What You Need to Know Before You Go to the DMV
A driver's license replacement is a new license issued when your current one is lost, stolen, damaged, or unreadable. You will go to your state's DMV office in person, bring specific documents, and pay a fee. The process takes one visit in most states, though some mail the new license to you afterward rather than issuing it on the spot.
The exact documents required, the fee amount, and how long it takes vary by state. Some states charge the same fee as a renewal; others charge less. Some states issue a temporary license you can use when ready while the permanent one arrives by mail. A few states allow you to order a replacement online or by mail if your license was not stolen, but most require an in-person visit.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DMV office in person for a replacement, though a few states allow mail or online orders for lost or damaged licenses that were not stolen.
- Bring your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of your current address — the exact documents depend on your state.
- If your license was stolen, you may need to file a police report or sign a statement under penalty of perjury that it was stolen.
- Replacement fees range from about $5 to $30 depending on your state, and some states charge less for a replacement than for a renewal.
- Most states issue a temporary license or receipt you can use to drive while your permanent license arrives by mail within one to three weeks.
Documents You Will Need to Bring
Every state requires proof of identity and proof of your current address. Proof of identity usually means your Social Security number and one document from a list — a passport, birth certificate, military ID, or previous driver's license. Proof of address usually means a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name.
If your license was stolen, most states require either a police report number or a signed statement that you are reporting it stolen. Some states call this a sworn statement or affidavit of loss. You sign it at the DMV office, and it carries a penalty for lying. A few states do not require a police report if you sign this statement; others require both.
Check your state DMV website before you go. The list of acceptable documents varies — for example, some states accept a utility bill only if it is dated within the last 60 days, while others accept bills up to 90 days old. Bringing the wrong documents means a wasted trip.
If Your License Was Stolen
Report the theft to your local police department if you have not already. You do not need to wait for a police report to be filed before you go to the DMV — most states accept a report number you receive on the spot, or they accept a written statement you sign at the DMV instead. A few states require both.
If you cannot get a police report number when ready, call the police non-emergency line and ask what proof they can give you on the day you report it. Some departments issue a report number the same day; others mail it later. The DMV office can tell you whether you need the number before your visit or whether a signed statement is enough.
Reporting the theft also protects you if someone uses your license number for fraud. Keep the police report number for your records.
The Replacement Process at the DMV
Arrive at your local DMV office during business hours with your documents. Bring your Social Security number written down if you do not have it memorized. Take a number or check in at the desk, and wait to be called.
When you reach the counter, tell the staff member that you need a replacement license. Hand over your documents. The staff member will verify your identity, check your address, and ask whether the license was lost, stolen, or damaged. If it was stolen, provide your police report number or sign the sworn statement they offer you.
You will pay the replacement fee. The amount varies by state — check your state DMV website for the exact fee before you go. Some states charge $5 to $10; others charge $20 to $30. A few states charge less for a replacement than for a renewal.
Most states issue a temporary license or a receipt with a temporary license number printed on it. You can drive using this temporary document while your permanent license is mailed to you. The permanent license usually arrives within one to three weeks. A few states issue the permanent license on the spot instead of mailing it.
What Happens If You Cannot Find Your Documents
If you do not have your Social Security card, you can provide your Social Security number verbally or written down. The DMV does not require you to show the card itself, only to provide the number.
If you do not have a birth certificate or passport, ask the DMV what other documents they accept for proof of identity. Many states accept a military ID, a previous driver's license, a state ID card, or a tribal ID. Some accept a school ID or employee ID if it has your photo and signature.
If you do not have a recent utility bill or lease for proof of address, other documents may work — a mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance bill, or government letter addressed to you. Call your local DMV office and describe what documents you have. They can tell you whether they will accept them before you make the trip.
Temporary Licenses and How Long Replacement Takes
Most states issue a temporary license at the DMV office on the day you explore. This temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. The temporary is usually printed on a receipt or a small card, and it is valid for 30 to 90 days depending on your state.
Your permanent license arrives by mail within one to three weeks in most states. If more than three weeks pass and you have not received it, contact your local DMV office. Bring your temporary license or receipt with you if you need to follow up in person.
A few states do not issue a temporary license. In those states, you receive a receipt that shows you have a valid license on file, and you can use that receipt to drive. Ask the DMV staff what you can use to drive while you wait for the permanent license to arrive.
Fees and Payment Methods
Replacement license fees range from about $5 to $30 depending on your state. Some states charge the same fee whether you are renewing or replacing a license. Others charge less for a replacement because you are not renewing the full term — for example, a replacement might cost $10 while a renewal costs $25.
Most DMV offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some accept checks. A few accept only cash or card. Call ahead or check your state DMV website to confirm what payment methods your local office takes.
If you are replacing a license because it is damaged or unreadable, some states waive the fee or charge a reduced fee. Ask the DMV staff whether a fee waiver applies to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license by mail or online instead of going to the DMV?
Most states require an in-person visit. A few states allow you to order a replacement by mail or online if your license was lost or damaged but not stolen. Check your state DMV website to see whether mail or online replacement is available. If your license was stolen, nearly all states require you to visit the DMV in person.
What if I do not have a police report number for a stolen license?
Most states accept a signed statement you make at the DMV instead of a police report number. You sign under penalty of perjury that your license was stolen. Some states require both a police report and a signed statement. Call your local DMV office to ask what they need before you visit.
Can I drive with a temporary license or receipt?
Yes. A temporary license or receipt issued by the DMV is valid for driving while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. The temporary is usually valid for 30 to 90 days. Check the expiration date printed on your temporary document.
How long does it take to receive my permanent license in the mail?
Most states mail the permanent license within one to three weeks. If you do not receive it after three weeks, contact your local DMV office. Bring your temporary license or receipt if you need to visit in person to follow up.
What if I moved and my address on file is wrong?
Bring proof of your current address to the DMV office when you replace your license. The staff member will update your address on file. Your new license will be mailed to your current address. If you do not update your address, the license will be mailed to the old address on file.