How to report a lost license to your DMV
When your driver's license goes missing, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles directly—either online through their website, by phone, or in person at a local office. Most states let you report the loss when ready, which flags the license as invalid so someone who finds it cannot use it. Reporting also starts the replacement process.
The method varies by state. Some DMVs have an online lost-license form you can submit without leaving home. Others require a phone call to a specific number listed on their website. A few still ask you to visit an office in person, though this is becoming less common. Check your state's DMV website first—it will show you the fastest route for your location.
When you contact them, have your driver's license number ready if you know it, or your Social Security number and date of birth. Tell them the license is lost, not stolen—this matters because a stolen license may require a police report depending on your state's rules. Ask whether you need to do anything else before ordering a replacement, such as paying a lost-license fee.
Key Takeaways
- Report your lost license to your DMV as soon as you notice it is gone, either online, by phone, or in person, depending on what your state offers.
- Reporting the loss flags the license as invalid and prevents someone else from using it if they find it.
- You will need to order a replacement license, which usually costs between $15 and $50 depending on your state and how long the new license is valid.
- Replacement licenses typically arrive by mail within one to three weeks, though expedited options exist in most states for an additional fee.
- If your license was stolen rather than lost, some states require a police report before they will issue a replacement.
Ordering your replacement license
After you report the loss, you will need to order a replacement. Most states let you do this at the same time you report the loss—either on the same online form or in the same phone call. A few states require you to wait a day or two before ordering, so the loss report can be processed first.
You can usually choose how you want the replacement delivered. Standard mail takes one to three weeks and costs the least. Expedited or rush options cost more—typically $10 to $30 extra—and arrive in three to seven business days. Some states also offer in-person replacement the same day you visit an office, though you may have to wait several hours.
The replacement fee itself varies by state. Most charge between $15 and $50 for a standard replacement license. Some states charge less if your current license is not yet expired; others charge the same fee regardless. A few states waive the fee for the first lost license but charge for subsequent replacements. Your state's DMV website will show the exact cost before you pay.
What to do while you wait for your replacement
You cannot legally drive with a lost license, even if you have reported it and ordered a replacement. If you are stopped by police, you will not have proof of a valid license to show them. However, most states allow you to print or read a temporary license document from the DMV website after you report the loss and order a replacement. This temporary proof is usually valid for 30 to 60 days and shows that a replacement is on the way.
If your state does not offer a temporary document, ask the DMV whether you can get a letter stating that you have reported the loss and ordered a replacement. Some offices will print one on the spot or mail it to you. Carry this letter with your vehicle registration if you must drive before the replacement arrives.
For other situations—renting a car, boarding a plane, entering a federal building—you will need a valid ID. If you cannot wait for your replacement license, you can obtain a state ID card or passport card from your DMV or the State Department in the meantime. These take similar time to process but may be available through different channels.
If your license was stolen, not lost
A stolen license is treated differently than a lost one in many states. Theft means someone else has the document and could potentially use it. Some states require you to file a police report before they will issue a replacement, or they may flag the replacement as a theft case in their system.
If you believe your license was stolen—for example, it was taken during a break-in or robbery—contact your local police non-emergency line and file a report. Get the report number. Then contact your DMV and tell them the license was stolen, not lost, and provide the police report number. This protects you if the stolen license is later used fraudulently and also helps the DMV track patterns of identity theft.
Some states also recommend placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) if your license was stolen along with other documents. This makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name. You can place a fraud alert for free by calling any of the three bureaus.
Replacing your license if you have moved or changed your name
If you have moved since your current license was issued, you will need to provide your new address when you order the replacement. Most DMVs ask for this during the online or phone process. Bring proof of your new address—a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days—if you are replacing the license in person.
If you have changed your name since your license was issued (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), you will need to provide proof of the name change along with your replacement order. Acceptable documents vary by state but usually include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Check your state's DMV website for the exact list before you explore, so you have the right documents ready.
Some states charge an additional fee for a replacement that includes a name or address change. Others include it in the standard replacement fee. Ask the DMV when you report the loss whether any extra cost applies to your situation.
Protecting yourself from identity theft after a lost license
A lost driver's license contains your name, address, date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number or driver's license number. This information can be used to open credit accounts or commit fraud in your name. Reporting the loss to your DMV when ready reduces the risk, but you should also monitor your credit and personal information.
Check your credit report for free once a year through AnnualCreditReport.com, which is the official site run by the three major credit bureaus. Look for accounts or inquiries you do not recognize. If you find suspicious activity, contact the creditor and the credit bureau right away. You can also place a fraud alert with any of the three bureaus for free, which makes it harder for someone to open new accounts using your information.
If you are concerned about identity theft, consider a credit freeze, which prevents anyone—including you—from opening new credit accounts without unfreezing it first. This is free in most states and can be done online through each of the three bureaus' websites. A freeze is stronger protection than a fraud alert but requires you to unfreeze your credit when you want to explore for a loan or credit card yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive before my replacement license arrives?
No, you cannot legally drive with a lost license. However, most states let you print a temporary license document from the DMV website after you report the loss and order a replacement. This temporary proof is usually valid for 30 to 60 days. If your state does not offer this, ask the DMV for a letter confirming you have reported the loss and ordered a replacement.
How much does it cost to replace a lost license?
Most states charge between $15 and $50 for a replacement license. Some charge less if your current license is not yet expired. Expedited or rush delivery costs extra, usually $10 to $30 more. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee before you pay.
What if I find my license after I have already ordered a replacement?
Contact your DMV and let them know you found it. Some states will cancel the replacement order if you call before it ships. If the replacement has already been mailed, you can usually refuse delivery or destroy it when it arrives. Keep the old license in a safe place to avoid this situation in the future.
Do I need a police report if my license was lost?
Not usually. A police report is typically required only if your license was stolen. If it was lost, reporting it to the DMV is enough. However, if you believe it was stolen, file a police report and provide the report number to the DMV when you order the replacement.
Can someone use my lost license to drive or commit fraud?
It is possible, which is why reporting the loss when ready is important. Reporting flags the license as invalid in the DMV system. However, a person who finds it could still try to use it for identity theft or other fraud. Monitor your credit report and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus if you are concerned.