Report the theft to the California DMV right away

If your California driver's license has been stolen, contact the DMV as soon as you discover it. You can report the theft by phone at 1-800-777-0133 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time) or in person at any DMV field office. When you call or visit, have your driver's license number ready if you know it, along with your name, date of birth, and the date you discovered the theft.

The DMV will flag your license as stolen in their system. This prevents someone else from using it to conduct fraud or impersonate you. The flag stays in place until you replace the license or the DMV removes it at your request.

You do not need a police report to report a stolen license to the DMV, though you may want to file one separately if you believe the theft is part of a larger identity theft scheme. The DMV report and a police report are two separate actions.

Key Takeaways

  • Report your stolen license to the California DMV by phone or in person within a few days of discovering the theft.
  • The DMV will flag your license as stolen, which prevents it from being used fraudulently while you replace it.
  • You will need to explore for a replacement license in person at a DMV office, bringing proof of identity and California residency.
  • A replacement license costs $39 and typically arrives within two to three weeks if you do not choose expedited processing.
  • If you suspect identity theft beyond the stolen license, file a police report and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus.

Get a replacement license at a DMV office

After reporting the theft, you will need to obtain a replacement license. You must do this in person at a California DMV field office—you cannot replace a stolen license by mail or online. Bring your Social Security number, proof of identity (such as a passport, birth certificate, or military ID), and proof of California residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

The replacement license costs $39. If you want your new license sooner, you can pay an additional $15 for expedited processing, which typically delivers the license within 5 to 10 business days instead of the standard 2 to 3 weeks. Standard processing takes longer because the DMV prints and mails the license to your address on file.

When you arrive at the DMV office, bring your documents and be prepared to wait. Many offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though you can also schedule an appointment online at dmv.ca.gov to reduce wait time.

Understand what happens to your old license

Once the DMV flags your stolen license as invalid, it cannot be used for identification or to conduct transactions. If someone tries to use it, the flag will alert the person checking the license (such as a police officer or business) that the license is stolen.

You do not need to do anything to "cancel" the old license—the DMV's flag handles that automatically. However, if your stolen license is later recovered, you can contact the DMV to have the flag removed and request that the old license be reactivated if you prefer not to use the new one. This is rare, but the option exists.

Your old license number will not change when you receive your replacement. The new license will have the same number as the stolen one, so you can use that number for records and identification purposes when ready after the DMV processes your replacement.

Protect yourself from identity theft

A stolen driver's license is a tool for identity theft because it contains your name, address, date of birth, and license number. If you are concerned that the theft is part of a larger identity theft scheme, take additional steps beyond replacing your license.

File a police report with your local police department or the California Highway Patrol. Include the date the license was stolen and any other information about how it was taken. Keep a copy of the report for your records. You can also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov, which creates an official record and may help if fraudulent accounts are opened in your name.

Contact the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—and place a fraud alert on your credit file. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place a fraud alert for free by calling any one of the bureaus, and it will notify the other two automatically. The alert lasts one year and can be renewed.

Monitor your credit and accounts

After your license is stolen, check your credit reports regularly for unauthorized accounts or inquiries. You can view your credit reports for free once per year at annualcreditreport.com. Look for accounts you did not open, inquiries from creditors you did not contact, and any other suspicious activity.

If you find fraudulent accounts or inquiries, contact the creditor or credit bureau when ready and dispute the activity. Keep records of all communications. The credit bureau must investigate within 30 days and remove false information from your report if the dispute is upheld.

You should also monitor your bank and investment accounts for unauthorized transactions. Set up alerts with your banks so you are notified of large withdrawals or transfers. If you notice fraud, contact your bank when ready and file a dispute.

Know your options if you cannot visit a DMV office

California law requires that you replace a stolen license in person, so there is no way to avoid a visit to a DMV office. However, if you are unable to travel to an office due to disability or hardship, you can request a reasonable accommodation by calling the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 and explaining your situation. The DMV may be able to arrange an alternative process, though this is not may provide.

If you are out of state or out of the country when your license is stolen, you can still report the theft by phone to the DMV. You will need to visit a DMV office in California to replace the license, but you can delay the replacement until you return to the state. In the meantime, the theft report will keep your license flagged as invalid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my old license number on documents while I wait for the replacement?

Yes. Your license number does not change when you replace a stolen license, so you can use the same number for any forms or records that require it. The DMV's flag on the old license does not affect the number itself, only the physical card.

What if I find my stolen license after I report it?

Contact the DMV and let them know the license has been recovered. They can remove the stolen flag from your account. You can then choose to keep using the recovered license or continue with the replacement you ordered. If you decide to use the recovered license, the replacement will be cancelled if it has not yet been mailed.

Do I need a police report to replace my stolen license?

No. The DMV does not require a police report to replace a stolen license. However, filing a police report is a good idea if you suspect identity theft or if the theft is part of a pattern of crime in your area. A police report creates an official record that may help you later.

How long does it take to get a replacement license?

Standard processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date you explore. Expedited processing costs an extra $15 and typically delivers within 5 to 10 business days. The DMV mails the license to your address on file, so make sure your address is current before you explore.

What should I do if someone uses my stolen license before I report it?

Report the fraudulent use to the police and the DMV. If the person was cited or arrested using your license, contact the court or law enforcement agency listed on any documents you receive and explain that the license was stolen. Provide a copy of your DMV theft report as proof. You may need to work with an attorney to clear your record if charges were filed in your name.