Documents and identification you will need
To get a replacement license, you need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The exact documents vary by state, but most require a government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or expired license), a recent utility bill or lease showing your current address, and your Social Security card or a document with your number on it.
Some states accept a birth certificate as primary identity instead of a photo ID. Others will take a bank statement, mortgage statement, or insurance document as proof of address. Call your state's Department of Motor Vehicles before you go — they can tell you which documents they accept and whether you need originals or copies.
Key Takeaways
- You will need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or card.
- Most states let you replace a license in person at a DMV office, by mail, or online, depending on why you lost it.
- The cost ranges from $20 to $100 depending on your state and how long the replacement takes.
- Processing time is usually one to two weeks by mail or online, or same-day if you go in person.
- If your license was stolen, you may need to file a police report or sign an affidavit before the DMV will issue a replacement.
How to replace a lost or damaged license
If your license is lost, damaged, or worn out, you can usually replace it without taking a written test. Go to your state DMV office with your documents, pay the replacement fee, and have your photo taken. Some states let you do this by mail — you send in your documents and a check, and they mail you a new license in one to two weeks.
A few states now offer online replacement for lost or damaged licenses. You upload photos of your ID and proof of address, pay by card, and receive your license by mail. Check your state DMV website to see which method is available where you live.
What to do if your license was stolen
If someone stole your license, the DMV may ask you to file a police report or sign an affidavit saying it was stolen rather than lost. This protects you if the thief tries to use it. Some states require the police report number before they will issue a replacement; others just need your signed statement.
Contact your state police non-emergency line or your local police department to file a report. You do not need to go in person — many departments let you file online or by phone. Once you have the report number, bring it to the DMV along with your other documents.
Cost and processing time
Replacement license fees range from $20 to $100 depending on your state and how long the new license is valid. A standard replacement usually costs $30 to $50. Expedited processing (getting it in a few days instead of two weeks) costs extra — typically $10 to $25 more.
In-person replacement at a DMV office is usually same-day or within a few hours. Mail-in replacement takes one to three weeks. Online replacement, where available, typically takes five to ten business days. Check your state DMV website for current wait times at your local office.
Name changes and license corrections
If you are replacing your license because your name changed, you will need additional documents. Bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or other legal document showing the name change. Some states let you update your name at the same time you replace the license; others require a separate name-change transaction.
If your current license has an error — wrong address, wrong birth date, misspelled name — you can correct it during replacement. Bring documents that prove what the correct information should be, such as a birth certificate for a birth date error or a utility bill for an address error.
Replacing a license that expired while you were away
If your license expired and you were out of state or out of the country, you can still replace it without retesting in most states. Bring your expired license, your documents, and proof of where you were during the expiration period — a passport with stamps, military orders, or a lease showing you lived elsewhere.
Some states have a grace period after you return (usually 30 to 60 days) during which you can renew without penalty. Others require you to take a written test if your license has been expired for more than a few years. Call your DMV to find out the rule in your state.
What happens if you do not have all your documents
If you cannot find your Social Security card, the DMV will accept a W-2, tax return, or bank statement showing your number. If you do not have a birth certificate, a passport works. If you have no government-issued ID at all, some states will let you use a combination of documents — a school ID, employee badge, and utility bill together.
The DMV office can tell you what substitutes they accept. Call ahead or check the website rather than making a trip and being turned away. If you are missing critical documents like a birth certificate, you may need to order one from your state vital records office first, which takes one to two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement license if I do not have my Social Security card?
Yes. Bring a document with your Social Security number on it instead — a W-2, tax return, bank statement, or insurance document. The DMV accepts any official record that shows the number.
How much does a replacement license cost?
Most states charge $30 to $50 for a standard replacement. Expedited processing costs an extra $10 to $25. Some states charge less for in-person replacement and more for mail-in. Check your state DMV website for the exact fee.
Do I have to take a test to get a replacement license?
No. Replacement for a lost, stolen, or damaged license does not require a written or driving test. You only need your documents and a new photo. If your license expired years ago, some states may require a test — call your DMV to check.
Can I replace my license online?
Some states offer online replacement for lost or damaged licenses. You upload photos of your ID and proof of address, pay by card, and receive your license by mail in five to ten business days. Check your state DMV website to see if this option is available where you live.
What if I lost my license and do not know where to file a police report?
Call your local police non-emergency line or visit your city or county police website. Many departments let you file a report online without going in person. You can also file at your DMV office in some states — ask when you go in with your replacement documents.