How to replace your California driver's license

You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged California driver's license through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation. The fastest route is usually the DMV website if you're renewing due to damage or wear, but a lost or stolen license requires you to visit a DMV office or mail in documents. Processing takes 10 to 14 business days by mail and same-day replacement is available at some DMV locations if you go in person.

The documents you need and the fee you pay depend on whether you're replacing a license that expired, was damaged, or went missing. A replacement due to damage or wear costs $32 and takes the same time as renewal. A replacement for a lost or stolen license also costs $32 but requires you to sign a statement under penalty of perjury saying the license is gone.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace your California driver's license online if it was damaged or worn, but a lost or stolen license requires an in-person visit or mailed documents.
  • Replacement costs $32 and takes 10 to 14 business days by mail or same-day at a DMV office if you go in person.
  • For a lost or stolen license, you must sign a statement under penalty of perjury; the DMV will not issue a replacement without it.
  • You will need your Social Security number, current address, and proof of residency if your address has changed since your last license was issued.
  • If your license was stolen, you can report it to the DMV at the same time you request a replacement, and the DMV will flag it in the system.

Online replacement for damage or wear

If your license is damaged, faded, or worn but not lost or stolen, you can request a replacement online through the DMV website without visiting an office. You will need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid email address. The DMV will mail your new license to the address on file, and it will arrive in 10 to 14 business days.

Online replacement is not available if your address has changed, your license was lost or stolen, or your license has been suspended or revoked. If any of those explore, you must go to a DMV office or mail in your documents.

In-person replacement at a DMV office

Visiting a DMV office is the fastest way to replace your license if it was lost or stolen. Bring your Social Security number (or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number if you don't have an SSN), proof of residency if your address changed, and a completed process for California Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL 44) or Form DL 43 if you're replacing a damaged license. You will also need to sign a statement saying your license is lost or stolen.

Wait times at DMV offices vary by location and time of day. You can check the wait time for your local office on the DMV website before you go. Many offices offer same-day replacement if you arrive early, though some locations may issue a temporary paper license instead of a plastic card on the spot.

Bring cash or a debit card — not all DMV offices accept credit cards. The replacement fee is $32.

Mail-in replacement

You can mail in a request for replacement if you cannot visit a DMV office. Send a completed Form DL 43 (for damage or wear) or Form DL 44 (for lost or stolen), your Social Security number, and a check or money order for $32 to the DMV address listed on the form. Include a statement signed under penalty of perjury if your license was lost or stolen — the form includes language you can use.

Mail your documents to the DMV address for your county, which you can find on the DMV website. Processing takes 10 to 14 business days from the date the DMV receives your envelope. Keep a copy of everything you send and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery.

If your address has changed since your last license was issued, include proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. A PO box is not accepted as proof of residency.

What to do if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen, you can report it to the DMV when you request a replacement. The DMV will flag the license number in the system so it cannot be used fraudulently. You do not need to file a police report first, though you may want to if you believe someone could use your license to commit identity theft.

When you replace a stolen license in person, tell the DMV staff that it was stolen and they will add a note to your file. If you are mailing in your replacement, include a statement that the license was stolen, not just lost. The language on the form covers both situations, but being specific helps the DMV process your request correctly.

Proof of residency and address changes

If your address has not changed since your last license was issued, you do not need to bring proof of residency. If you have moved, bring one document that shows your name and current address and was issued within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail.

A PO box, mailbox rental, or virtual address is not accepted as proof of residency. If you live in a situation where you cannot get a document in your name at your current address, ask the DMV staff about alternative forms of proof — some offices have procedures for people experiencing homelessness or living in transitional housing.

Temporary licenses and expedited replacement

Some DMV offices issue a temporary paper license on the spot when you visit in person, which you can use while your plastic card is being mailed. Ask the staff whether your location offers this. The temporary license is valid for a set number of days and will be replaced by your permanent card when it arrives.

The DMV does not offer paid expedited mail service for driver's license replacement. Standard processing is 10 to 14 business days by mail and same-day at an office. If you need your license urgently, visiting a DMV office in person is your only option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if it expired?

If your license expired, you are renewing rather than replacing it. Renewal requires a vision test and may require you to retake the written test depending on how long ago it expired. Visit a DMV office or check the DMV website to see whether you can renew online.

What if I don't have my Social Security number memorized?

You will need your Social Security number to replace your license. If you don't have it memorized, check documents like your tax return, W-2, or Social Security card. If you have lost your Social Security card, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration, but that is a separate process from replacing your driver's license.

Do I need to take a new photo for my replacement license?

If you are replacing a license due to damage or wear, the DMV will use your existing photo. If your license was lost or stolen, you may be required to take a new photo at the DMV office. Call your local DMV office to ask whether a new photo is needed before you visit.

How long is a replacement license valid?

Your replacement license is valid for the same expiration date as your original license. You are not getting a new license term — you are getting a duplicate of the one you had. When that expiration date arrives, you will renew your license through the normal renewal process.

What if the DMV says my license number doesn't exist in their system?

This sometimes happens if there is a typo in your number or if your license was suspended or revoked. Bring your old license or any document showing your license number to a DMV office and ask staff to look it up. If your license was suspended or revoked, you will need to resolve that issue before you can replace it.