Duplicate license fees vary by state, from $5 to $30
A duplicate driver's license costs between $5 and $30 depending on which state issued your original license. Most states charge $10 to $20. The fee covers the cost of producing the card and processing your request, and it is separate from any renewal fees if your license is also expiring soon.
You pay the fee when you submit your request, either in person at your state's DMV office or online through your state's licensing portal. Some states let you order a duplicate by mail, though mail requests usually take longer and may cost slightly more.
The duplicate arrives with the same expiration date as your original license. If your license is expiring within the next few months, you may want to renew it at the same time rather than pay for both a duplicate and a renewal separately.
Key Takeaways
- Most states charge between $10 and $20 for a duplicate license, though the exact amount depends on your state.
- You can usually order a duplicate online, by mail, or in person at your local DMV office.
- A duplicate license has the same expiration date as your original, so check whether renewal is coming due soon.
- Processing time ranges from same-day (in-person) to two to three weeks (by mail), depending on your state and method.
- Bring your current ID and proof of address when ordering in person; online orders require you to verify your identity through your state's system.
How to order a duplicate in person at the DMV
Walk into your local DMV office with your current ID and a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement showing your current address. Tell the clerk you need a duplicate license. They will take your photo, charge you the fee, and hand you a temporary paper license on the spot.
Your plastic duplicate arrives in the mail within one to two weeks. Bring the temporary paper license with you until the plastic card arrives, because it is valid for driving. Some states skip the temporary entirely and mail the duplicate within three to five business days instead.
Go early in the morning or on a weekday to avoid long lines. Many DMV offices are busiest on Saturdays and right before holidays. Check your state's DMV website to see whether your office takes walk-ins or requires an appointment.
Ordering online through your state's DMV portal
Most states now let you order a duplicate through their official DMV website without visiting an office. Log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, verify your address, upload a new photo if your state requires it, and pay the fee with a debit or credit card.
Processing takes five to ten business days for most states. Your duplicate arrives by mail at the address on file. Some states charge a small additional fee (usually $2 to $5) for online orders to cover the mailing cost.
Check your state's DMV website to see whether online ordering is open in your state. A few states still require you to visit an office in person, though this is becoming less common.
Ordering by mail
Fill out your state's duplicate license form (usually Form DL-44 or similar; check your DMV website for the exact name). Include a copy of your current ID, a recent proof of address, a new photo if required, and a check or money order for the fee.
Mail the packet to the address listed on your state's DMV website. Processing takes two to four weeks, depending on how busy your state's mail processing center is. Your duplicate arrives by mail at the address you provided.
Mail orders are slower and require you to gather documents yourself, so most people use the online option if their state offers it. Mail is useful only if you do not have internet access or prefer not to upload a photo online.
What to do if you lost your license and need to drive right away
If you lost your license and need to drive before the duplicate arrives, ask the DMV clerk for a temporary paper license when you order the duplicate in person. This temporary is valid for driving and usually lasts 30 to 60 days.
If you ordered online or by mail, you cannot get a temporary. In that case, carry a copy of your order confirmation and your current ID (passport, state ID, or other government-issued photo ID) when you drive. Police will usually accept this as proof that you have ordered a replacement.
Do not drive without any identification. If you are stopped and cannot show that you have ordered a duplicate, you may be cited for driving without a license.
Duplicate license versus renewal: which costs less
A duplicate costs $5 to $30. A renewal costs $20 to $80, depending on your state and how many years you are renewing for. If your license expires within the next six months, renew instead of ordering a duplicate—you will pay only the renewal fee and receive a new card with a fresh expiration date.
If your license expires more than a year away, order the duplicate now. You can renew later when the expiration date gets closer.
Some states let you renew and order a duplicate at the same time if you have lost your license and your renewal is coming due. Ask the DMV clerk or check your state's website to see whether this option is available.
State-by-state fee examples
| State | Duplicate Fee | Online Option Available |
|---|---|---|
| California | $15 | Yes |
| Texas | $11 | Yes |
| Florida | $7.50 | Yes |
| New York | $20 | Yes |
| Pennsylvania | $30.50 | No (in-person or mail only) |
| Ohio | $8 | Yes |
Fees and online availability change, so check your state's official DMV website before you go. The website will also tell you the exact documents you need to bring and the current processing times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a duplicate license the same day?
Yes, if you go to your DMV office in person. The clerk will take your photo and give you a temporary paper license on the spot. Your plastic duplicate arrives by mail within one to two weeks. Online and mail orders take five to ten business days or longer.
Do I need a new photo for a duplicate?
Most states use your existing photo from your original license. A few states require a new photo if you are ordering online or if your original photo is more than ten years old. Check your state's DMV website to see whether a new photo is required.
What if my address has changed since I got my original license?
Update your address first through your state's DMV website or at an office visit, then order the duplicate. The duplicate will show your new address. You can usually update your address online without paying a fee.
Can I order a duplicate if my license is suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot order a duplicate while your license is suspended or revoked. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first by paying fines, completing required courses, or meeting other conditions set by your state. Contact your DMV to find out what you need to do.
How long is a duplicate license valid for?
A duplicate is valid until the same expiration date as your original license. If your original expires in two years, your duplicate also expires in two years. When that date arrives, you will need to renew both your license and any duplicate you have ordered.