lose Your Driver License

How to replace a lost driver license

When you lose your driver license, you report it to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency — the name varies by state — and request a replacement. Most states let you do this in person at a DMV office, by mail, or online through their website. The process usually takes one to two weeks if you go in person, or three to four weeks by mail. You will need to show proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card) and pay a replacement fee, which ranges from $10 to $30 depending on your state.

The first step is to check your state's DMV website to see whether you can replace it online or by mail, since this is faster than waiting for an appointment at an office. If your state does not offer online replacement, you will need to visit a DMV office in person. Some states require you to report the loss before you can get a replacement; others do not. Your state's website will tell you which applies to you.

Key Takeaways

Contact your state's DMV website to find out whether you can replace your license online, by mail, or only in person.
You will need to bring proof of identity such as a passport or birth certificate, and pay a replacement fee of $10 to $30.
In-person replacement usually takes one to two weeks; mail replacement takes three to four weeks.
Some states require you to report the loss to the DMV before you can get a replacement, while others do not.
If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the DMV office.

Reporting the loss to the DMV

Most states do not require you to file a separate loss report before requesting a replacement, but some do. Check your state's DMV website to see whether a loss report is required. If it is, you can usually file it online, by phone, or in person. Filing a report protects you if someone tries to use your lost license fraudulently, because it creates an official record that the license is no longer valid.

When you contact the DMV, have your driver license number ready if you know it, or your date of birth and full name. The DMV will look up your record and confirm your identity before processing the report. If you cannot remember your license number, the DMV can find it using your name and date of birth.

What documents you need to bring

To replace your license, you need proof of identity and proof of your current address. Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, birth certificate, state ID card, military ID, or tribal ID. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Some states accept a bill from a phone or internet provider instead.

If you are replacing your license in person, bring the originals of these documents — photocopies are not accepted. If you are replacing by mail, your state's DMV website will tell you whether to send originals or certified copies. Do not send your passport or birth certificate by mail unless your state specifically requires it; use a state ID card or utility bill instead.

Getting a temporary license while you wait

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the DMV office. This is usually valid for 30 to 60 days and costs nothing extra. The temporary license has the same legal weight as a plastic license for driving purposes, so police will accept it if you are stopped.

Not all states issue temporary licenses, so check your state's DMV website first. If your state does offer them, ask for one when you submit your replacement request. If you are replacing by mail, you cannot get a temporary license through the mail, so you will need to visit an office in person if you need to drive when ready.

Replacing your license online or by mail

Many states now let you replace a lost license through their DMV website without visiting an office. To do this, you create an account on the DMV website, log in, and follow the prompts to request a replacement. You will upload photos of your identity document and proof of address, pay the replacement fee by credit or debit card, and submit. The DMV will mail your new license to the address on file.

If your state does not offer online replacement, you can replace by mail in most cases. read the replacement form from your state's DMV website, fill it out, and mail it with copies of your identity document and proof of address to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for the replacement fee. Mail replacement takes longer than online or in-person replacement because of postal delays.

Replacing your license in person at a DMV office

If you cannot replace online or by mail, or if you need a temporary license, you will need to visit a DMV office. Make an appointment through your state's DMV website if appointments are required in your state — many states now require them to reduce wait times. Bring your proof of identity, proof of address, and payment for the replacement fee.

At the office, tell the staff member that you are replacing a lost license. They will look up your record, verify your identity, take a new photo, and process the replacement. The whole visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your plastic license will arrive by mail in one to two weeks.

What happens if someone uses your lost license

If you discover that someone has used your lost license — for example, you receive a traffic ticket you did not get, or a police officer tells you about a stop you did not make — contact your state's DMV when ready and file a police report. The police report creates an official record that you did not commit the violation, which protects you if the ticket goes to court or affects your driving record.

When you file the police report, bring a copy of the DMV loss report if you filed one. Give the police officer the date and location of the violation if you know it. The officer will create a report number; keep this number for your records. If you receive a ticket or notice in the mail related to the violation, respond to it and include a copy of the police report to show that you were not driving at the time.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, if you have a temporary paper license issued by the DMV. If you did not get a temporary license, you cannot legally drive. Contact your state's DMV to find out whether temporary licenses are available in your state and how to request one.

How much does it cost to replace a lost license?

Replacement fees range from $10 to $30 depending on your state. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee. Some states charge more if you are replacing a license that is also expiring soon.

What if I lost my license while traveling out of state?

You can replace your license through your home state's DMV website or by mail, even if you are out of state. If you need to drive when ready, contact a DMV office in the state where you are traveling to ask about temporary driving permits for out-of-state residents.

Do I need to take a new photo for my replacement license?

If you replace in person at a DMV office, yes — they will take a new photo. If you replace online or by mail, you may be able to use your old photo, or you may need to upload a new one. Check your state's DMV website for the specific requirement.

What if my address has changed since I got my license?

You can update your address at the same time you request a replacement. Bring proof of your new address to the DMV office, or upload it if you are replacing online. The new license will show your current address.

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.