What to do if your California driver's license is lost or stolen
If your California driver's license is lost or stolen, you need to report it to the Department of Motor Vehicles and request a replacement. The DMV will issue you a new license with the same number as your original one. You can report the loss and order a replacement online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV field office. The fastest route is usually online, which takes about 10 business days for delivery. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary license at a field office the same day.
Reporting a lost or stolen license matters because someone else could use it to commit fraud or identity theft. If your license was stolen, you should also consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus and monitoring your credit report. California does not charge a fee to replace a lost or stolen license — this is different from a standard renewal.
Key Takeaways
- You can report a lost or stolen California driver's license and order a replacement online at dmv.ca.gov, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.
- Online replacement takes about 10 business days for delivery and is the fastest method if you do not need to drive when ready.
- If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, visit a DMV field office in person to request a temporary license the same day.
- There is no fee for replacing a lost or stolen license, but you will need to provide proof of identity and residency.
- If your license was stolen, report it to local police and consider placing a fraud alert with credit bureaus to protect against identity theft.
Replacing your license online through the DMV website
The DMV website at dmv.ca.gov allows you to order a replacement license without visiting an office. Go to the "Driver Licenses and ID Cards" section and select "Report a Lost or Stolen License." You will need to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity using information on file with the DMV.
Once your identity is confirmed, you can choose to have your replacement mailed to you or pick it up at a field office. Mailed replacements typically arrive within 10 business days. You will receive a confirmation number by email or text message. Keep this number in case you need to check the status of your order. There is no charge for this service.
If the online system cannot verify your identity, you will need to visit a DMV field office in person or mail in a paper process. This can happen if your information does not match DMV records or if there is a flag on your account.
Getting a temporary license at a DMV field office
If you need to drive before your replacement license arrives, visit any DMV field office and request a temporary license. A temporary license is a paper document that is valid for 60 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent replacement. You can get one the same day you visit.
Bring a valid form of identification, such as a passport, state ID card, or military ID. You will also need to prove your current address with a document like a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Tell the DMV staff that your license is lost or stolen so they know to issue a temporary rather than process a standard renewal.
The temporary license is not a replacement for your permanent license — it is only valid for 60 days. Your permanent replacement will still be mailed to you or available for pickup, depending on which option you chose when you reported the loss.
Mailing in a replacement request by paper process
You can also request a replacement license by mail if you prefer not to use the online system or visit an office. read the process for Duplicate Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL 44) from the DMV website or pick one up at any field office. Fill out the form completely and mail it to the address listed on the form along with copies of your identity and residency documents.
Identity documents can include a passport, birth certificate, military ID, or state ID card. Residency documents must be dated within the last 60 days and can include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement. Do not send original documents — send copies only, as the DMV will not return them.
Processing by mail takes longer than online or in-person methods, usually 15 to 20 business days after the DMV receives your process. There is no fee. Include a check or money order if you are also renewing your license at the same time, though a lost or stolen replacement alone does not require payment.
What to do if your license was stolen, not just lost
If your license was stolen rather than lost, file a police report with your local law enforcement agency. You do not need the police report to get a replacement from the DMV, but having one on file protects you if someone uses your license number for fraud. Keep a copy of the police report for your records.
Contact the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — and ask 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 place a fraud alert for free by calling one bureau, and they will notify the other two. The alert lasts one year and can be renewed.
Monitor your credit report for unauthorized accounts or charges. You can view your credit report for free once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If you see fraudulent activity, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov and to the creditor or bank involved.
Scams and safety warnings about lost license replacement
Be cautious of websites or services that claim to speed up your DMV replacement or charge a fee for a service the DMV provides for free. The only official DMV website is dmv.ca.gov. Sites with similar names like "dmv-ca.com" or "california-dmv.net" are not affiliated with the state and may be scams designed to steal your personal information or money.
Never pay a third party to replace your license. The DMV does not charge for lost or stolen replacements, and paying someone else to do it is a waste of money. If you need help because of a language barrier or disability, the DMV offers free services — call your local field office to ask about accommodations.
Do not share your driver's license number, Social Security number, or date of birth with anyone who contacts you claiming to be from the DMV. The DMV will not call or email you asking for personal information. If you receive a suspicious call or email, hang up or delete it and contact the DMV directly using the phone number on their official website.
Timeline and what to expect after you report your loss
The timeline for your replacement depends on which method you choose. Online orders typically arrive within 10 business days. Mail-in applications take 15 to 20 business days after the DMV receives them. In-person visits for a temporary license are processed the same day, but a permanent replacement still takes 10 to 20 business days depending on whether you chose mail delivery or office pickup.
You will receive a confirmation number when you report your loss, whether you do it online, by mail, or in person. Use this number to check the status of your order on the DMV website or by calling your local field office. If your replacement does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the DMV to investigate.
Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one if you find it later. If you find your original license after ordering a replacement, you do not need to do anything — the replacement will straightforward be an additional valid license with the same number. You can use either one to drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement license if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a replacement. When you visit a DMV field office or mail in your process, bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or other identity documents instead. Call your local field office ahead of time to confirm what documents they will accept in your situation.
What if I lost my license and I am not sure of my license number?
You can still report it lost and request a replacement. If you do not know your license number, visit a DMV field office in person or call them with your name, date of birth, and address. They can look up your license number in their system. You can also try the online process — if the system cannot verify you without the license number, it will direct you to visit an office or mail in an process.
Do I need to take a new photo for my replacement license?
No. A replacement for a lost or stolen license uses your existing photo from your original license. You will not need to take a new photo or visit a DMV office for a photo unless you choose to update your photo at the same time. If you want a new photo, you can request it when you report your loss, but it may add time to your replacement.
What if my address has changed since I got my original license?
You can update your address at the same time you request a replacement. When you report your loss online, by mail, or in person, tell the DMV your new address. Your replacement license will be mailed to your new address or available for pickup there. You will need to provide proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
If you chose office pickup when you reported your loss, you can pick up your license yourself or authorize someone else to pick it up for you. The person picking it up will need to bring a signed authorization letter from you and a valid ID. If you chose mail delivery, your license will be sent to the address you provided, and anyone at that address can receive it.