What to Do When Your California Driver's License Is Lost or Stolen

How to Report a Lost or Stolen License to the DMV

If your California driver's license is lost or stolen, you need to report it to the DMV and request a replacement. The DMV does not automatically know your license is missing — you must contact them directly. You can report the loss and request a replacement in person at a DMV office, by mail, or online through the DMV website.

The fastest method is online through the DMV's website if your license was lost (not stolen). You can request a replacement license without visiting an office. If your license was stolen, you may want to report the theft to local police first, though this is not required by the DMV. A police report number can help if someone uses your stolen license fraudulently, but the DMV will process your replacement request either way.

When you report the loss, you will receive a replacement license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can request a temporary paper license at a DMV office if you need to drive before the replacement arrives. The replacement license will have a new number and expiration date matching your original license's expiration, unless your license was already expired.

Key Takeaways

Report a lost or stolen license to the DMV online, by mail, or in person — the DMV does not find out on its own.
A replacement license costs $32 and arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
You can request a temporary paper license at a DMV office to drive while you wait for the replacement.
If your license was stolen, you may report the theft to police, but this is separate from your DMV replacement request.
Your replacement license will have a new number and the same expiration date as your original license.

Requesting a Replacement License Online

The DMV's online replacement process is the simplest route if your license was lost. Go to the California DMV website and select the option to replace a lost or stolen license. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and process your request.

After you complete the online request, you will receive a confirmation number. The DMV will mail your replacement license to the address on file. If your address has changed since you last renewed your license, update it before you submit the replacement request, or the license will arrive at the old address. You can update your address online at the same time you request the replacement.

The fee for a replacement license is $32. You can pay by debit card or credit card during the online process. If you do not have a card, you will need to visit a DMV office or mail in a check or money order instead.

Getting a Temporary License at a DMV Office

If you need to drive before your replacement license arrives, visit a DMV office and request a temporary paper license. A temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while you wait for the permanent replacement. You will need to bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate).

The temporary license is issued on the spot and costs $15. It is printed on paper and will not look like a standard license, but it is valid for driving. When your permanent replacement arrives in the mail, the temporary license expires and you should discard it.

Wait times at DMV offices vary by location and time of day. You can check the wait time for your local office on the DMV website before you go. Many offices allow you to make an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly.

Replacing Your License by Mail

You can also request a replacement license by mail if you prefer not to go online or visit an office. read the process for Replacement Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL 43) from the DMV website. Fill it out completely and include a check or money order for $32 payable to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Mail the completed form and payment to the DMV address listed on the form. Include a copy of your proof of identity and proof of residency if this is your first time requesting a replacement. Processing by mail takes longer than online — typically 2 to 3 weeks after the DMV receives your form, plus mailing time in both directions.

Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records. If your replacement does not arrive within 4 weeks, contact the DMV to check the status of your request.

What to Do if Your License Was Stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to report the theft to your local police department. A police report creates a record in case someone uses your stolen license fraudulently. You do not need a police report to request a replacement from the DMV, but having one can help if you later discover fraudulent charges or identity theft.

When you report the theft to police, ask for a report number. Keep this number in case you need to dispute fraudulent charges or contact the police later. Some police departments allow you to file a report online, while others require you to visit in person or call.

After you file a police report, follow the same steps to request a replacement license from the DMV. The DMV will issue you a new license with a new number. If you are concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them.

Updating Your Address When You Request a Replacement

If your address has changed since your last license was issued, update it when you request your replacement. This ensures your new license arrives at the correct address. If you request a replacement online, the DMV will ask if your address is still current. If it is not, you can update it in the same transaction.

If you are requesting a replacement by mail or in person, provide your new address on the process form. The DMV will print your new address on the replacement license. If you do not update your address and the license is mailed to an old address, you will need to request another replacement.

What Happens to Your Old License Number

When you request a replacement for a lost or stolen license, the DMV will issue you a new license number. Your old number is deactivated and cannot be used. This is a security measure to prevent someone who found or stole your license from using it.

Your replacement license will have the same expiration date as your original license, unless your original license was already expired. If your license expired while it was lost, you will need to renew it instead of straightforward replacing it. A renewal involves a new photo and costs more than a replacement.

Keep your replacement license in a safe place. If you lose this one as well, you will need to request another replacement and pay another $32 fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive without a license while I wait for my replacement?

No, you cannot legally drive without a valid license. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, request a temporary paper license at a DMV office. A temporary license is valid for 30 days and costs $15. Once your permanent replacement arrives, you can discard the temporary license.

How long does it take to get a replacement license?

Online and in-person replacements take 7 to 10 business days by mail after the DMV processes your request. Mail-in requests take 2 to 3 weeks for processing, plus mailing time. A temporary paper license is issued when ready at a DMV office and is valid for 30 days.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still request a replacement from the California DMV online, by mail, or by visiting a California DMV office. You do not need to be in California to request a replacement. The DMV will mail your replacement to any address you provide.

Do I need a police report to get a replacement license?

No, a police report is not required by the DMV. You can request a replacement whether your license was lost or stolen. A police report is useful only if you want a record of the theft in case of identity theft or fraud later.

Will my replacement license have the same expiration date?

Yes, your replacement license will have the same expiration date as your original license. If your original license was already expired, you will need to renew it instead of replacing it, which costs more and requires a new photo.

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.