What a DL-14A form does and when you need it
A DL-14A is the California Department of Motor Vehicles form you use to request a duplicate or replacement driver's license. You fill it out when your license is lost, stolen, damaged, or when you need an extra copy of your current license. The form tells DMV which license you're replacing and confirms your identity so they can issue a new one with the same number and expiration date.
You do not need a DL-14A if you're renewing an expired license, changing your address, or updating your name — those use different forms. But if your physical card is gone or unusable, this is the form that gets you a new one.
Key Takeaways
- A DL-14A requests a duplicate or replacement license and requires your driver's license number, full legal name, and current address.
- You can submit the form in person at a DMV office, by mail, or through the DMV website if you have a Real ID-compliant license.
- Processing takes roughly two to three weeks by mail and one to two weeks in person, depending on DMV workload.
- You will need to pay a replacement fee, which varies but is typically under $20 for a standard replacement.
- If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report first so you have a report number to include with your process.
What information and documents you need to gather
Before you start filling out the DL-14A, collect your current driver's license number, your full legal name as it appears on your license, and your current mailing address. If you don't have your license number memorized, you can find it on any document DMV sent you, such as a renewal notice or your vehicle registration.
If your license was stolen, have a police report number ready — it's not required, but including it can speed up processing. If your license was damaged but still readable, you can bring it with you or describe the damage on the form. You will also need to bring payment for the replacement fee when you submit the form, whether in person or by mail.
Submitting your DL-14A in person at a DMV office
Walk into any DMV office with your completed DL-14A, your payment, and a form of identification (your damaged license counts, or a passport, state ID, or other government-issued ID). Hand the form to the counter staff, pay the fee, and they will process it on the spot. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 60 days while your replacement card is printed and mailed to you.
Processing time at the counter is usually 15 to 30 minutes, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The replacement card itself arrives by mail in one to two weeks. If you need your license sooner, in-person submission is faster than mailing the form.
Submitting your DL-14A by mail
Fill out the DL-14A completely, sign and date it, and mail it to the DMV address listed on the form itself — this address varies by region. Include a check or money order for the replacement fee (do not send cash). Include a copy of your identification if possible, though it's not always required.
Mail your envelope to the correct regional DMV office. Processing by mail takes two to three weeks from the date DMV receives it, plus mail transit time in both directions. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so if you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you'll need to visit an office in person instead.
Requesting a replacement online through the DMV website
If your California driver's license is Real ID-compliant (marked with a gold star in the top right corner), you can request a duplicate through the DMV website without visiting an office or mailing anything. Log into your DMV online account, select "Order a Duplicate License," and follow the prompts. You'll pay the fee by credit or debit card.
Online requests are processed in the same timeframe as in-person submissions — your replacement card is mailed within one to two weeks. This option is available only for duplicates of valid, non-expired licenses. If your license is expired or suspended, you must visit an office or mail the form.
What happens after you submit your DL-14A
DMV will mail your replacement license to the address you provided on the form. If you submitted in person, you received a temporary paper license good for 60 days, which you can use to drive while you wait. If you submitted by mail or online, you have no temporary license, so plan accordingly if you need to drive before the replacement arrives.
If your replacement doesn't arrive within three weeks of submission, contact DMV to check the status. Have your driver's license number and the date you submitted the form ready. If DMV lost your form or payment, they will tell you and you may need to resubmit.
Common reasons a DL-14A gets delayed or rejected
The most common delay is an incomplete form — missing your signature, an illegible address, or a mismatch between the name on the form and the name on your license. Double-check that your legal name matches exactly what appears on your current license before you submit.
Payment issues also cause delays: a check that bounces, a money order with the wrong amount, or a missing payment altogether. If you're mailing the form, use a money order or certified check and keep a copy of the receipt. If you submitted in person and the payment didn't process, the counter staff will tell you when ready and you can pay again.
If your license was reported as suspended or revoked, DMV will not issue a replacement until the suspension is lifted. Contact DMV directly to find out your license status before submitting a DL-14A.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement license the same day I explore?
No, but you can get a temporary paper license the same day if you explore in person at a DMV office. The temporary license is valid for 60 days while your replacement card is printed and mailed. By mail or online, you have no temporary license and must wait for the card to arrive.
What if I don't know my driver's license number?
Check any document DMV sent you, such as a renewal notice, registration, or insurance card. You can also call DMV at 1-800-777-0133 and provide your name and date of birth, and they will give you your number. If you're explore in person, bring a government-issued ID and staff can look it up for you.
Do I need a police report to replace a stolen license?
No, a police report is not required. However, if you have one, including the report number can help DMV process your request faster and flag your license in their system. If you plan to file a report, do it before or at the same time as submitting your DL-14A.
How much does a replacement license cost?
Replacement fees vary but typically range from $15 to $20 for a standard driver's license. The exact fee depends on your license type and whether you're replacing it before expiration. Check the DMV website or call 1-800-777-0133 to confirm the current fee before you submit payment.
Can I use my temporary paper license to drive out of state?
A temporary paper California license is valid only in California. If you need to drive out of state before your replacement card arrives, you'll need a different form of identification, such as a passport or passport card. Contact DMV if you need your replacement expedited for travel.