Report the theft to your state DMV and local police when ready

A stolen driver's license is a document theft, not a vehicle registration problem, but your DMV is the first place to report it. Call your state's DMV customer service line or visit a local office in person. You will need to tell them your license number (if you know it), your date of birth, and when you discovered it was missing. The DMV will flag your license as stolen in their system, which prevents someone else from using it to get a duplicate or to conduct fraud in your name.

File a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office on the same day. You do not need to wait for the DMV to act first. Give the police your license number, the date you last had it, and where you think it was taken. Ask for a report number — you will need this when you order a replacement license. Some police departments let you file online; others require you to come in person or call a non-emergency line.

Keep the police report number and the DMV confirmation in writing. Take a photo of both or save the email confirmation if you filed online. These documents prove you reported the theft, which protects you if someone tries to use your stolen license to open accounts or commit fraud.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact your state DMV and local police on the same day you discover your license is missing, and get a report number from each.
  • The DMV will flag your stolen license in their system to prevent someone else from obtaining a duplicate in your name.
  • You will need to order a replacement license from your DMV, which usually costs between $15 and $50 depending on your state.
  • Monitor your credit report and consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus if you are concerned about identity theft.
  • If your license was stolen along with other documents like your Social Security card or passport, report those thefts separately to the relevant agencies.

Order a replacement license from your DMV

Once you have reported the theft, you can order a replacement. Most states let you renew or replace a license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The fastest route is usually in person, because you can walk out with a temporary license the same day and receive your permanent license by mail within one to two weeks. Online and mail orders typically take longer — two to four weeks in most states.

Bring your police report number and proof of identity to the DMV. Acceptable identity documents usually include a passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, or a recent utility bill with your name and address. Some states also accept a military ID or a previous driver's license if you still have it. Call your state DMV ahead of time to confirm what documents they accept, because requirements vary.

You will pay a replacement fee, which ranges from $15 to $50 depending on your state. Some states charge extra if you want a Real ID-compliant license or if you are replacing a license that was lost or stolen (as opposed to a regular renewal). Ask the DMV clerk what the total cost will be before you pay.

Protect yourself from identity theft

A stolen driver's license puts you at risk for identity fraud because it contains your name, address, date of birth, and sometimes your signature. Someone with this information can open credit accounts, explore for loans, or use it to pose as you in other ways. You do not have to wait for fraud to happen — you can take steps now to reduce the risk.

Check your credit report through AnnualCreditReport.com, which is the only free, official source for credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You are may have access to to one free report from each bureau every 12 months. Look for accounts you did not open, inquiries you did not authorize, or addresses that are not yours. If you find suspicious activity, contact the bureau that reported it and dispute the item in writing.

Consider placing a fraud alert with the three credit bureaus. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place a fraud alert for free by calling one bureau — they are required to notify the other two. The alert lasts 90 days and can be renewed. If you believe you are a victim of identity theft, you can place an extended fraud alert that lasts seven years.

Monitor your accounts and credit going forward

Check your bank and credit card statements monthly for charges you did not make. Set up account alerts with your bank and credit card companies so they notify you of large purchases, new accounts, or changes to your address. Many banks offer free monitoring services that flag suspicious activity in real time.

Review your credit report again three to six months after the theft, even if you did not find anything the first time. Fraud can take weeks or months to show up. If you placed a fraud alert, the bureaus will send you a free credit report when the alert is placed, so use that to establish a baseline.

If you discover fraud later, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov. The FTC does not investigate individual cases, but it maintains a database that law enforcement uses. You will receive an Identity Theft Report, which you can use to dispute fraudulent accounts with creditors and credit bureaus.

What to do if your license was stolen with other documents

If your wallet or purse was stolen and contained your license, Social Security card, passport, or other documents, report each theft separately. Your Social Security card should be reported to the Social Security Administration by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your local Social Security office. Your passport should be reported to the U.S. State Department by calling 1-877-487-2778 or visiting a passport acceptance facility.

The more documents a thief has, the easier it is for them to commit fraud. Reporting each one separately ensures that each agency flags it in their system. This is especially important for your Social Security number, because it is the key to opening credit accounts and loans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while I wait for my replacement license?

Yes, if you received a temporary license from the DMV when you applied. A temporary license is usually valid for 30 to 60 days and is proof that you reported your stolen license and ordered a replacement. If you did not receive a temporary license, carry your police report and the DMV confirmation with you — they show you have reported the theft and are in the process of replacing it.

What if someone uses my stolen license to get a ticket or commit a crime?

Contact the police department that issued the ticket or citation and explain that your license was stolen. Provide your police report number and the date you reported the theft. The police can verify that the license was reported stolen before the ticket was issued, which should clear your record. If a crime was committed, contact the police agency handling that case with the same information.

Do I need to notify my insurance company about the stolen license?

You do not have to, but you may want to. Your insurance company does not need your physical license to keep your policy active. However, if you are concerned about fraud or if someone tries to use your stolen license to file a false claim, notifying your insurer gives them a heads-up and creates a record of the theft.

How long does it take to get a replacement license?

In-person replacements usually result in a temporary license the same day and a permanent license by mail within one to two weeks. Mail and online orders typically take two to four weeks. Some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee. Call your state DMV to ask about their current processing times.

Will I get a new license number?

Most states issue a new license number when you replace a stolen license. Some states keep the same number. Call your DMV to ask which applies in your state. Your old number will be flagged as stolen in the system, so it cannot be used by someone else.