File a report with your local police department, not your state DMV
When your driver's license goes missing, you need to report it to the police department that covers where you lost it — not to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. The police create an official record that you no longer have the card, which protects you if someone tries to use it fraudulently. This report also gives you documentation to show the DMV when you request a replacement license.
You do not need to wait until you have searched everywhere. Report it as soon as you realize it is gone. The sooner the police have a record, the sooner that document exists if identity theft becomes an issue later.
Key Takeaways
- Report a lost driver's license to the police department in the city or county where you lost it, not to the DMV.
- You can file a report in person at the police station, by phone, or online through your local department's website — methods vary by location.
- The police will give you a report number and a copy of the report, which you will need when you explore for a replacement license at the DMV.
- Filing a police report creates an official record that protects you if someone uses your lost license to commit fraud or identity theft.
- After filing the report, contact your state DMV to request a replacement license using the police report number as proof of loss.
Where to file: your local police department, not state police
The police department you contact depends on where you lost your license. If you lost it in a city, go to that city's police department. If you lost it in an unincorporated area of a county, contact the county sheriff's office. If you are not sure which jurisdiction covers the location, search "[your city] police department" or "[your county] sheriff" online, and the website will show you the address and phone number.
Do not contact your state police or highway patrol — they do not handle lost document reports. Your local department is the one that files the report and gives you the documentation you need for the DMV.
Three ways to file: in person, by phone, or online
Most police departments let you choose how to file. In person is the most straightforward: walk into the police station during business hours, tell the desk officer you need to report a lost driver's license, and they will direct you to the right person or form. Bring your name, address, date of birth, and the license number if you know it (you can find it on old documents or your DMV account online).
By phone works in many departments. Call the non-emergency number for your local police (not 911), explain that you lost your license, and ask whether they can take the report over the phone or whether you need to come in. Some departments will mail you the report; others will ask you to pick it up.
Online filing is available in some cities and counties. Search "[your city] police report online" or "[your county] sheriff online report" to see whether your department offers it. Online systems usually let you fill out a form and receive a report number when ready, though you may need to pick up a physical copy later or have it mailed to you.
What information you will need to provide
Have the following details ready when you file, whether you are doing it in person, by phone, or online:
- Your full name and current address
- Your date of birth
- Your driver's license number (if you know it)
- The state that issued your license
- The date you last had the license or when you discovered it was missing
- Where you think you lost it (as specifically as you can — a store name, street, or neighborhood)
- A description of the license itself (color, any damage, whether it was in a wallet or bag)
You do not need to have all of this memorized. If you do not remember your license number, the officer can look it up using your name and date of birth. If you are not certain of the exact date, give your best estimate — "sometime last week" is enough to start.
What you receive and how to use it
After you file the report, the police will give you a report number and either a printed copy of the report or instructions on how to retrieve it online. Write down the report number when ready — you will need it when you contact the DMV.
Keep the police report or a photo of it. When you go to the DMV to request a replacement license, you will show this report as proof that your license was lost. Some states let you upload the report number online when you order a replacement; others require you to bring the physical report to a DMV office. Check your state DMV's website to see which method they use.
The police report also protects you if someone uses your lost license fraudulently. If a store or bank questions a transaction, you can show them the report number to prove you reported the license missing before the fraud occurred.
What happens if you cannot find your license number
Your license number appears on the card itself, but if you do not have access to it, you can find it in several places. Log into your state DMV's online portal (most states have one) and look at your driver's license information — the number is listed there. You can also call your state DMV and give them your name and date of birth; they will provide the number over the phone.
If you cannot locate the number before filing the police report, do not let that stop you. The police officer can look it up using your name and date of birth, or you can add it to the report later if you find it. The report is still valid without it.
After the police report: ordering your replacement license
Once you have the police report number, contact your state DMV to order a replacement license. Most states let you order online through their website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. You will need to provide the police report number as proof of loss. Some states charge a replacement fee (usually $10 to $30, though this varies); a few waive the fee if you report the loss within a certain timeframe.
A replacement license typically arrives in the mail within one to three weeks, depending on your state. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask the DMV whether they issue a temporary license or permit at the time you order the replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to file a police report to get a replacement license?
Requirements vary by state. Some states require a police report only if your license was stolen; others do not require one at all. Check your state DMV's website under "replacement license" or call them to confirm. Even if it is not required, filing a report protects you against fraud.
What if I lost my license in a different state?
File the report with the police department in the state where you lost it. When you order a replacement from your home state's DMV, provide that out-of-state police report number. Your DMV will accept it as proof of loss.
Can I file a police report if I think my license was stolen instead of lost?
Yes. Tell the police officer that you believe it was stolen rather than lost. They will note that in the report, which may affect how they investigate and what they advise you to do next (such as monitoring your credit or placing a fraud alert with credit bureaus).
How long does it take to get the police report?
If you file in person, you usually receive a report number and a copy on the spot. If you file by phone or online, you may receive the report number when ready but have to pick up or wait for a mailed copy. Call your police department to ask about their timeline.
What if I find my license after I file the report?
Contact the police department and let them know you found it. They may ask you to update the report or close it. You can still use the original report number if you already ordered a replacement license, or you can cancel the replacement order if you prefer to keep using the original license.