Where to get a replacement California driver's license
You can replace your California driver's license at any DMV office, by mail, or online through the California DMV website — but which route works depends on why you need a replacement and whether your license is still valid.
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement online at dmv.ca.gov without visiting an office. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs $20. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need it faster, you can go to a DMV office in person and get a temporary license the same day while your permanent one is printed.
If your license has expired or you need to update information (name, address, or medical conditions), you'll need to visit a DMV office or mail in an process. Expired licenses cannot be renewed online; they must be replaced in person or by mail.
Key Takeaways
- Lost, stolen, or damaged licenses can be replaced online for $20, with your new license arriving in 7 to 10 business days.
- Expired licenses must be replaced at a DMV office or by mail — the online option is not available for renewals.
- A temporary license issued at a DMV office is valid when ready and lets you drive while waiting for your permanent replacement.
- You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address to replace your license through any method.
- If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot replace it until the suspension or revocation is lifted.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license online
The online replacement process is the fastest option if your license is still valid (not expired) and you only need a replacement because it's lost, stolen, or damaged. Go to dmv.ca.gov, select "Replace a Driver License or ID Card," and follow the prompts. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The DMV will verify your identity using information already on file.
After you complete the online request, you'll receive a confirmation number. Pay the $20 replacement fee using a credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If that address is no longer correct, you must change it before ordering the replacement — you can update your address online separately before requesting the replacement.
The new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days, though delivery can take longer during high-volume periods. You can continue to drive using your old license (if you still have it) or a temporary license until the replacement arrives.
Getting a temporary license at a DMV office
If you need to drive before your replacement license arrives, visit any DMV office in person. Bring your Social Security number, date of birth, and proof of California residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You do not need to bring the old license if it's lost or stolen.
The DMV will issue you a temporary license on the spot, valid for 60 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as a permanent one — you can drive, and law enforcement will recognize it. Your permanent replacement will arrive by mail while you're using the temporary license. Once the permanent one arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid, but you don't need to return it.
Wait times at DMV offices vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on dmv.ca.gov before you go, and you can make an appointment online to reduce your time in the office.
Replacing an expired license in person or by mail
Expired licenses cannot be replaced online. You must either visit a DMV office or mail in an process. At a DMV office, bring your expired license, proof of California residency, and your Social Security number. The DMV will take a new photo and issue a temporary license when ready. Your permanent license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
To replace an expired license by mail, read the DL 44 form from dmv.ca.gov or pick one up at a DMV office. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it with a copy of your expired license and proof of residency to the DMV address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $20. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DMV receives your process, plus mailing time both ways.
If your license expired more than 5 years ago, you may need to retake the written test and vision test, even if you're just replacing it. Contact your local DMV office to confirm what's required before you explore.
What to do if your license was suspended or revoked
You cannot replace a suspended or revoked license until the suspension or revocation is lifted. If you're unsure whether your license is suspended or revoked, check your status on dmv.ca.gov by entering your driver's license number and date of birth.
Suspensions and revocations happen for different reasons — unpaid traffic tickets, DUI convictions, medical conditions, or failure to pay child support. Each has different steps to lift it. For unpaid tickets, you may need to pay the fine or appear in court. For a DUI revocation, you may need to complete a DUI program and wait a set period. Contact the DMV or the court that issued the suspension to learn what you need to do.
Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can replace your license using the methods described above. The DMV will notify you when you're may be able to access to drive again.
Costs and processing times
A replacement driver's license costs $20 whether you replace it online, by mail, or in person. This fee covers the new card and processing. If you request a temporary license at a DMV office, there is no additional charge — it's included in the $20 replacement fee.
Online replacements take 7 to 10 business days for delivery. In-person replacements give you a temporary license when ready and a permanent one by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Mail-in replacements take 2 to 3 weeks for processing plus mailing time in both directions, so plan for 3 to 4 weeks total.
If you need your license faster than standard mail delivery, you can pay an additional fee for expedited shipping when you order online or at a DMV office. Expedited delivery typically takes 3 to 5 business days instead of 7 to 10.
Updating your address or information when you replace your license
If you're replacing your license and your address has changed, update it before you order the replacement. For online replacements, change your address on dmv.ca.gov first, then request the replacement. For in-person replacements, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) and the DMV will update it while you're there.
If you need to change your name on your license, you cannot do this during a straightforward replacement. You'll need to explore for a new license using the DL 44 form and bring legal documents proving the name change (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree). This is treated as a new license process, not a replacement, and requires an in-person visit to a DMV office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if I don't have my Social Security number memorized?
You'll need your Social Security number to replace your license online or in person. If you don't have it memorized, look it up on a tax return, W-2, or Social Security card before you go to the DMV or start the online process. The DMV cannot look it up for you.
What if I moved and my license was mailed to my old address?
Contact the DMV when ready and report the address change. The DMV may be able to intercept the mail or reissue the license to your new address. Call your local DMV office or use the online chat on dmv.ca.gov to report the issue as soon as you realize it happened.
Do I need an appointment to replace my license at a DMV office?
Appointments are not required but are strongly recommended. You can make a free appointment on dmv.ca.gov for most DMV services, including license replacement. Walk-ins are accepted but may have longer wait times, especially during peak hours.
Can I replace my license if it's damaged but still readable?
Yes. Damaged licenses that are still readable can be replaced online for $20. If the damage makes the license unreadable or the photo is no longer visible, the DMV will treat it as a lost or stolen license and process it the same way.
How long is a temporary license valid?
A temporary license issued at a DMV office is valid for 60 days. After that, you must have your permanent replacement license to drive legally. If your permanent license hasn't arrived after 60 days, return to the DMV office and request another temporary license.