Where to start when your licence goes missing
Your first step is to contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency — the name varies by state. Some states call it the Secretary of State's office, others the Registry of Motor Vehicles. You will need to report the licence as lost and request a replacement. Most states let you do this online, by mail, or in person at a local office.
The process differs slightly depending on whether your licence is actually lost or you suspect it was stolen. If you believe it was stolen, you may want to file a police report first, though most DMVs do not require this to issue a replacement. Having a report on file protects you if someone uses your licence number fraudulently.
Do not wait to report it missing. The sooner you request a replacement, the sooner you will have a valid licence in hand. In the meantime, you cannot legally drive — a lost licence is not the same as having it with you.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your state DMV directly through their website, phone line, or local office to report your licence lost and request a replacement.
- You will need to provide your name, date of birth, licence number (if you know it), and proof of identity such as a passport or birth certificate.
- Replacement fees range from roughly $20 to $50 depending on your state and whether you choose standard or expedited processing.
- Standard replacement typically takes two to four weeks by mail; in-person replacement at a DMV office is usually faster, sometimes same-day.
- If you suspect theft rather than loss, file a police report and ask the DMV to flag your licence number to prevent misuse.
What documents you will need to bring or submit
The DMV will ask you to prove your identity. Acceptable documents usually include a passport, birth certificate, state ID card, or military ID. Some states accept a combination of documents — for example, a utility bill plus a credit card — if you do not have a primary ID. Check your state's DMV website for the exact list, because requirements vary.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number and your current address. If you have moved since your last licence was issued, bring proof of your new address, such as a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement. Some states require this; others ask for it only if your address has changed.
If you know your licence number, have it ready. If not, the DMV can look it up using your name and date of birth. Bring any documents related to your name change if you have married, divorced, or legally changed your name since your licence was issued.
Online, mail, and in-person options
Online replacement is available in most states and is the fastest route if your state offers it. You will create an account on the DMV website, report your licence lost, upload photos of your identity documents, and pay the replacement fee by credit or debit card. Processing typically takes one to two weeks, and the new licence arrives by mail.
Mail-in replacement works in every state. You fill out a form (usually available on the DMV website or by phone request), include copies of your identity documents, write a check or money order for the fee, and mail everything to the address the DMV provides. This route takes longer — usually three to four weeks — because of postal delays on both ends.
In-person replacement at a local DMV office is the fastest option in most states. You bring your original documents, fill out a form at the office, pay the fee, and in many cases walk out with a temporary licence the same day while your permanent one is mailed to you. Some states issue the permanent licence on the spot. Call ahead or check online to see if your local office offers same-day service.
Fees and processing times by method
| Method | Typical Fee | Processing Time | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | $20–$50 | 1–2 weeks | You have a computer and your state offers it; fastest remote option |
| $20–$50 | 3–4 weeks | You prefer not to visit an office and can wait | |
| In-person | $20–$50 | Same day to 1 week | You need to drive soon or want a temporary licence when ready |
| Expedited mail (if available) | $30–$75 | 5–10 days | You need it faster than standard mail but cannot visit an office |
Fees vary by state. Some states charge the same amount for a replacement as for a new licence; others charge less. A few states offer free replacements within a certain window after loss. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee.
If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, ask the DMV about a temporary licence. Many states issue a paper temporary licence valid for 30 to 90 days while you wait for the permanent one. This is usually available only if you replace your licence in person.
What to do if you cannot find your licence number
You do not need your licence number to request a replacement. The DMV can look it up using your name, date of birth, and address. However, having the number speeds up the process slightly. If you remember it, include it on your process.
If you have a record of your licence number elsewhere — on an insurance document, a bank form, or an old email — use that. If not, straightforward tell the DMV you do not have it. They will search their records and find it for you.
Protecting yourself if your licence was stolen
If you believe your licence was stolen rather than lost, file a police report. This creates an official record and protects you if someone uses your licence number to commit fraud or get pulled over while driving. Give the police report number to the DMV when you request your replacement.
Ask the DMV to flag your old licence number in their system so that if someone tries to use it, the flag will alert officers. Some states do this automatically when you report a licence stolen; others require you to ask. A few states offer identity theft monitoring or fraud alerts as part of the replacement process.
Monitor your credit report for the next few months. You can check it free once a year at annualcreditreport.com. If you see accounts you did not open, contact the creditor and the credit bureau when ready.
Replacing a licence from another state or country
If you lost a licence issued by another state, you will need to contact that state's DMV, not your current state. The state that issued the licence is the only one that can replace it. However, if you have moved and want to convert your out-of-state licence to a local one, most states let you do that at the same time you request a replacement.
If your lost licence was issued by another country, you cannot replace it through a U.S. DMV. You will need to contact the issuing country's equivalent agency. If you need to drive in the United States, you can obtain a U.S. licence by taking the written and driving tests in your state, even without a valid licence from another country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while waiting for my replacement licence?
No, not legally. A lost licence is not valid for driving. However, if you replace your licence in person at a DMV office, many states issue a temporary paper licence on the spot that is valid for 30 to 90 days. Ask about this when you visit.
How much does a replacement licence cost?
Fees range from about $20 to $50 depending on your state. Some states charge the same as a new licence; others charge less for a replacement. A few offer free replacements within a set period. Check your state DMV website for the exact amount.
What if I moved since my licence was issued?
Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease. Some states require this; others ask for it only if your address changed. You can update your address at the same time you request your replacement.
Do I need a police report to get a replacement?
No. Most DMVs do not require a police report to issue a replacement. However, if you believe your licence was stolen, filing a report protects you from fraud and gives you documentation to show the DMV.
How long does it take to get a replacement licence?
In-person replacement is fastest — often same-day or within a week. Online replacement typically takes one to two weeks. Mail-in replacement takes three to four weeks. Some states offer expedited mail service for an extra fee, which takes five to ten days.