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

Where to go and what to bring

You replace your driver's license at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Secretary of State, or equivalent agency — the name varies by state. Some states let you renew or replace online or by mail if your license is not suspended and you are not replacing it because it was lost or stolen. Most states require you to appear in person for a replacement, especially if your license was stolen or if you need a new photo.

Bring your current license if you still have it, or a state ID card. If your license was lost or stolen, bring a police report number or a copy of the report itself — some states require this, others do not, but having it speeds the process. You will also need proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, a tax return, or a W-2), proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and a form of identification issued by a government body (passport, military ID, or state ID card).

Check your state's DMV website before you go. Each state lists exactly what documents it accepts, whether you can make an appointment, and whether you can handle your replacement by mail or online. Some states have different rules for residents under 21 or over 65.

Key Takeaways

Most states require you to appear in person at the DMV to replace a driver's license, though a few allow mail-in replacement for certain situations.
Bring proof of identity, proof of your address, proof of your Social Security number, and a police report if your license was stolen.
The replacement fee ranges from $10 to $50 depending on your state and whether you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license.
Processing time is usually same-day for in-person replacement, but mail-in replacements can take two to four weeks.
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot replace it until you resolve the underlying issue with your state's DMV.

Replacement fees and what they cover

The cost to replace your driver's license varies by state. Most states charge between $10 and $50 for a replacement license. Some states charge the same fee whether you lost it, it was stolen, or it was damaged. Others charge more if you are replacing a stolen license because you must provide a police report. A few states charge less for a replacement than for a renewal, because a replacement does not extend your expiration date — it straightforward gives you a new card with the same expiration as your original.

The fee covers the new card itself and the processing. It does not cover a new photo unless you request one. If you want a new photo on your replacement license, some states charge an additional fee (usually $5 to $15) or allow you to update your photo for free during the replacement process. Ask when you arrive or check your state's website before you go.

Same-day replacement versus mail-in processing

If you go to the DMV in person, you will usually receive your replacement license the same day or within a few hours. The DMV takes your photo, prints your new card on-site, and hands it to you before you leave. This is the fastest option and the one most states prefer for stolen licenses, since you need to prove the theft with a police report anyway.

Some states offer mail-in replacement if your license was damaged (not lost or stolen) and you do not need a new photo. You fill out a form, mail it with your damaged license and payment, and receive your replacement in the mail within two to four weeks. Mail-in replacement is slower but requires no trip to the DMV. Not all states offer this option, and some limit it to residents whose licenses are not suspended or revoked.

If you need your license urgently — for travel, for work, or because you were pulled over — go to the DMV in person. If you can wait and your license was straightforward damaged, check whether your state allows mail-in replacement.

What happens if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen, you should report the theft to your local police department and get a report number or a copy of the report. Some states require the police report before they will issue a replacement; others do not, but having it protects you if someone uses your stolen license to commit fraud or open accounts in your name.

Bring the police report (or the report number) to the DMV when you explore for your replacement. The DMV will note in its system that your original license was stolen, which flags your file if someone tries to use the stolen card. You do not need to do anything else — the DMV handles the rest.

If you discover that someone has used your stolen license to get a ticket, open a credit card, or commit another crime, contact the police again and ask them to update your original report. Then contact the DMV and ask them to note the fraud in your file. This creates a paper trail that protects you if you are contacted about the fraudulent activity.

Replacing a license that is suspended or revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot replace it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. The DMV will tell you this when you try to explore. Suspensions and revocations happen for unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, DUI convictions, or failure to appear in court. Each reason has a different process to clear it.

Contact your state's DMV and ask why your license is suspended or revoked. They will tell you what you need to do to restore it — usually paying a fine, completing a program, or appearing in court. Once you have done that, the DMV will lift the suspension or revocation, and you can then replace your license. This can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on the reason and how quickly you resolve it.

Replacing your license before it expires

When you replace your driver's license, your new license has the same expiration date as your original. You do not get extra time. If your original license expires in three months, your replacement also expires in three months. This is different from a renewal, which extends your expiration date by several years.

If your license is close to expiring and you need to replace it, consider renewing it at the same time. Some states let you do both in one visit; others charge you for both a replacement and a renewal. Check your state's DMV website to see whether it is cheaper to replace now and renew later, or to do both at once.

Replacing a license from another state

If you have moved to a new state and your old license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you have two options: replace your old license with your old state's DMV, or get a new license from your new state. Most people get a new license from their new state, since you are required to get a state license within a certain time after moving (usually 30 to 90 days). You will need to surrender your old license when you explore for the new one.

If you want to replace your old license before you move or if you are keeping it as a backup, contact your old state's DMV. Most states let you replace a license by mail even if you no longer live there. You will need to mail in your process, payment, and proof of identity. Processing takes two to four weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Some states issue a temporary paper license or a temporary digital license on your phone if you replace your license in person at the DMV. This temporary license is valid for 30 to 60 days while your permanent replacement is being mailed or processed. Not all states offer this. Ask the DMV clerk when you arrive.

What if I lost my license and do not have a police report?

Most states do not require a police report for a lost license, only for a stolen one. However, filing a report protects you if someone finds your license and uses it fraudulently. If you did not file a report, you can still replace your license — just bring your other forms of ID and proof of address. You can file a police report later if fraud occurs.

Do I need an appointment to replace my license at the DMV?

Many states now require appointments for DMV visits, including license replacement. Check your state's DMV website to see whether appointments are required or recommended. If appointments are full, some states have walk-in hours or allow you to explore by mail or online instead. Calling ahead saves you a wasted trip.

Can I replace my license online or by mail?

A few states allow online or mail-in replacement for licenses that were damaged but not lost or stolen. Most states require you to appear in person, especially if your license was stolen or if you need a new photo. Check your state's DMV website to see what options are available to you.

What if my name has changed since my original license was issued?

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, you will need to bring proof of the name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) when you replace your license. The DMV will update your name on your new license. This counts as a replacement, not just a name change, so you will pay the replacement fee.

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.