Report the theft to your state's DMV when ready
A stolen driver's license is a security problem, not just a paperwork one. Someone with your license can use it to rent a car, open accounts, or commit fraud in your name. The first step is to contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency—the name varies by state, but it's the office that issued your license. You can usually report a stolen license by phone, online, or in person.
When you report it, the DMV will flag your license as invalid. This prevents someone else from using it as proof of identity. You'll need to provide your license number if you have it, or your full name and date of birth. Some states let you report online through their DMV portal; others require a phone call or visit. Check your state's DMV website for the exact process and contact information.
Reporting to the DMV is separate from reporting to police. You should do both, but the DMV report is what actually cancels the license itself. The police report creates a record in case the license is used fraudulently, and it protects you if someone commits a crime with your identity.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your state's DMV by phone, online, or in person to report the license stolen and have it deactivated when ready.
- File a police report at the same time so there is an official record if your identity is used fraudulently.
- You will need to get a replacement license from the DMV, which usually requires an in-person visit and a fee that varies by state.
- Monitor your credit reports and financial accounts for suspicious activity, since a stolen license can be used to open accounts in your name.
- If you find your license later, contact the DMV again to reactivate it rather than using the deactivated copy.
File a police report to protect yourself from fraud
A police report creates an official record that your license was stolen. This matters if someone uses your license to rent a vehicle, open a credit card, or commit another crime. The report shows that you reported the theft before the fraud occurred, which protects you if you're later held responsible for something done in your name.
You can file a report in person at your local police station or, in many jurisdictions, online through the police department's website. You'll need to provide your name, license number, when and where you last had the license, and any details about how it was stolen. The police will give you a report number; keep this for your records.
Some states also allow you to file a report with the state police or highway patrol if you prefer not to go to your local station. The important thing is that the theft is documented with a government agency before any fraudulent use occurs.
Get a replacement license from the DMV
After you've reported the theft, you'll need to obtain a new license. Visit your state's DMV office in person—most states do not issue replacement licenses by mail for stolen documents. Bring your proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or other state-issued ID), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The exact documents required vary by state, so check your DMV's website before you go.
You will pay a replacement fee, which ranges depending on your state and the type of license. Some states charge the same fee as a new license; others charge a smaller replacement fee. Ask about expedited processing if you need the license quickly—some DMVs offer this for an additional fee, while others process replacements within a standard timeframe of one to two weeks.
When you receive your new license, it will have a different number than the stolen one. This is another reason to report the theft to the DMV first: the old number will be flagged as invalid, so even if someone tries to use the stolen license, it won't work as proof of identity.
Monitor your credit and financial accounts
A stolen driver's license is often used as a stepping stone to identity theft. Someone with your license and personal information can open credit accounts, take out loans, or make purchases in your name. Start monitoring your credit reports and bank accounts when ready after the theft.
You can check your credit reports for free once per year through AnnualCreditReport.com, which is the official site run by the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). Look for accounts you don't recognize or inquiries from companies you didn't contact. If you spot fraud, contact the credit bureau and the company that opened the fraudulent account.
Set up alerts with your bank and credit card companies so you're notified of unusual activity. Many banks offer free fraud monitoring services. If you see charges or accounts you didn't create, report them when ready to the financial institution and file a fraud report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov.
Consider a fraud alert or credit freeze
A fraud alert tells credit bureaus to contact you before opening new accounts in your name. It's free and lasts for one year. To place a fraud alert, contact one of the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion); they will notify the other two automatically. The alert makes it harder for someone to open credit in your name, though it may slow down your own credit applications.
A credit freeze is stronger: it blocks access to your credit report entirely, so no one can open new accounts without your permission. A freeze is also free and lasts until you remove it. You place a freeze with each of the three bureaus separately. The downside is that you'll need to temporarily lift the freeze whenever you explore for credit yourself, which takes a few hours to a few days.
For a stolen license, a fraud alert is usually enough as a first step. If you later discover fraudulent accounts opened in your name, you can upgrade to a credit freeze. Both are tools to prevent identity theft, not to undo it if it has already happened.
What to do if you find your stolen license
If your license turns up—in the mail, at a business, or somewhere else—do not use it. Contact your state's DMV and let them know you found it. The DMV will confirm that the license is still deactivated and advise you on whether to destroy it or return it to the DMV office.
Do not assume that finding the license means the theft is over. Someone may have already used it or copied the information. Continue monitoring your credit and accounts as you would have if the license had not been recovered. The fact that you found it does not undo any fraud that may have occurred while it was missing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a deactivated license while waiting for my replacement?
No. Once you report your license stolen, it is no longer valid for driving. You should not drive until you receive your replacement license from the DMV. If you are stopped by police, you will be driving without a valid license, which can result in a citation.
Will my new license have the same number as the stolen one?
No. Your replacement license will have a new number. The old number remains flagged in the system as invalid. This is one reason the DMV deactivates stolen licenses—the new number protects you if someone tries to use the old one.
How long does it take to get a replacement license?
Standard processing usually takes one to two weeks, though this varies by state. Some DMVs offer expedited processing for an extra fee, which can reduce the wait to a few days. Check your state's DMV website for current processing times and whether expedited options are available.
Do I need to report the theft to my insurance company?
You do not need to report a stolen license to your car insurance company. Your insurance covers your vehicle, not your license. However, if someone uses your license to rent a car or commit fraud, you may want to document the theft with your insurance for your records.
What if someone used my stolen license to get a traffic ticket?
Contact the court or police department that issued the ticket and explain that your license was stolen. Provide your police report number and the date you reported the theft. The court can investigate and may dismiss the ticket if it was issued after you reported the theft. If the ticket was issued before you reported it, you may need to contest it in court.