Report the theft to the California DMV when ready

If your California driver's license has been stolen, contact the DMV as soon as you discover it missing. 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 date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

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 DMV does not charge a fee to report a stolen license, but you will need to pay for a replacement license when you order one.

Key Takeaways

  • Report your stolen license to the California DMV by phone at 1-800-777-0133 or in person at a field office within one business day of discovering the theft.
  • A replacement California driver's license costs $39 if you renew in person or $44 if you renew by mail, plus any applicable late fees if your license has expired.
  • You can order a replacement license online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a field office.
  • If you suspect your stolen license has been used for fraud, file a report with the California Attorney General's office and consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus.
  • You do not need to wait for the DMV to process your theft report before ordering a replacement — you can do both at the same time.

Order a replacement license through the DMV

After reporting the theft, you will need to order a replacement license. California offers three ways to do this: online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV field office. The online option is the fastest — you can complete the entire process in minutes and receive your replacement license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

To order online, visit dmv.ca.gov and select "Replace a Lost or Stolen License." You will need to provide your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will also need to upload a new photo or use an existing one from the DMV's records. Payment is made by credit or debit card.

If you prefer to order by mail, read the DL 44 form from the DMV website, complete it, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for the replacement fee. Processing by mail takes longer — typically 2 to 3 weeks — because the DMV must receive and process your form manually.

Replacement license fees and what to expect

A replacement California driver's license costs $39 if you renew in person at a field office or $44 if you renew by mail. If your license has already expired, you will also owe a late renewal fee, which varies depending on how long it has been expired. The DMV website has a fee calculator that shows the exact amount you owe based on your license expiration date.

Your replacement license will have the same number as your stolen license. It will be valid for the same expiration date as the original license unless you choose to renew it for a full term at the time of replacement. If you want a new expiration date, you can renew for a full five-year or ten-year term and pay the appropriate renewal fee in addition to the replacement fee.

Protect yourself from identity theft and fraud

A stolen driver's license can be used to open accounts, make purchases, or commit other fraud in your name. Take steps to protect yourself while your replacement is being processed. Contact the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — and ask them to 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 also file a report with the California Attorney General's office if you believe your stolen license has been used for fraud. Visit oag.ca.gov and look for the consumer complaint form. Keep a copy of any fraud reports you file, as you may need them if someone opens accounts or makes charges in your name.

Monitor your credit reports for unauthorized accounts or charges. You can view your credit reports for free once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If you see fraud on your report, contact the creditor when ready and file a dispute with the credit bureau that is reporting it.

What to do if you need to drive before your replacement arrives

California law does not allow you to drive with an expired or missing license, even if you have reported it stolen and ordered a replacement. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you have two options: visit a DMV field office in person to request a temporary license, or wait for your replacement to arrive by mail.

A temporary license is a paper document that is valid for 60 days and allows you to drive legally while your replacement is being processed. You can request one at any DMV field office by providing your identification and paying a small fee. The temporary license is issued when ready and you can drive the same day.

Reporting the theft to law enforcement

If you believe your stolen license will be used for fraud or if it was stolen as part of a larger theft (such as a stolen wallet or purse), you may want to file a police report. Contact your local police department's non-emergency line and provide details about when and where the license was lost or stolen. A police report creates an official record that you can reference if fraud does occur.

You do not need a police report to report the theft to the DMV or to order a replacement license. However, a police report can be helpful if you later discover that your stolen license was used to commit fraud or if you need to dispute charges or accounts opened in your name.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement license after I report it stolen?

If you order online, your replacement license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you order by mail, processing takes 2 to 3 weeks. If you visit a DMV field office in person, you can receive a temporary license the same day and your permanent replacement within 1 to 2 weeks.

Can I use my stolen license number if someone else is using it?

No. Once you report your license stolen to the DMV, that license number is flagged in the system and cannot be used legally. Your replacement license will have the same number, but the old one will no longer be valid. If someone tries to use your stolen license after you report it, they will be breaking the law.

Do I have to pay to report a stolen license?

No. Reporting a stolen license to the DMV is free. You only pay when you order your replacement license. The replacement fee is $39 in person or $44 by mail, plus any late renewal fees if your license has expired.

What if my stolen license shows up after I get a replacement?

Destroy it. Once you report a license stolen and receive a replacement, the original license is no longer valid and should not be used. If you find it, tear it up or cut it into pieces so it cannot be used by someone else.

Can I order a replacement online if I don't have a recent photo?

Yes. When you order online, you can use an existing photo from the DMV's records if you have had a California license within the past few years. If you do not have a recent photo on file, you will need to visit a DMV field office in person or mail in a new photo with your process.