What you need to do to get a replacement license at your state's Registry of Motor Vehicles

To replace your driver's license at the RMV, you visit your local branch in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and sit for a new photo. The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes on the day you visit. You will leave with a temporary paper license and receive your plastic card by mail within one to three weeks, depending on your state.

The exact steps and fees vary by state — Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York each run their own RMV or DMV — but the core requirements are the same everywhere. You cannot replace a license by mail or online in most states, and you cannot send someone else to do it for you.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an RMV branch in person with a valid ID and proof of your current address to replace your license.
  • Replacement fees range from about $25 to $50 depending on your state and whether you need a standard or REAL ID card.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license the same day and your permanent card arrives by mail within one to three weeks.
  • If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, tell the RMV staff when you arrive — the process is the same but the reason matters for your records.

Documents you need to bring

Bring one form of government-issued photo ID — your passport, military ID, or an out-of-state driver's license all work. You also need proof that you live at your current address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will do. Some states accept a recent tax return or insurance policy instead.

If your name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring the document that proves it: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, the RMV cannot issue a license in your new name.

Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized. You will need it to fill out the process form. If you do not know your number, contact the Social Security Administration before you go to the RMV; the branch cannot look it up for you.

How to find your local RMV branch and make an appointment

Search your state's RMV or DMV website for branch locations and hours. Most states now require you to book an appointment online or by phone rather than walk in. Check the website for your state — Massachusetts, for example, uses mass.gov/rmv; Connecticut uses ct.gov/dmv; New York uses dmv.ny.gov. Each site has a scheduling tool.

If appointments are full, check back the next day — many branches release new slots daily. Some states offer walk-in hours on certain days or at certain branches, but these often have long waits. Booking ahead saves time.

If you cannot find a nearby branch or all appointments are booked for weeks, call your state's RMV customer service line. The number is on the website. Staff can sometimes add you to a waitlist or direct you to a less busy branch.

The replacement fee and what it covers

Replacement fees typically run $25 to $50, depending on your state and the type of license. A standard driver's license costs less than a REAL ID-compliant card. REAL ID cards cost more because they require additional security features and background checks; they are needed for federal buildings and domestic flights as of May 2025.

Most states charge the same fee whether you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license. A few states charge slightly more if your license was suspended or revoked, but that is rare. Pay by cash, debit card, or credit card — the RMV accepts all three.

The fee covers the new card and the temporary paper license you receive on the day of your visit. It does not cover any additional documents you may need to bring, such as certified copies of a name-change order.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give your appointment confirmation or name. You will be called to a window where an RMV clerk will review your documents, ask you to confirm your address and other details, and have you sign the process form. This takes about five minutes.

Next, you will go to the photo station. Sit for a new photo — wear something you would normally wear, avoid sunglasses and hats, and look directly at the camera. The photo is taken digitally and printed on your new card. This takes about two minutes.

After your photo, you will pay the fee and receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready and remains valid until your permanent card arrives. Keep it with you while you drive.

When your new card will arrive and what to do if it does not

Your permanent plastic license is mailed to the address you provided at the RMV. Delivery usually takes one to three weeks, but can take longer during busy periods or if your state's processing center is backlogged. Check your state's RMV website for current processing times.

If your card does not arrive within the stated timeframe, contact your state's RMV customer service. Have your temporary paper license and the date of your visit ready. They can check the status of your card and resend it if it was lost in the mail.

Do not throw away your temporary paper license until your permanent card arrives. If your card is lost or delayed and you need to drive, the temporary license is your proof of a valid license.

Replacing a license that was lost, stolen, or damaged

The RMV process is the same whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged — you bring your documents, pay the fee, and get a new card. However, if your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police first. A police report is not required by the RMV, but it creates a record in case someone tries to use your old license fraudulently.

If your license was damaged — water-damaged, faded, or physically broken — bring the old card with you if you still have it. The RMV will take it and destroy it. If you do not have it, just tell the clerk what happened; they will note it in your file.

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot replace it at the RMV. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation through the court or your state's licensing authority. Contact your state's RMV to find out what you need to do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if it expired?

Yes. A replacement and a renewal are different transactions. Replacement means getting a new card because your current one is lost, stolen, or damaged. Renewal means extending an expired license. You can replace an expired license at the RMV, but you will also need to renew it at the same time, which may cost extra and require an eye test.

What if I moved and my address on my license is wrong?

Bring proof of your new address to the RMV. When you replace your license, the RMV will update your address in the system and print your new address on the new card. You do not need a separate address-change transaction.

Do I need a REAL ID card or can I keep a standard license?

A standard license is still valid for driving. REAL ID is required only for federal buildings and domestic flights. If you do not fly or enter federal buildings, a standard license is sufficient. If you do, ask the RMV clerk which option you need when you arrive.

How long is my temporary paper license good for?

Your temporary paper license is valid until your permanent card arrives or until the expiration date printed on it, whichever comes first. Once your permanent card arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid. Destroy it or keep it as a record.

What if I cannot get to an RMV branch in person?

Most states do not allow mail-in or online replacement. A few states offer limited mail-in options for people with disabilities or who live far from a branch, but you must request this in advance. Call your state's RMV customer service to ask whether you are may be able to access.