How to Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Driver's License

What You Need to Know Before You Start

You can replace a driver's license at your state's DMV office or through an online request, depending on your state and the reason for replacement. Most states charge a fee between $20 and $50, though the exact amount varies. The process takes anywhere from same-day (if you go in person) to two to four weeks (if you order by mail or online), and you will need to bring proof of identity and residency.

If your license was stolen, you should also report it to local police and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus, since a stolen ID can be used to open accounts in your name. If your license is straightforward expired or damaged but still in your possession, you may be able to renew it instead of replacing it — the process is faster and sometimes cheaper.

Key Takeaways

You can replace a license in person at a DMV office, by mail, or online depending on your state and the reason for replacement.
Bring a government-issued ID, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number or tax ID.
In-person replacement usually takes a few hours and you leave with a temporary license; mail and online orders take two to four weeks.
If your license was stolen, file a police report and contact the credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your account.
The fee for replacement is typically $20 to $50, but some states charge less if you are replacing a damaged license versus a lost one.

Replacing Your License in Person at the DMV

Going to a DMV office is the fastest way to replace a license. Bring your current ID (passport, military ID, or state ID), proof that you live in the state (a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your name and address), and your Social Security number. Fill out the replacement form — usually Form DL 44 or a state equivalent — and pay the replacement fee at the counter.

The DMV will take a new photo and print a temporary license on the spot, valid for 30 to 60 days depending on your state. Your permanent license will arrive by mail in one to three weeks. Bring the temporary license with you when you drive until the permanent one arrives. If you do not have proof of residency, some DMV offices will accept a second government ID or a letter from a government agency addressed to you.

Wait times at DMV offices vary widely by location and time of day. Many states now let you reserve a time slot online before you go, which cuts your wait from hours to 15 to 30 minutes. Check your state's DMV website to see if appointments are available in your area.

Replacing Your License by Mail

If you cannot go to the DMV in person, you can request a replacement by mail in most states. You will need to send a completed process form (available on your state's DMV website), a copy of your ID, a copy of proof of residency, and a check or money order for the replacement fee. Some states also require a new photo, which you can either mail in or have taken at a photo service and include with your process.

Mail your packet to the address listed on your state's DMV website — do not mail it to a local office, as it will be sent to the central processing center anyway. Include a return envelope with postage if you want your old license back. The DMV will process your request in two to four weeks and mail your new license to the address on file.

Keep a copy of everything you send and note the date you mailed it. If your new license does not arrive within five weeks, contact your state's DMV to check the status. Some states offer expedited mail service for an extra fee if you need the license faster.

Replacing Your License Online

A growing number of states let you request a replacement license through their DMV website. You will create an account, upload photos of your ID and proof of residency, answer security questions, and pay the fee with a debit or credit card. The DMV will verify your information and mail your new license within two to four weeks.

Online replacement is available in most states only if your license is not expired by more than a certain number of years (often five years) and if you have not had a major change to your address, name, or other information since your last license was issued. If you do not meet these conditions, you will have to go in person or mail in your request.

Check your state's DMV website to see if online replacement is available and what documents you will need to upload. Some states require you to verify your identity through a third-party service before you can complete the request online.

What to Do If Your License Was Stolen

Report the theft to your local police department and get a copy of the police report. Include the report number when you request your replacement license — this tells the DMV that the license was not lost through your carelessness and may speed up processing. Some states waive or reduce the replacement fee if you provide a police report.

Contact the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — and place a fraud alert on your account. This 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 three bureaus and they will notify the other two. A fraud alert lasts one year and can be renewed.

If you see charges or accounts you did not open, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov. Keep copies of all correspondence with the credit bureaus and the FTC in case you need to dispute fraudulent accounts later.

Replacing a Damaged or Unreadable License

If your license is damaged but still in your possession — torn, faded, water-damaged, or the barcode no longer scans — you can request a replacement at the DMV. Bring the damaged license with you along with your other ID and proof of residency. Some states charge a lower fee for damage replacement than for a lost license, so ask the DMV clerk which fee applies to your situation.

You do not need a police report for a damaged license. The process is the same as a standard replacement: fill out the form, pay the fee, and receive a temporary license on the spot if you go in person. If you mail in your request, include the damaged license in your packet so the DMV can see why you need a replacement.

Documents You Will Need

Bring or send the following documents when you request a replacement license:

A government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, state ID, or tribal ID).
Proof of residency dated within the last 60 days (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address).
Your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
The damaged license itself, if you are replacing it because it is torn or unreadable.
A police report number, if your license was stolen (optional but recommended).

If you do not have a government-issued photo ID, some states will accept a combination of documents such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, and a non-photo ID. Check your state's DMV website for a full list of acceptable documents, as requirements vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while I wait for my replacement license?

Yes, if you received a temporary license in person at the DMV. The temporary is valid for 30 to 60 days and counts as proof of your right to drive. If you ordered by mail or online, you can drive with your old license until it expires or until your new one arrives, whichever comes first. If your old license was stolen, check your state's rules — some states let you print a temporary license from their website while you wait.

How much does a replacement license cost?

Most states charge $20 to $50 for a replacement license. Some states charge less if you are replacing a damaged license versus a lost one. A few states waive the fee if you provide a police report showing the license was stolen. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee in your area.

What if I moved to a new state?

You will need to get a new license from your new state, not a replacement from your old state. Most states require you to get a new license within 30 to 60 days of moving. Bring your old license, proof of residency in the new state, and your other ID to the new state's DMV office. You may be able to transfer some information from your old license, but you will have to take a new photo and pay a new license fee.

Can I replace my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact your state's DMV to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do to restore it. Once it is restored, you can request a replacement if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged.

How long does it take to get a replacement license?

In person: a few hours, and you leave with a temporary license. By mail: two to four weeks. Online: two to four weeks. Some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee if you need the license faster. Check your state's DMV website for current processing times.

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.