Getting a replacement California driver's license
You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged California driver's license through the DMV in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation. The fastest route is usually the DMV website if your license was straightforward lost or damaged and you still have your driver's license number. If your license was stolen, you'll need to report it to the DMV and may want to file a police report first. Processing takes about two weeks by mail and one to two weeks in person, though you can get a temporary license when ready at an office visit.
The cost is $32 for a standard replacement license. You'll need to bring your Social Security number, proof of California residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and proof of identity. If you're replacing a stolen license, bring a police report number or case number if you have one — the DMV doesn't require it, but it strengthens your report.
Key Takeaways
- Online replacement through the DMV website works only if your license was lost or damaged and you know your driver's license number; it costs $32 and takes about two weeks.
- In-person replacement at a DMV office gets you a temporary license the same day and a permanent one within one to two weeks.
- Mail-in replacement requires Form DL 44 or a completed online process printed out, plus copies of your identity and residency documents, and takes about two weeks.
- If your license was stolen, report it to the DMV even if you don't file a police report, so the DMV can flag it in their system.
- You'll need your Social Security number and proof of California residency dated within the last 90 days for any replacement method.
Replacing your license online
The DMV's online replacement service is the simplest option if you meet the requirements. You can replace your license online only if it was lost or damaged (not stolen), you have your driver's license number, and your license hasn't expired more than five years ago. You'll pay $32 and receive a replacement within about two weeks.
Go to dmv.ca.gov, select "Replace a Lost or Damaged Driver License," and follow the prompts. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The DMV will mail your new license to the address on file. If you need to change your address, you cannot do this through the online replacement tool — you'll need to visit an office or mail in a change-of-address form separately.
Replacing your license in person at a DMV office
An in-person visit gets you a temporary license when ready and a permanent one within one to two weeks. Bring your Social Security number, proof of identity (your passport, birth certificate, or another government-issued ID), and proof of California residency dated within 90 days. If your license was stolen, bring a police report number if you have one.
You do not need an appointment at most DMV offices for a replacement license, but you can make one online at dmv.ca.gov to reduce wait time. Walk-in service is available but often means a longer wait, especially at busy locations. Bring all documents in original form or certified copies — the DMV will not accept photos or scans at the counter. The temporary license you receive that day is valid for 60 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.
Replacing your license by mail
Mail-in replacement works if you cannot visit an office and your license wasn't stolen. read and print the process from dmv.ca.gov (look for Form DL 44 or use the online process tool and print the result). Fill it out completely, including your current address and any address changes. Attach copies of your proof of identity and proof of residency — photocopies are acceptable by mail, unlike at the counter.
Mail your process and documents to the DMV address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $32 made out to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Processing takes about two weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so if you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, you'll need to visit an office in person instead.
What to do if your license was stolen
Report a stolen license to the DMV as soon as you discover it's missing. You can report it online at dmv.ca.gov by selecting "Report a Lost or Stolen Driver License," or call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133. Reporting it flags your license number in the DMV system so it cannot be used fraudulently. You do not have to file a police report, but if you do, bring the report number when you replace your license — it helps document the theft.
After reporting the theft, follow the same replacement steps as you would for a lost license. The main difference is that you cannot use the online replacement tool if the license was stolen; you'll need to replace it in person or by mail. Some people choose to file a police report as well for their own records, especially if they're concerned about identity theft, but this is separate from the DMV process.
Documents you need for any replacement method
Every replacement method requires proof of identity and proof of California residency. For identity, bring one of these: a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, a certificate of naturalization, or a permanent resident card. A Social Security card alone is not enough.
For residency, bring a document dated within 90 days showing your current California address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank or credit card statement, or government mail. The document must show your name and address. If you've recently moved and don't have a 90-day-old document yet, bring your lease or purchase agreement plus a utility bill in your name, even if the address isn't on it yet — the DMV may accept both together.
Temporary licenses and what they cover
A temporary license issued in person is valid for 60 days and lets you drive while you wait for your permanent license. It's printed on the spot and looks like a receipt. You must carry it with you when driving — it's your only proof of a valid license during those 60 days. If you lose the temporary license, you cannot get another one; you'll need to visit an office again or wait for your permanent license to arrive.
The temporary license covers all the same driving privileges as your permanent license. If your permanent license arrives before the 60 days are up, start using it when ready and discard the temporary one. If 60 days pass and your permanent license hasn't arrived, contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to check the status.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a replacement license?
In-person replacement gives you a temporary license the same day and a permanent one within one to two weeks. Online and mail-in replacement take about two weeks total. Times vary depending on DMV processing volume, so allow extra time during busy periods.
Can I replace my license if it expired more than five years ago?
No, you cannot use the online replacement tool if your license expired more than five years ago. You'll need to visit a DMV office in person or mail in an process. The office can tell you whether you need to take a new written test or vision test.
What if I don't have proof of residency dated within 90 days?
Bring two documents that together show your name and current address, even if neither is dated within 90 days. For example, a lease agreement plus a utility bill works. If you've just moved, bring your new lease or purchase agreement plus mail from your bank or a government agency showing your name.
Do I need a police report to replace a stolen license?
No, a police report is not required. Reporting the theft to the DMV is enough to flag your license in their system. Filing a police report is optional and is mainly for your own records if you're concerned about identity theft.
Can I change my address at the same time I replace my license?
At an office visit, yes — tell the staff you want to replace your license and update your address, and they'll handle both. Online replacement does not allow address changes, so you'd need to submit a separate address change. By mail, include your new address on the process form.