Get a replacement at your state's DMV or equivalent agency, usually within one business day if you go in person
A stolen driver's license requires a replacement from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent — some states call it the Secretary of State's office or Department of Public Safety). You cannot order a replacement online in most states, though a few allow it. The fastest route is walking into a local office with the right documents and paying a replacement fee, which typically ranges from $10 to $30 depending on your state.
You do not need a police report to get a replacement, though filing one protects you if the thief uses your identity. The DMV cares only that you prove who you are and that your license was lost or stolen — they will issue a new one with a different number the same day or within a few business days.
Key Takeaways
- Visit your state's DMV office in person with a birth certificate or passport and proof of your current address to get a replacement the fastest.
- A few states allow online or mail-in replacement requests, but most require you to appear in person and pay a replacement fee.
- File a police report if you are concerned about identity theft, though it is not required to get a new license.
- Your new license will have a different number, and the old one becomes invalid once the replacement is issued.
- Check your state's DMV website for the exact documents needed and whether appointments are required or walk-ins are accepted.
What documents you need to bring to the DMV
Bring a primary ID document — a birth certificate, U.S. passport, or passport card. Some states also accept a certified copy of your birth certificate from the vital records office. A few states will accept a Social Security card plus two secondary documents (like a utility bill or bank statement), but this varies widely.
You will also need proof of your current address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works in most states. A piece of mail from a government agency is usually accepted. If you have moved recently and your address proof is not yet in your name, bring a letter from your landlord or a recent lease.
Bring your Social Security number or the card itself. Some states require the card; others just need the number. Call your local DMV office or check the state website before you go to confirm what they accept, because requirements differ by state and sometimes by individual office.
Whether you need a police report for a stolen license
You do not need a police report to replace your license at the DMV. The DMV will issue a replacement based on your identity documents alone. However, filing a police report is worth doing if you are worried the thief might use your license to commit fraud or identity theft.
A police report creates an official record that the license was stolen, which can help you if someone uses it fraudulently. If you later discover unauthorized charges or accounts opened in your name, you can show the police report as evidence that you reported the theft before the fraud occurred. This can speed up the fraud investigation and help you dispute charges.
To file a report, call your local police non-emergency line or visit the station in person. You can also file online in some jurisdictions. Tell them your license number, when you discovered it was missing, and where you last saw it. Keep a copy of the report number for your records.
How to replace your license by mail or online
Most states require you to replace a stolen license in person at a DMV office. However, a small number of states offer mail-in or online replacement for lost or stolen licenses. Check your state's DMV website to see if this option is available to you.
If your state does allow mail-in replacement, you will typically need to send a completed form, a copy of your primary ID, proof of address, and a check or money order for the replacement fee. Processing takes two to four weeks. Online replacement, where available, usually requires you to upload photos of your documents and pay by credit card, with the new license arriving by mail in one to two weeks.
Even if your state offers these options, going in person is faster if you need the license urgently. In-person replacement usually takes one business day or less.
What happens to your old license number
Your old license number becomes invalid as soon as the DMV issues your replacement. The thief cannot use it as a valid form of identification. However, the number itself — the digits on the card — remains part of your identity history in the DMV database.
Your new license will have a completely different number. This is important if you are concerned about identity theft: the old number is flagged in the system as belonging to a stolen license, so it will not work for age verification, banking, or any other purpose that requires a valid current license.
Protecting yourself from identity theft after a stolen license
A stolen driver's license is a risk for identity theft because it contains your name, address, date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number (depending on your state). Take steps to monitor your identity even if you do not see fraud right away.
Place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place one for free by calling one bureau; they will notify the other two. The alert lasts one year and can be renewed.
Check your credit report for accounts you did not open. You can view your report for free once per year at AnnualCreditReport.com, which is the official government site. If you see fraudulent accounts, dispute them with the bureau and the creditor. You can also place a credit freeze, which prevents creditors from accessing your credit report entirely unless you temporarily lift it. A freeze is free and lasts until you remove it.
Replacing your license if you cannot go to the DMV in person
If you are unable to visit a DMV office — because of illness, disability, or distance — contact your state's DMV to ask about alternatives. Some states offer mobile DMV services that visit rural areas or underserved communities on a schedule. Others allow a representative to explore on your behalf if you provide a notarized power of attorney.
A few states will mail you a replacement if you submit documents by mail, though this is less common. Call the DMV directly and explain your situation; they can tell you what options exist in your state. If you are elderly or disabled, ask specifically whether they have accommodations or home services available.
How much a replacement license costs and how long it takes
Replacement fees range from $10 to $30 in most states, though a few charge more. Some states charge the same fee for a lost or stolen license; others charge slightly less for a lost license and slightly more for a stolen one. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee.
In-person replacement at a DMV office usually takes one business day. You may receive the new license the same day you explore, or it may arrive by mail within three to five business days. Mail-in replacement takes two to four weeks. Online replacement, where available, typically takes one to two weeks.
If you need the license urgently for travel or identification purposes, going in person is your fastest option. Bring all required documents to avoid a second trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my replacement?
Some states issue a temporary paper license or receipt at the DMV office that you can use for identification while your permanent replacement is in the mail. Ask the DMV staff when you explore. If your state does not offer this, your old license is no longer valid, so you may need to bring a passport or birth certificate for identification until the replacement arrives.
What if the thief used my license to get a ticket or commit a crime?
Report this to the police when ready and provide them with the police report number from when you reported the license stolen. If a ticket was issued in your name, contact the court listed on the ticket and explain that your license was stolen at the time the violation occurred. Bring your police report as evidence. The court can dismiss the ticket or help you clear your record.
Do I need to notify my insurance company about the stolen license?
You do not have to, but it is a good idea if you are concerned about identity theft. Your insurance company can flag your account and watch for fraudulent claims. If someone tries to use your identity to file a claim, the company will contact you to verify.
Can I get a REAL ID compliant license when I replace my stolen one?
Yes. When you explore for your replacement, ask the DMV if you can upgrade to a REAL ID compliant license at the same time. You will need to bring additional documents — typically a birth certificate and proof of citizenship or legal residency — but you can often do this in one visit. There may be an additional fee, usually $10 to $20.
What if I lost my license and do not know if it was stolen?
Treat it as stolen and follow the same replacement process. File a police report for the lost license so that if someone finds it and uses it fraudulently, you have documentation that you reported it missing before the fraud occurred. This protects you in disputes with creditors or law enforcement.