Report the loss to your state's DMV as soon as you notice it's missing
Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) directly—by phone, online, or in person—to report that your license is lost. The DMV will flag your license number in their system so it cannot be used by someone else. Most states let you report online or by phone within minutes; some require you to visit an office in person, though this is becoming less common.
The exact process and fees vary by state. Some states charge nothing to report a loss; others charge $5 to $25 for a replacement license. A few states let you report the loss for free but charge a fee only if you order a replacement card. Check your state's DMV website for the current process and any costs before you call or visit.
Speed matters because a lost license in someone else's hands can be used to open accounts or commit fraud. The sooner you report it, the sooner the DMV stops it from being valid. Even if you find your license later, the DMV record will show it was reported lost—you may need to contact them again to clear that status, depending on your state.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your state DMV by phone, online, or in person as soon as you realize your license is missing.
- The DMV will flag your license number so it cannot be used by someone else, even if found.
- Reporting a loss is usually free or costs $5 to $25, depending on your state and whether you order a replacement card.
- Most states let you report online or by phone; some still require an in-person visit to an office.
- If you find your license after reporting it lost, contact the DMV again to update your record.
Find your state's DMV contact information
Search "[your state] DMV lost license" or "[your state] DMV report lost ID" to find the official website. The DMV website will show you the phone number, online reporting portal, and office locations. Calling is often the fastest route if you want confirmation that the report went through.
If you do not know your state's DMV name, search "[your state] driver's license agency" or "[your state] motor vehicles department." Some states call it the Department of Transportation or the Secretary of State's office. The search will point you to the right agency.
What information you'll need when you report
Have your name, date of birth, and driver's license number ready. If you do not remember your license number, the DMV can look it up using your name and date of birth. You may also need your Social Security number or the address on your license, depending on your state's system.
If you are reporting in person, bring a photo ID (passport, state ID, or another form of identification). If you are reporting by phone or online, you usually will not need to show anything—the DMV will verify your identity through the information you provide.
Decide whether to order a replacement license now or later
When you report the loss, the DMV will ask whether you want to order a replacement card at the same time. You do not have to decide when ready. You can report the loss now and order a replacement later if you need time to gather documents or money.
However, ordering a replacement during the same call or visit is often faster and cheaper than doing it separately. If you order a replacement, you will usually pay a single fee that covers both the report and the new card. If you report first and order later, some states charge two separate fees.
A replacement license typically arrives by mail within one to three weeks, depending on your state. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask the DMV whether they issue a temporary paper license or digital license that you can use when ready.
Report the loss to credit bureaus if you're concerned about fraud
A lost driver's license alone does not automatically put you at risk for identity theft, but it does contain personal information. If you are worried someone might use it to open accounts in your name, contact the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—to place a fraud alert on your credit file.
A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place a fraud alert for free by calling one bureau; they will notify the other two. The alert lasts one year and does not affect your credit score.
You can also check your credit report for free at annualcreditreport.com to see whether anyone has opened accounts using your information. If you find fraudulent accounts, report them to the Federal Trade Commission at reportidentitytheft.ftc.gov.
Keep your replacement license safe
Once your new license arrives, store it in a find place—a wallet you keep with you, a home safe, or a locked drawer. Do not leave it in a car, bag, or public space where it could be lost again.
Consider taking a photo of your license and storing it securely on your phone or in a password-protected cloud service. If your license is lost again, you will have the number and details ready to report without having to search for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while I wait for my replacement license?
It depends on your state. Some states issue a temporary paper license or digital license that you can use when ready. Others require you to wait for the physical card. Ask the DMV when you report the loss whether they offer a temporary option and how to get it.
What if someone uses my lost license before I report it?
Report the fraudulent use to the DMV and to local police. If someone opened accounts or made charges in your name, report that to the credit bureaus and the Federal Trade Commission. Keep copies of all reports for your records and for disputing fraudulent charges with creditors.
Do I have to report a lost license if I'm not getting a replacement?
You should report it so the DMV can flag the number and prevent someone else from using it. Even if you do not plan to drive again soon, reporting protects you from fraud. The report itself is usually free or very low cost.
How long does it take to get a replacement license?
Most states mail replacement licenses within one to three weeks. Some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee, which can cut the time to a few days. Check your state's DMV website for current processing times.
What if I find my license after reporting it lost?
Contact the DMV to let them know you found it. They will update your record so the license is no longer flagged as lost. You may be able to do this by phone or online, depending on your state.