Where to go and what to bring

You get a replacement driver's license from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), or whatever your state calls it — some states use the Secretary of State's office or a licensing bureau. You cannot order one by mail or phone in most states, though a few allow mail requests if your license is still valid and you are renewing rather than replacing it. The fastest route is to visit in person with your current ID and proof of residency.

Bring your Social Security number or a document with it on it, such as a tax return or Social Security card. You will also need proof that you live where you say you do — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days usually works. If your license was lost or stolen, some states ask you to sign a statement saying so. If it was damaged, bring what is left of it.

The fee for a replacement license ranges from about $15 to $50 depending on your state and whether you are replacing it early or waiting until your renewal date. Some states charge less if you lost it versus if you damaged it. Check your state's DMV website for the exact amount before you go, because most offices do not accept personal checks.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit your state's DMV in person with a current ID, proof of where you live, and your Social Security number to get a replacement license.
  • The replacement fee is typically $15 to $50 and varies by state; check your DMV website for the exact cost before you go.
  • If your license was lost or stolen, you may need to sign a statement; if it was damaged, bring the damaged card with you.
  • Your new license will arrive by mail within one to three weeks in most states, though some offer same-day printing at the office.

How long it takes to get your new license

If your DMV office has a same-day printing machine, you can walk out with a temporary or permanent license the day you explore. Not all offices have this equipment, so call ahead or check online to see whether yours does. If your office does not print on site, your new license will be mailed to the address on file, usually within one to three weeks.

While you wait for the physical card, ask the DMV for a receipt or temporary document you can use to prove you have a valid license. Some states issue a temporary paper license at the counter; others give you a receipt with a temporary number. Carry this with your ID until the card arrives, because a police officer may accept it as proof you are licensed.

What to do if your license was lost or stolen

If someone stole your license, consider whether they might use it to open accounts or commit fraud in your name. You do not have to report the theft to police to get a replacement, but if you are concerned about identity theft, a police report can help you dispute fraudulent charges later. Some states ask you to file a report before they will issue a replacement; most do not.

When you go to the DMV, tell the staff member that your license was stolen, not just lost. Some states charge a lower fee for lost licenses than for stolen ones, and a few offer free replacements for theft. The DMV will flag your old license number as invalid so it cannot be used.

Replacing a license that was damaged or unreadable

Bring the damaged license with you to the DMV. The staff will examine it to confirm it is unreadable or too worn to scan. You do not need to explain how it was damaged — the DMV does not distinguish between water damage, fading, and wear. Some states charge the same fee for a damaged license as for a lost one; others charge less because you are not replacing a lost document.

If your license is only slightly worn and still readable, the DMV may decline to issue a replacement and ask you to wait until your renewal date. This varies by state. If you are told to wait, ask whether you can pay to renew early instead of waiting.

Replacing an expired license

If your license expired and you need to drive, you need a renewal, not a replacement. A renewal is the same process — you go to the DMV with ID and proof of residency — but it is called renewal because you are extending the same license rather than replacing a lost or damaged one. The fee is usually lower for a renewal than for a replacement.

Some states allow you to renew by mail if your license is only slightly expired and you have no changes to report. Check your state's DMV website to see whether mail renewal is an option. If you are more than a few years expired, you may have to take a new written test or vision test, depending on your state's rules.

Getting a replacement if you have changed your name

If you changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, you will need to show proof of the name change along with your current ID. Bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will issue a new license with your new name. This counts as a replacement in some states and a renewal in others, depending on whether your old license is still valid.

If you also lost or damaged your license at the same time, bring both the proof of name change and the damaged card (or a statement that it was lost). The DMV will handle both the name change and the replacement in one visit.

If you moved to a new state

If you moved and now live in a different state, you cannot straightforward replace your old state's license. You have to get a new license from your new state's DMV. Bring your old license, proof of residency in the new state, and your Social Security number. Most states will not let you keep your old license once you have moved, so you may be asked to surrender it.

Some states have reciprocal agreements that let you keep your old license for a short time while you get the new one, but this is rare. Check your new state's DMV website to see what documents you need and whether there are any waiting periods before you can get a license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Most states require a Social Security number or a document with it on it. If you do not have one, contact your state's DMV to ask what alternative documents they accept. Some states will accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a letter from the Social Security Administration saying you are not may be able to access for a number.

What if I do not have proof of where I live?

If you cannot bring a utility bill or lease, ask the DMV what other documents they accept. Some states take a credit card statement, insurance bill, or a letter from an employer or school on official letterhead. A few states will accept an affidavit signed by someone else who lives with you and can vouch for your address.

Can I get a replacement license without going to the DMV in person?

A few states allow mail-in replacement if your license is still valid and you are only replacing it because it was lost or damaged. Most states require you to appear in person. Check your state's DMV website to see whether mail-in replacement is an option where you live.

What if my new license arrives with the wrong information on it?

Contact the DMV right away with the card and proof of what the correct information should be. Most states will reissue the license for free if the error was made by the DMV. If the error was caused by information you provided, you may have to pay a replacement fee again.

How do I know if my state's DMV office has same-day printing?

Call the office directly or check your state's DMV website. Many states list which locations have printing machines. If you cannot find the information online, call before you go so you know whether to expect a card the same day or to wait for mail delivery.