How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Driver's License
What you need to do right now
Go to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website or visit a local office in person. You will need to request a replacement license and pay a fee — the amount varies by state, typically between $15 and $50. Most states let you order a replacement online, by mail, or in person, though the fastest option is usually walking into an office with the right documents. You do not need to retake the written or driving test unless your state requires it for a new photo.
Before you go, gather your proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address), and your Social Security number. If your license was stolen, some states ask you to file a police report first, though this is not always required to get a replacement.
Key Takeaways
- Most states let you order a replacement license online or by mail without visiting an office, though in-person replacement is usually faster.
- You will need proof of identity and proof of residency, plus your Social Security number — bring originals or certified copies, not photos.
- Replacement fees range from $15 to $50 depending on your state and whether you want expedited processing.
- A temporary paper license or digital license on your phone may be available while you wait for the physical card to arrive.
- If your license was stolen, file a police report in your state to flag it — some states require this before issuing a replacement.
How long replacement takes by method
In-person replacement at a DMV office usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you walk out with a temporary paper license the same day. The permanent plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 14 days. Online or mail-in replacement takes longer — typically 2 to 4 weeks for the card to arrive, though some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee ($10 to $25).
Many states now issue a temporary digital license that works on your phone while you wait. Check your state DMV's website to see if this is available — if it is, you can use it for most purposes (driving, ID checks at bars or airports) while the physical card is in transit. A few states let you download this immediately after ordering online.
What documents to bring or submit
You need one document proving your identity and one proving your current address. For identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, military ID, or state ID card. For residency, a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address works. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency in most places.
You will also need your Social Security number — write it down or have it memorized. If you are applying by mail, send copies, not originals, because the DMV will not return them. If you are applying in person, bring the originals; the office will copy them and hand them back.
Fees and payment methods
Replacement license fees range from $15 in some states to $50 or more in others. A few states charge less if you are replacing a lost license versus a stolen one, though most treat them the same. Expedited processing, if available, adds $10 to $25. Some states waive or reduce the fee if you can prove your license was stolen (with a police report).
Most DMV offices take cash, debit, and credit cards. If you are applying by mail, check your state's website for accepted payment methods — some take checks or money orders, others require a credit card. Online applications almost always require a credit card.
Replacing a stolen license versus a lost one
If your license was stolen, file a police report and keep the report number. Some states ask you to include this when you request a replacement, and a few will waive the fee if you provide proof of the theft. Even if your state does not require a report, filing one protects you if someone tries to use your license fraudulently.
A lost license does not require a police report in any state. The replacement process is the same — you just request a new card and pay the fee. The main difference is that a stolen license should be flagged in the system to prevent misuse, which is why a police report helps.
Getting a replacement while traveling or out of state
If you are out of state when your license is lost or stolen, you have three options: apply by mail to your home state's DMV, apply online if your state offers it, or visit a DMV office in the state where you are currently located. Most states will not issue a replacement license to a non-resident, so mailing or online is usually your only choice.
Mail-in replacement takes 2 to 4 weeks, so plan ahead if you need to drive before then. Some states issue a temporary paper license by mail that you can use while waiting for the permanent card. Check your state DMV's website for the specific process and mailing address.
What to do if your replacement does not arrive
If your card does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact your state DMV directly — do not assume it is lost. Provide your application number or the date you applied. The DMV can check the status and reissue if needed. If the card was genuinely lost in the mail, the DMV will usually send a replacement at no extra charge.
Keep your temporary paper license or digital license until the physical card arrives. These are valid for driving and identification during the replacement period. If you need to drive before the replacement arrives and your state does not offer a temporary license, ask the DMV about a temporary paper document you can carry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to retake the written test or driving test to get a replacement?
No. A replacement license is a duplicate of your existing license — you do not retake any tests. The only exception is if your state requires a new photo and you have not had a photo ID in several years, but even then you just sit for a photo, not a test.
Can I use my temporary paper license to drive right away?
Yes. A temporary paper license issued by the DMV is valid for driving and identification purposes. It works at traffic stops, rental car counters, and most places that accept a driver's license. Use it until your permanent card arrives.
What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?
Contact your state DMV to ask what alternative documents they accept for proof of identity. Some states accept a Social Security card, school records, or a certified copy of your marriage license. The DMV website lists acceptable documents, or you can call to ask about your specific situation.
Can I order a replacement online in every state?
Most states offer online replacement, but not all. Check your state DMV's website to see if this option is available. If it is not, you can apply by mail or in person. Online is usually the fastest method when available.
How much does expedited replacement cost?
Expedited processing fees range from $10 to $25 depending on your state, and it typically cuts the delivery time in half — from 2 to 4 weeks down to 1 to 2 weeks. Not all states offer this option, so check your DMV's website to see if it is available.