California issues a replacement license through the DMV, and you can request it in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation

If your California driver's license has been stolen, you have three paths to get a replacement: online through the DMV website (fastest for most people), by mail if you prefer not to visit an office, or in person at a DMV field office. The online route takes about 5 to 10 business days for delivery. Mail takes longer but requires no appointment. In-person replacement is when ready if you bring the right documents, though you will need to schedule an appointment at your local DMV office.

The state charges a replacement fee of $32 for a standard license (as of 2024, though this may change). You will need to prove your identity and California residency, and you should report the theft to local police and file a report number with your DMV request — this protects you if the stolen license is used fraudulently.

Key Takeaways

  • Online replacement through the DMV website is the fastest option for most people and takes 5 to 10 business days.
  • You must bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or other state ID) and proof of California residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) to any DMV office or include copies with a mail request.
  • Filing a police report and obtaining a report number strengthens your case if the stolen license is misused and gives you documentation to show the DMV.
  • In-person replacement at a DMV office is the only way to get a license the same day, but requires an appointment scheduled in advance.
  • You should also notify your bank, credit card companies, and any other institutions that have your license number on file to watch for fraud.

Report the theft to police first

Before you contact the DMV, file a police report with your local law enforcement agency. You can do this in person at a police station or, in many California cities, online through the police department's website. Provide the license number, date of birth, and any other details you remember. The police will give you a report number or case number.

This step matters because it creates an official record that the license was stolen, not lost or misplaced. If someone uses your stolen license to commit fraud or open accounts in your name, you will have proof that you reported it missing. Keep the police report number — you will reference it when you contact the DMV and when you notify banks or credit card companies.

Gather your identity and residency documents

The DMV requires proof of who you are and that you live in California. For identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a valid passport card, a Trusted Traveler card (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST), or a valid military ID. If you do not have any of those, you can use two documents from a secondary list, such as a Social Security card plus a school or work ID.

For residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your California address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank or credit card statement, insurance policy, or a government notice (tax return, court document, or benefit statement). The document must show your name and current address. If you have recently moved, bring two documents — one showing your old address and one showing your new address — to explain the change.

Replace your license online through the DMV website

Go to dmv.ca.gov and select "Replace a Lost or Stolen License or ID Card" from the main menu. You will need to create or log into your DMV online account. Answer the questions about your license (number, date of birth, and other identifying information), confirm that it was stolen, and enter the police report number if you have one.

Upload clear photos of your identity document and residency proof. The DMV accepts PDF, JPG, or PNG files. Make sure the images are legible — blurry or cut-off documents will delay processing. Pay the $32 replacement fee using a credit or debit card. The DMV will mail your new license to the address on file, typically within 5 to 10 business days. You will receive a confirmation email with a tracking number.

Replace your license by mail if you prefer not to visit an office

Complete the process for Replacement Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL 44) or the shorter Replacement License or ID Card Request (Form DL 43). You can print these forms from dmv.ca.gov or pick them up at any DMV office. Fill in all required fields, including your license number, date of birth, and the reason for replacement (theft).

Enclose copies of your identity and residency documents, the police report number, and a check or money order for $32 payable to "Department of Motor Vehicles." Mail the packet to the DMV address for your county — you can find this on the DMV website by entering your county name. Mail processing takes 2 to 3 weeks longer than online submission, so use this option only if you cannot visit an office or submit online.

Get a replacement the same day by visiting a DMV office

Schedule an appointment at your local DMV field office through dmv.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-777-0133. Bring your original identity and residency documents (not copies), your police report number, and payment for the $32 fee (cash, check, debit card, or credit card). The DMV will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue a temporary license on the spot. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

In-person replacement is the only way to walk out with a valid license the same day. If you need to drive when ready after your license was stolen, this is your only option. Appointments fill up quickly during peak hours, so book as far in advance as possible. If you cannot find an appointment at your nearest office, try offices in neighboring cities — they often have more availability.

Protect yourself from fraud after reporting the theft

Contact your bank, credit card companies, and any other financial institutions that have your driver's license number on file. Tell them your license was stolen and provide the police report number. Ask them to flag your account for suspicious activity and to contact you before opening any new accounts or credit lines in your name.

Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before extending credit. A credit freeze prevents anyone from opening new accounts without your permission. Both are free and take about 15 minutes to set up online. You can also monitor your credit report for free once per year at annualcreditreport.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while waiting for my replacement license?

If you received a temporary license at a DMV office, yes — it is valid for driving. If you submitted your request online or by mail, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives. Some employers and law enforcement may accept a DMV confirmation email as proof of a pending replacement, but this is not may provide. If you need to drive when ready, visit a DMV office in person.

What if I do not have a police report number?

You can still request a replacement, but having a police report number strengthens your case and protects you if the stolen license is used fraudulently. If you have not filed a report, do so before submitting your DMV request. If you filed a report but lost the number, contact the police department that took the report and ask them to provide it again.

How much does a replacement license cost?

The replacement fee is $32 as of 2024. This covers the cost of issuing a new license and mailing it to you. If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal air travel), the fee is the same. Payment must be made at the time of request — online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.

Will my new license have the same number as my stolen one?

No. California issues a new license number with each replacement. This is one reason reporting the theft to police and your bank is important — your old number will no longer be valid, and a new number makes it harder for someone to use the stolen license fraudulently.

What if my address has changed since my stolen license was issued?

Update your address at the same time you request your replacement. When you explore online, by mail, or in person, provide your current address. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). The DMV will issue your replacement license with your updated address.