Where to go for a duplicate license
You get a duplicate driver's license from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), or whatever your state calls it—some states use the Secretary of State's office, others use a Transportation Department. The process is the same in every state: you show up in person with proof of identity and pay a fee, and they issue you a new card with the same license number and expiration date as your original.
Most states let you renew or replace your license at any DMV office in the state, not just the one that issued your original. Some states also allow you to order a duplicate online or by mail if your license is still valid and you're not changing your address or other information. Check your state's DMV website first—if online ordering is available, it's faster and cheaper than going in person.
If you cannot find your state's DMV website, call 411 or search "[your state] DMV" plus "duplicate license" to find the official office, phone number, and hours. Do not use a third-party service that charges extra to handle this for you—you can do it directly.
Key Takeaways
- A duplicate license costs between $5 and $30 depending on your state, and you receive it with the same number and expiration date as your original.
- Many states let you order a duplicate online or by mail if your current license is valid and you are not changing your address.
- If you must go in person, bring a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or state ID number.
- Processing time ranges from same-day (if you go in person) to two to three weeks by mail, depending on your state and method.
What documents you need to bring
Bring a government-issued photo ID—a passport, military ID, or state ID card. If you do not have one, some states accept a combination of documents like a birth certificate plus a utility bill. Your state's DMV website lists exactly what they accept.
You also need proof of your current address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days usually works. If you have moved recently and your proof of address does not match your license, bring both your old address proof and your new one.
Bring your Social Security number or your current license number. If you have lost your license and do not remember the number, the DMV can look it up using your name and date of birth, but having it ready speeds things up.
Online and mail-in options
If your license is still valid and you are not changing your name, address, or other information on the card, many states let you order a duplicate online through their DMV website. You upload a photo (or use the one on file), pay the fee by credit or debit card, and the new license arrives by mail in one to three weeks. This costs the same as going in person and is faster if you do not need the license when ready.
Some states also accept mail-in requests. You fill out a form (available on the DMV website), include a photocopy of your ID and proof of address, and mail it with a check or money order. Mail-in processing usually takes two to four weeks, and you lose the original documents you send, so keep copies for yourself.
Online and mail-in options are not available if your license has expired, if you need to change information on the card, or if your state requires you to renew in person. Check your state's DMV website to see which method is open to you.
Going in person at the DMV
If you go to a DMV office, bring the documents listed above, arrive early (DMV lines are longest mid-morning and mid-afternoon), and be ready to wait. Bring your phone or something to read. Some DMV offices let you take a number online before you arrive, which can cut your wait time—check your state's website.
When you reach the counter, tell the clerk you need a duplicate license. They will verify your identity, take a new photo (unless your state lets you use your old one), and print the card on the spot or mail it to you depending on your state's system. If the card prints there, you walk out with it the same day. If it is mailed, expect it in five to ten business days.
Bring cash or a debit card—not all DMV offices accept credit cards, and some do not accept checks. The fee varies by state but is usually between $5 and $30.
How long it takes
Same-day service is possible only if you go in person and your state prints licenses on-site. Most DMV offices do this, but some mail all licenses to a central location for printing, which adds five to ten business days.
Online ordering usually takes one to three weeks from the time you submit your request. Mail-in requests take two to four weeks. Processing time varies by state and by how busy the DMV is—during renewal season (often around your birthday month statewide), everything takes longer.
If you need your license urgently, call your state's DMV before you go and ask whether they can print it same-day. If not, ask whether they offer expedited mail service for an extra fee—some states do, and it can cut the wait to five to seven business days.
What to do if your information has changed
If you have changed your name, address, or other information since your original license was issued, you cannot order a straightforward duplicate. You need to renew or update your license instead, which requires going in person and may require additional documents like a marriage certificate (for a name change) or a lease (for an address change).
The fee for a renewal or update is usually the same as for a duplicate, but the process takes longer because the DMV has to verify the new information. Check your state's DMV website for what documents a name or address change requires in your state.
If you are unsure whether your situation counts as a duplicate or an update, call your state's DMV and describe what has changed. They can tell you which process you need and what to bring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a duplicate license if mine is suspended or revoked?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get a duplicate until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact your state's DMV to find out why your license was suspended and what you need to do to restore it.
What if I lost my license and do not remember my license number?
The DMV can look up your number using your name, date of birth, and address. Bring your ID and proof of address, and they will find it. If you are ordering online or by mail, you can usually leave the license number blank and the DMV will look it up.
Do I need to take a new photo for a duplicate?
It depends on your state. Some states use the photo from your original license, and some require a new photo. Call your state's DMV or check their website to find out. If you are ordering online, the website will tell you whether to upload a new photo or if they will use the old one.
How much does a duplicate license cost?
The fee ranges from $5 to $30 depending on your state. Check your state's DMV website for the exact amount. Online and mail-in orders usually cost the same as going in person, though some states charge extra for expedited mail service.
What if the DMV says they have no record of my license?
This can happen if you moved to a new state and your old license expired. Contact the DMV in the state where you originally got the license—they can confirm whether it is still on file. If it is, you may be able to get a duplicate from that state even if you no longer live there.