How to Replace a Lost Driver's License

Where to go and what to bring

You replace a lost driver's license at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), or whatever your state calls it — some states use the name "Secretary of State" or "Registry of Motor Vehicles". You cannot do this online in most states, even though you can renew online. A lost license counts as a replacement, not a renewal, so you have to go in person.

Bring your Social Security number, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works in most states), and a form of ID — a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card. Some states also ask for your original Social Security card. Call your local DMV office before you go to confirm what they need, because requirements vary by state and sometimes by location within a state.

You do not need to bring the old license itself — it is lost. You do need to be prepared to describe it: the license number if you remember it, or the year it was issued. If you cannot remember anything, the DMV can look it up using your name and date of birth.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a DMV office in person; most states do not allow online replacement for a lost license, only for renewals.
Bring proof of your address (utility bill or lease), a form of ID, and your Social Security number or card.
The replacement fee ranges from $15 to $50 depending on your state, and the new license usually arrives in one to three weeks.
If you need to drive before the new license arrives, ask the DMV for a temporary paper license on the day you explore.
Report the lost license to local police if you are concerned about identity theft, though this is not required to get a replacement.

Cost and how long it takes

The replacement fee varies by state. Most states charge between $15 and $50. Some states charge less if you are under 21 or over 65. A few states charge the same fee whether you are replacing a lost license or renewing an expired one; others charge more for a replacement. Call ahead or check your state DMV's website to find the exact amount.

The new license usually arrives by mail in one to three weeks. Some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee — typically $10 to $25 more — and can get the license to you in five to seven business days. A few states print licenses on-site and hand them to you the same day, but this is uncommon.

Getting a temporary license to drive now

If you need to drive before the replacement arrives, ask the DMV clerk for a temporary paper license when you submit your process. Most states issue these on the spot at no extra cost. The temporary is valid for 30 to 60 days — long enough for the permanent license to arrive. Write down the temporary license number and keep it with you when you drive.

Some states do not issue temporary licenses for replacements, only for new licenses or renewals. If your state is one of them, you cannot legally drive until the new license arrives. Ask the clerk directly so you know before you leave the office.

If you lost your license out of state

You replace it in the state that issued it, not where you currently live. If you moved to a new state after getting your license, you still go back to the original state's DMV — or you can request a replacement by mail if that state allows it. Check the DMV website for the state that issued your license to see whether you can mail in an process and proof of identity.

If mailing is not an option and you cannot travel back to that state soon, you can get a new license from your current state instead. This counts as a new license, not a replacement, and usually costs more and takes longer. You will have a different license number and will need to update your address with your insurance company and employer.

Protecting yourself after a lost license

A lost driver's license is a real identity theft risk because it contains your name, address, date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number (depending on your state). If you are concerned, report the loss to local police and ask for a report number. You do not need this to get a replacement, but it creates a record if someone uses your license fraudulently.

You can also place a fraud alert with the three credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — by calling one of them and asking them to notify the others. This makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name. The alert lasts one year and is free.

What to do if the DMV says they have no record

If you go to the DMV and they cannot find your license in their system, it may have expired and been purged from their database, or there may be a clerical error. Ask the clerk to search by your full legal name, date of birth, and any address you have used in that state. If nothing comes up, you will have to get a new license instead of a replacement — this costs more and requires the same documents as a first-time license.

If you believe the license should be in the system, ask to speak to a supervisor or call the DMV's main office to file a search request. Some states keep records longer than others, and a supervisor may be able to locate an old record that the clerk's search missed.

Updating your information after you get the new license

Once your new license arrives, update it with your insurance company, employer, bank, and any government agencies that have your old license number on file. Your insurance company especially needs the new number — if you are in an accident and your policy has the old license number, the claim process can be delayed.

If your address changed since you lost the old license, the new one will show your current address. If your address is still the same, the new license will look almost identical to the old one, just with a new issue date and expiration date.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Not in most states. A few states allow you to request a replacement by mail if you lost your license and can provide a copy of a police report, but this is rare. Your best option is to call your state DMV and ask whether mail-in replacement is available. If not, you must visit an office in person.

What if I lost my license and my wallet was stolen?

Report the theft to police and get a report number. Bring that number to the DMV along with your other proof of identity. The police report helps the DMV understand the circumstances and can speed up the process if fraud is involved.

Do I have to pay the replacement fee if the DMV lost my license?

This is rare, but if the DMV can prove they lost your license while it was in their possession, some states waive the fee. You would need to have documentation showing the license was submitted to the DMV and never returned. Contact your state DMV's customer service line to ask whether this applies to your situation.

Can I get a real ID compliant license when I replace a lost one?

Yes. When you explore for a replacement, ask the clerk whether you can upgrade to a Real ID at the same time. You will need to bring additional documents — usually a birth certificate and proof of citizenship — and pay an extra fee, but you can do it in one visit. Real ID licenses are required for federal buildings and domestic flights starting in 2025.

What if I find my old license after I get the replacement?

Destroy it or turn it in to the DMV. Do not carry both licenses. If you are stopped by police and have two valid licenses, it can cause confusion and delay. The old license is no longer valid once you have received the replacement, so keeping it serves no purpose.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.