Where to order your replacement license
You order a replacement driver's license through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), not through a private company or online service. Most states let you order by mail, in person at a DMV office, or through their official website. A few states require you to appear in person, so check your state's DMV site first to see which methods are available where you live.
The fastest route is usually your state's official DMV website. You can often request a replacement there, pay the fee with a debit or credit card, and receive your new license by mail within one to three weeks. If your state's website doesn't offer online ordering, you can visit a DMV office in person or mail in a form — both take longer but work in every state.
Do not use third-party "license replacement" websites that charge extra fees. These sites forward your request to the DMV anyway, so you pay their markup for work the DMV would do for free. Stick to your state's official DMV channel.
Key Takeaways
- Order through your state's official DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office — never through a private company.
- You will need to provide your driver's license number, date of birth, and current address, plus pay a replacement fee that varies by state.
- Online ordering is usually fastest, taking one to three weeks; in-person replacement at a DMV office can sometimes be done the same day.
- If your license was stolen, report it to police first and bring the report number when you order your replacement.
What information and documents you need
Have your current driver's license number ready, along with your date of birth and current mailing address. If you're ordering online, the DMV website will ask for these details and verify them against their records. If you're ordering by mail or in person, you'll fill out a form (usually called an process for Duplicate Driver's License or similar) and provide the same information.
If your license was lost or stolen, bring a police report number if you have one — this is not required in most states, but it can speed up processing and protects you if someone tries to use your lost license. If you don't have a police report, you can still order a replacement; just note on the form that it was lost or stolen.
You will also need to pay a replacement fee. This fee varies by state, typically ranging from $5 to $30. Check your state's DMV website to see the exact amount before you order.
Ordering online through your state DMV
Go to your state's official DMV website and look for a link labeled "Replace License," "Duplicate License," or "Order Replacement License." Click that link and you'll be taken to a form. Enter your driver's license number, date of birth, current address, and the reason (lost, stolen, or damaged). Some states ask for your Social Security number to verify your identity.
Review the information you entered to make sure it matches your records. If your address has changed since you got your current license, update it now — your new license will be mailed to the address you provide. Once you've checked everything, proceed to payment. You'll pay the replacement fee with a debit or credit card.
After you pay, you'll receive a confirmation number on screen and usually via email. Write down or save this number. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided within one to three weeks. If you don't receive it after three weeks, use the confirmation number to check the status on the DMV website or call the DMV customer service line.
Ordering by mail
If your state doesn't offer online ordering, read the replacement license form from your state's DMV website. The form is usually called "process for Duplicate Driver's License" or "process for Replacement Driver's License." Print it out and fill in your driver's license number, date of birth, current address, and reason for replacement.
Sign the form and include a check or money order for the replacement fee made out to your state's DMV. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your police report if your license was stolen and you have one. Mail everything to the address listed on the form — this is usually a DMV processing center, not your local DMV office.
Mail processing takes two to four weeks from the time the DMV receives your form. To track your order, call the DMV customer service line with your driver's license number. Keep a copy of everything you mail in case you need to follow up.
Ordering in person at a DMV office
Visit your local DMV office during business hours. Bring your current driver's license or another form of ID, and be ready to pay the replacement fee in cash, check, or card — policies vary by location. Tell the staff member that you need a replacement license and explain whether it was lost, stolen, or damaged.
The staff member will verify your information, take a new photo if required, and process your order. In some states, you can walk out with a temporary paper license the same day and receive your permanent plastic license by mail within one to two weeks. In other states, you'll receive only a receipt and your new license will arrive by mail.
Bring your police report number if your license was stolen. The DMV can sometimes file a report on your behalf or note the theft in their system, which adds a layer of protection if someone tries to use your lost license.
What happens if your license was stolen
If your license was stolen rather than lost, file a police report first. You don't need to wait for the report to be completed — you can order your replacement license right away. When you order, mention that it was stolen and provide the police report number if you have it. This alerts the DMV to flag your old license as invalid.
Some states allow you to request an expedited replacement if your license was stolen, which can shorten the processing time. Ask about this option when you order. You may also want to contact your bank and credit card companies to let them know your ID was stolen, in case someone tries to use it to open accounts or make fraudulent purchases.
Keep the police report number and your DMV confirmation number for your records. If someone tries to use your stolen license, you'll have documentation that you reported both the theft and ordered a replacement.
Tracking your replacement license
After you order, you'll receive a confirmation number. Save this number — you'll need it to check the status of your order. Most state DMV websites have a "Track My Order" or "Check Status" tool where you enter your confirmation number and it shows you whether your license is being processed, has been mailed, or is out for delivery.
If you ordered online or by mail, your new license should arrive within one to three weeks. If it doesn't arrive after three weeks, contact the DMV using your confirmation number. They can tell you whether the license was mailed and to what address, or whether there was a problem with your order that needs to be fixed.
If you ordered in person and received a temporary paper license, that temporary is valid for driving until your permanent license arrives. Do not throw away the temporary — keep it with you while you drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement license the same day?
Only if you order in person at a DMV office in a state that issues temporary paper licenses on the spot. Most states mail your permanent license and it takes one to three weeks. Check your state's DMV website to see whether same-day temporary licenses are available in your area.
What if I don't have my driver's license number?
Call your state's DMV customer service line and provide your full name, date of birth, and current address. They can look up your license number in their system. You'll need this number to order a replacement online or by mail.
Do I have to report my lost license to police?
No, it's not required. But if your license was stolen, filing a police report protects you if someone tries to use it fraudulently. You can order your replacement without a police report — just note that it was stolen when you order.
How much does a replacement license cost?
The fee varies by state, typically between $5 and $30. Check your state's DMV website for the exact amount. Some states charge less if you order by mail and more if you order in person for a same-day temporary.
What if I moved and my address changed?
Update your address when you order your replacement. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide on the form. If you don't update it, your license will be mailed to your old address and you won't receive it.