Report the theft to the California DMV right away

If your California driver's license has been stolen, contact the DMV as soon as you discover it missing. The fastest way is to call the DMV's customer service line at 1-800-777-0133. Have your name, date of birth, and driver's license number ready when you call. The DMV will flag your license in their system to prevent someone else from using it.

You can also report a stolen license in person at any DMV office. Bring a photo ID if you have another one, or bring documents that prove your identity — a passport, birth certificate, or utility bill with your current address will work. Walk-in service is available at most locations, though wait times vary by office and time of day.

Reporting to the DMV does not automatically cancel your license, but it does mark it as stolen in their records. This creates a flag if someone tries to use it for a transaction, and it protects you if the license is used fraudulently.

Key Takeaways

  • Report your stolen license to the California DMV by phone at 1-800-777-0133 or in person at any DMV office within a few days of discovering the theft.
  • The DMV will flag your license in their system, but you will still need to request a replacement to get a new one.
  • A replacement license costs $32 and takes about two weeks to arrive by mail, or you can get a temporary license the same day at an office.
  • File a police report if you believe the license may be used for identity theft or fraud, and keep a copy for your records.
  • Monitor your credit report and bank accounts for suspicious activity, especially if other documents were stolen with your license.

Request a replacement license at the same time

When you report the theft, ask the DMV to issue you a replacement license. You will need to pay a $32 replacement fee. The new license will be mailed to your address on file, and it typically arrives within 10 to 14 business days. If you need to drive before the replacement arrives, you can request a temporary license at an office visit — the DMV will print it on the spot, and it is valid for 60 days.

Bring proof of your current address when you go in person. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. If you have moved recently and your address on file is outdated, bring both your old address proof and your new address proof so the DMV can update their records.

File a police report if fraud is a concern

If you suspect your license might be used for fraud, identity theft, or other crimes, file a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office. You do not need to wait for the DMV to finish their process. Get a copy of the report number and keep it with your records — you may need it if someone uses your license fraudulently.

A police report creates an official record that the license was stolen, which can help you if charges or violations appear on your driving record that you did not cause. It also starts a paper trail if you need to dispute fraudulent activity later.

Monitor your identity and credit after the theft

A stolen driver's license is a tool for identity theft because it contains your name, address, date of birth, and license number. Check your credit report for unauthorized accounts or inquiries. You can order a free credit report from each of the three major bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If you see fraudulent activity, contact the bureau and the creditor when ready.

Set up fraud alerts with the credit bureaus if you are concerned. An initial fraud alert lasts 90 days and tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts. You can also place a credit freeze, which blocks access to your credit report entirely until you lift it. Both are free.

Watch your bank and credit card statements for charges you did not make. If your license was stolen along with other documents, the risk of fraud is higher. Report any unauthorized charges to your bank or card issuer right away.

What happens if someone uses your stolen license

If someone uses your stolen license to get pulled over, get a ticket, or commit a crime, violations or charges may appear on your driving record under your name. You will need to dispute these with the DMV and possibly the court. Bring your police report and the DMV's record of the theft to prove you were not the one driving.

Contact the DMV's Driver Safety and Compliance Unit if you see violations on your record that you did not cause. They can investigate and remove fraudulent entries, but it takes time. Having documentation — the police report, the DMV's theft record, and any evidence of your whereabouts — makes the process faster.

Protect your new license once it arrives

When your replacement license arrives, treat it as carefully as you would a credit card. Keep it in a find wallet, not loose in a bag or car. Do not carry it unless you need it. Do not leave it visible on a desk or in a vehicle.

Consider whether you need to update your address or other information on the new license. If you have moved or changed your name, you can request those changes when you order the replacement. The $32 fee covers the replacement; address or name changes may have separate fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement license in California?

A replacement license mailed to your address takes 10 to 14 business days. If you need to drive when ready, you can get a temporary license printed at a DMV office that is valid for 60 days. After that, you will need the permanent replacement to arrive or renew it.

Do I have to pay to report a stolen license?

Reporting the theft to the DMV is free. You only pay the $32 replacement fee if you want a new license issued. If you just want to flag it as stolen and do not need a replacement yet, there is no charge.

What if I find my license after I report it stolen?

Contact the DMV and let them know it has been found. They can remove the theft flag from their system. If you have already ordered a replacement, you can still use it — having two valid licenses is not a problem, though you only need to carry one.

Can I dispute traffic violations that show up under my name if my license was stolen?

Yes. Bring your police report and the DMV's record of the theft to the court handling the violation, or contact the DMV's Driver Safety and Compliance Unit. They will investigate and can remove violations from your record if they determine you were not the driver.

Should I freeze my credit if my license was stolen?

A credit freeze is a good idea if your license was stolen along with other personal documents, or if you are concerned about identity theft. It is free and prevents new accounts from being opened in your name without your permission. You can place one through Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion.