Where to start: your state's DMV or equivalent agency

You get a replacement driver's license from the same place that issued your original one—your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), or whatever your state calls it. Some states use different names: the Department of Licensing in Washington, the Registry of Motor Vehicles in Massachusetts, the Secretary of State's office in Michigan. The process and fees vary by state, but the basic steps are the same everywhere.

You can usually start the process online, by mail, or in person at a local office. Starting online or by mail is faster if your state offers it, because you skip the wait at the counter. In-person visits are necessary only if your state requires you to appear for a new photo or if you're replacing a license that was suspended or revoked.

Before you contact your DMV, know why you need a replacement. The reason matters because it changes what documents you'll need and whether you can use the mail or must go in person. A lost or stolen license is handled differently from a damaged one, which is different from one that expired while you were out of state.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact your state's DMV directly—by phone, website, or in person—to find out what documents and fees explore to your specific situation.
  • A lost or stolen license usually requires you to report it to the DMV and may require an in-person visit for a new photo, depending on your state.
  • A damaged or worn license can often be replaced by mail with a completed form and the old license itself, without a new photo.
  • Replacement fees range from roughly $15 to $50 depending on your state and how long the new license will be valid.
  • Processing time varies from same-day (in-person) to several weeks (by mail), so plan ahead if you need the license for travel or identification.

What you'll need: documents and the old license

The documents required depend on your state and why you're replacing the license. If you're replacing a lost or stolen license, you'll need to prove your identity and residency. Acceptable identity documents usually include a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card. Proof of residency might be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address.

If you're replacing a damaged or worn license, most states let you skip the identity documents and just send in the old license with a completed form. The DMV already has your information on file, so they don't need to verify it again. This is the fastest and cheapest route if your license is still readable.

You'll also need to fill out a form—usually called an process for Replacement License or Driver's License Renewal process. Your state's DMV website has the form as a PDF you can print and mail, or you can fill it out online and print it, or sometimes complete it entirely on their website. Read the instructions carefully, because some states require the form to be signed in front of a notary or witness, and others don't.

Replacing a lost or stolen license

If your license was lost or stolen, report it to your DMV as soon as you know it's gone. Many states let you report it online or by phone; some require you to do it in person. Reporting it prevents someone else from using it fraudulently and starts the replacement process. Keep a record of the report—you may need it if the old license shows up later or if someone tries to use it.

After you report it, you'll need to explore for a replacement. Most states require you to appear in person for a new photo, which means you'll need to visit a DMV office. Bring your identity documents, proof of residency, and the completed process form. Some states let you submit the report and process online and then schedule an appointment for the photo, which saves time waiting in line.

A few states allow you to replace a lost license by mail if you've held the license for several years and have no violations or suspensions. Check your state's DMV website to see if this option is available to you. If it is, you'll mail in your process, identity documents, and proof of residency, and they'll mail back the new license without requiring you to visit an office.

Replacing a damaged, worn, or illegible license

A license that's cracked, faded, or so worn that the information is hard to read can usually be replaced by mail without a new photo. This is the simplest replacement route. Fill out the process form (your state's DMV website has it), include the damaged license itself, and mail both to the address listed on the form or your state's DMV website.

You don't need to provide identity documents or proof of residency because the DMV already has your information and can see that the old license is legitimate. The fee is usually lower than a replacement for a lost license, because you're not getting a new photo. Processing time is typically two to four weeks, depending on how busy your state's DMV is.

If your license is so damaged that you can't mail it safely (for example, if it's been in water or fire), contact your DMV to ask whether you should still mail it or bring it in person. Some states want to see the damaged license to document why it was replaced; others will replace it based on your word alone.

Replacing an expired license

An expired license is not the same as a lost one, and the replacement process is usually simpler. If your license expired and you still have it, you can renew it rather than replace it. Renewal is the standard process for keeping your license current and is covered separately on this site.

If your license expired and you've also lost it, you'll need to do both: report it lost and explore for a replacement. Follow the steps for a lost license, above. The DMV will issue a new license with a new expiration date, so you won't need to renew again right away.

Fees and processing time

Replacement fees vary by state. A replacement for a lost or stolen license typically costs between $20 and $50. A replacement for a damaged license often costs less—between $15 and $35—because you're not getting a new photo. Some states charge the same fee for both. Check your state's DMV website for the exact amount, because it can change and may depend on how long the new license will be valid.

Processing time depends on how you submit your process. In-person replacements at a DMV office usually take the same day or within a few days, though you may wait several hours at the office itself. Mail-in replacements typically take two to four weeks, sometimes longer during busy periods. Some states offer expedited mail service for an additional fee if you need the license faster.

If you need a replacement urgently—for example, because you're traveling soon—visit a DMV office in person. Bring all required documents and be prepared to wait. Arriving early in the day or on a weekday morning usually means shorter lines than afternoons or weekends.

Special situations: suspended or revoked licenses

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot get a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted. The DMV will tell you when you're may be able to access to reinstate it. Reinstatement is different from replacement and usually requires you to pay a reinstatement fee, complete a driver improvement course, or meet other conditions set by your state.

Contact your state's DMV to find out the status of your license and what you need to do to reinstate it. Do not attempt to get a replacement while a suspension or revocation is active—the DMV will deny your request, and you'll have wasted time and money on the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my replacement?

Some states issue a temporary paper license or digital license (on your phone) that you can use for identification and driving while your replacement is in the mail. Ask your DMV whether this is available. If you're replacing your license in person, you may be able to leave with a temporary document the same day.

What if I moved to a different state after I lost my license?

You'll need to get a replacement from the state that issued the original license, not your new state. Contact that state's DMV and explain the situation. Some states allow you to mail in documents from out of state; others require you to return in person or may require you to get a new license in your new state instead. Call the original state's DMV to ask what's possible.

Do I need a new photo for a replacement license?

Only if your license was lost or stolen, or if your state requires a new photo for any replacement. If you're replacing a damaged license, you usually keep the same photo. If you're unhappy with your current photo and want a new one, ask the DMV whether you can pay extra to get a new photo taken during the replacement process.

How long is a replacement license valid?

A replacement license is usually valid for the same length of time as your original license would have been—typically four to eight years, depending on your state and age. The expiration date on your replacement will be the same as it would have been on the original, not a new date from when you got the replacement.

What if my replacement license arrives with an error on it?

Contact your DMV when ready and explain the error. Most states will issue a corrected license for free if the error was their mistake. Bring the incorrect license with you or mail it back, depending on what your DMV asks. Errors in name, address, or license number should be corrected before you use the license for any official purpose.