How to Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Driver's License

Where to go and what to bring

You replace a driver's license at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Secretary of State, or equivalent agency—the name varies by state. You cannot do this online in most states, though a few allow you to order a replacement by mail if your license was lost or damaged but not suspended. The fastest route is usually your local DMV office, where you can walk in or book an appointment depending on your state's current system.

Bring your current ID if you have one, or a combination of documents that prove your identity and residency. A passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card works for identity. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address. If your license was stolen, bring a police report number if you have one—some states require it, others just want to know.

You will also need to pay a replacement fee. This ranges from about $20 to $75 depending on your state and whether you want a standard or expedited replacement. Some states charge less if you lost it versus if it was damaged. Check your state's DMV website before you go so you know the exact amount and whether they take cash, card, or both.

Key Takeaways

You must go to your state's DMV office in person for most replacements, though some states allow mail-in orders for lost or damaged licenses.
Bring a current ID plus proof of your address, or use a combination of documents like a passport and utility bill if you do not have an ID.
Replacement fees range from $20 to $75 and vary by state and replacement type.
Your replacement license arrives by mail within one to three weeks in most states, though expedited options exist for a higher fee.
If your license was stolen, file a police report and bring the report number to the DMV to protect yourself against identity theft.

How long it takes to get your new license

Standard replacement licenses arrive by mail in one to three weeks depending on your state. Some states print them on-site and hand them to you the same day, but this is less common. Check your state's DMV website to see what your state does—the timeline is usually listed right on the replacement page.

If you need a license sooner, most states offer expedited mail service for an extra fee, usually $10 to $30 more. A few states also issue temporary paper licenses at the DMV office that are valid for 30 to 90 days while you wait for the permanent one. Ask at the counter whether your state offers this.

What to do if your license was stolen

File a police report as soon as you realize your license is gone. You do not need to wait to replace it—you can report it stolen and explore for a replacement at the same time. Bring the police report number to the DMV, or at minimum tell the staff that you filed a report. This creates a record that protects you if someone tries to use your stolen license to open accounts or commit fraud.

Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) if you are concerned about identity theft. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can set one up for free by calling any of the three bureaus or visiting their websites. A credit freeze is stronger but takes longer to set up and to remove when you need credit.

Replacing a license that is damaged or unreadable

If your license is still in your possession but damaged—water-damaged, faded, cracked, or the barcode no longer scans—you can replace it the same way as a lost license. Bring the damaged license itself to the DMV so staff can see the damage and process the replacement. Some states charge a lower fee for damage replacement than for lost replacement, so ask when you arrive.

If the damage is recent and you have a photo of it, bring that too. It is not required, but it can speed up the process if the damage is not obvious in person.

Replacing an expired license

An expired license is different from a lost or damaged one. You renew an expired license rather than replace it, and the process is usually faster and cheaper. Many states allow you to renew by mail or online if your license expired recently and you have not had any suspensions or restrictions. Check your state's DMV website for renewal options—they are often listed separately from replacement.

If you cannot renew online or by mail, you will need to visit the DMV in person, but the fee is typically lower than a replacement fee, and you may not need as many documents.

What happens if you drive without a license while waiting for your replacement

Driving without a valid license is illegal, even if you have applied for a replacement. If you are stopped by police, you could be cited for driving without a license. However, if you can show the officer proof that you filed a police report (for a stolen license) or proof that you applied for a replacement at the DMV, some officers will issue a warning instead of a ticket. This is not may provide and depends on the officer and your state's laws.

If your state issues a temporary paper license at the DMV, keep it with you while you drive. It counts as a valid license and protects you from being cited. If your state does not offer temporary licenses, ask the DMV staff whether they can print proof of your replacement process—some will give you a document you can carry.

Replacing a license in a different state than where you live

If you are traveling or temporarily living in another state when your license is lost or stolen, you have two options. You can replace it through your home state's DMV by mail or online if they offer that service, or you can go to the DMV in the state where you are and ask about a replacement. Most states will replace a license from another state if you show proof of identity and residency in your home state, though the process and fee may differ.

The easiest route is usually to contact your home state's DMV first and ask what they recommend for your situation. If mail-in replacement is available, that is often faster than trying to navigate another state's system.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Some states issue temporary paper licenses at the DMV office that are valid for 30 to 90 days. Others do not. Check your state's DMV website or ask when you visit. If your state does not offer temporary licenses, ask whether they can print proof of your replacement process to carry with you.

Do I need a police report to replace a stolen license?

Most states do not require a police report, but filing one protects you against identity theft and creates an official record. If your license was stolen, file a report and bring the report number to the DMV. It takes a few minutes and is worth doing.

What if I lost my license and do not have any other ID?

Bring documents that prove your identity and address, such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, passport, utility bill, or lease. The DMV staff can tell you which combination works. Call ahead or check your state's website to confirm what they accept before you go.

How much does a replacement license cost?

Fees range from about $20 to $75 depending on your state and whether you want standard or expedited replacement. Check your state's DMV website for the exact amount before you visit, as it varies widely.

Can I replace my license online or by mail?

A few states allow mail-in replacement for lost or damaged licenses. Most require you to visit the DMV in person. Check your state's DMV website to see what options are available in your state.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.