Where to Request Your Replacement License
You request a replacement driver's license through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which may also be called the Secretary of State's office or Division of Motor Vehicles depending on your state. Most states let you request a replacement in person at a DMV office, by mail, or online through their website. A few states offer phone requests as well.
The fastest route is usually your state's online portal if your license was lost or stolen within the last few years and you have not had multiple replacements recently. If you cannot use the online system, visiting a DMV office in person typically takes one to two hours and produces a temporary license you can use when ready. Mail requests take two to four weeks.
Start by visiting your state's DMV website and searching for "replacement license" or "lost license." The site will show you which methods are open in your state and what documents you need for each one.
Key Takeaways
- You can request a replacement through your state DMV online, by mail, or in person, depending on what your state offers.
- You will need to prove your identity with documents like a birth certificate, passport, or Social Security card, plus proof of your current address.
- In-person requests usually produce a temporary license the same day, while mail requests take two to four weeks and online requests take five to ten business days.
- The fee for a replacement license varies by state but typically ranges from $15 to $50.
- If your license was stolen, some states require you to report it to police first or file a theft report with the DMV.
Documents You Will Need
Every state requires proof of identity and proof of your current address. Acceptable identity documents usually include a U.S. passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, or military ID. Some states also accept a tribal ID or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa.
For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and current street address. The document typically must be dated within the last 60 days, though this varies by state. A piece of mail from a government agency also works in most states.
If you are requesting by mail, you will need to send photocopies of these documents, not originals. Check your state's DMV website for the exact list, because some states accept additional documents like insurance cards or vehicle registration.
Requesting Online or by Mail
To request online, go to your state DMV website and look for the option to order a replacement license. You will enter your license number, date of birth, and the reason for replacement (lost or stolen). Upload clear photos of your identity document and proof of address. Pay the replacement fee using a credit or debit card. Most states charge between $15 and $50.
Online requests typically take five to ten business days. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on file. Some states send a temporary digital license to your phone that you can show to police if stopped, while others mail a paper temporary license first.
To request by mail, read the replacement form from your state DMV website or pick one up at a DMV office. Fill it out completely, attach photocopies of your identity and address documents, include a check or money order for the fee, and mail the packet to the address listed on the form. Include a return envelope with postage if your state requires it. Mail requests take two to four weeks from the time the DMV receives your packet.
Requesting in Person at a DMV Office
Bring your original identity document, proof of address, and your replacement fee in cash or card. Arrive early, because DMV offices often have long waits, especially on weekdays. Some states let you reserve a time slot online before you go, which can cut your wait time significantly.
Tell the staff member at the counter that you need a replacement license due to loss or theft. They will verify your identity, take a new photo, and process your request on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license or a temporary digital license on your phone that is valid for 30 to 60 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed. Your permanent license usually arrives within one to two weeks.
If your license was stolen, ask the DMV staff whether your state requires a police report. Some states ask you to file one before or after requesting the replacement, while others do not require it. The staff can tell you what your state needs.
If Your License Was Stolen
When you report a stolen license, tell the DMV that it was stolen, not just lost. This flag alerts the system and can prevent someone else from using your license number fraudulently. Some states require you to file a police report first, while others let you file the report with the DMV at the same time you request the replacement.
If you file a police report, keep a copy of the report number. When you request your replacement, provide this number to the DMV. If your state does not require a police report, you can still file one if you are concerned about identity theft. A police report creates an official record in case the stolen license is used fraudulently later.
After you receive your replacement license, monitor your credit report for suspicious activity. You can check your credit report free once per year at annualcreditreport.com, which is the official site run by the three major credit bureaus.
What Happens If You Cannot Find Your License Number
If you do not know your license number, the DMV can look it up using your name, date of birth, and address. When you request a replacement online or by mail, there is usually a field that says "I don't know my license number" — select that option and provide your personal information instead. At a DMV office, the staff will look up your number before processing your request.
If you have moved since your last license was issued, bring proof of your new address along with your identity document. The DMV will update your address in the system at the same time they process your replacement.
Fees and Processing Times by Method
| Method | Processing Time | Typical Fee | Temporary License |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | 5 to 10 business days | $15 to $50 | Digital or mailed paper |
| By Mail | 2 to 4 weeks | $15 to $50 | None (wait for permanent) |
| In Person | 1 to 2 weeks for permanent | $15 to $50 | Same day (paper or digital) |
Fees vary significantly by state. Some states charge the same fee for a replacement as for a renewal, while others charge more for a replacement. A few states waive the fee if you report the license stolen within a certain time frame. Check your state DMV website for the exact fee in your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while I wait for my replacement license?
Yes, if you have a temporary license. In-person requests produce a temporary license the same day, either printed on paper or sent to your phone as a digital image. Mail and online requests may not include a temporary license, so ask the DMV what your state provides. If you have no temporary license and cannot wait, you can request an in-person replacement instead.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You request a replacement from the state that issued your license, not from the state where you lost it. Go to that state's DMV website and follow the same process. If you live in a different state now, you can request by mail or online. Some states also let you request a replacement at a DMV office in another state if you have moved.
Do I need to report a lost license to the police?
Most states do not require a police report for a lost license, but some do if the license was stolen. Check your state DMV website or ask at the DMV office. If you are concerned about identity theft, you can file a police report even if it is not required — this creates an official record.
How much does a replacement license cost?
Fees range from $15 to $50 depending on your state and whether your license was lost or stolen. Some states charge less for a replacement than for a renewal. Check your state DMV website for the exact fee, or call the DMV office to confirm before you submit your request.
What if the DMV says I have had too many replacements?
Some states limit the number of free or low-cost replacements you can request in a certain time period. If you have reached that limit, you may have to pay a higher fee or wait until the time period resets. The DMV staff can tell you your replacement history and what options you have.