What a Replacement Driver's License Costs in Your State

Replacement driver's license fees vary by state, from $5 to $30

The cost of a replacement driver's license depends entirely on which state issued your original license. There is no federal price — each state sets its own fee. Most states charge between $10 and $25, but some charge as little as $5 and others as much as $30 or more. A few states offer free replacements under specific circumstances, such as if the license was lost due to a natural disaster.

The fee covers the cost of producing the card, processing your request, and updating the state's database. Some states bundle this into a single fee; others charge separately for the replacement card itself and for a name change or address update if you need those at the same time. A handful of states charge more if you want expedited processing — usually an additional $10 to $20 to get your license within a few days instead of two to four weeks.

You will also need to pay for any documents required to prove your identity or residency, though the state does not charge for those — you pay the issuing body. For example, if you need a certified copy of your birth certificate, the vital records office in your county charges a fee, typically $10 to $25.

Key Takeaways

Most states charge $10 to $25 for a replacement driver's license, but the exact amount depends on your state.
Some states offer free replacements if your license was lost in a natural disaster or stolen as part of a crime.
Expedited processing costs extra in some states — usually $10 to $20 more — and takes a few days instead of two to four weeks.
You may need to pay separately for documents like a birth certificate or proof of residency, which the state does not provide.
The fastest way to find your state's exact fee is to visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website or call their main line.

How to find your state's replacement fee

Each state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency publishes its fee schedule online. Search "[your state] DMV replacement driver's license fee" to reach the official page. The fee is usually listed under "replacement card," "duplicate license," or "lost or stolen license." Some states separate the fee by license type — for example, a standard license might cost $15 but a commercial license might cost $30.

If you cannot find the fee online, call your state DMV's main customer service line. Have your current license number or state ID number ready, and ask specifically whether the fee changes if you also need to update your address or name. Some states charge one flat fee for any replacement; others charge the base replacement fee plus an additional charge for each change you make at the same time.

States with lower or no replacement fees

A small number of states charge less than $10 for a replacement license. South Carolina charges $5, and a few others charge $8 to $10. These states typically have lower overall DMV fees across the board. If you are moving to a new state or renewing a license you have not used in years, the replacement fee in your new state may be different from what you paid before.

Some states waive the replacement fee entirely if you can document that your license was lost or stolen as part of a crime, or if it was destroyed in a natural disaster. You will usually need a police report for a theft or a FEMA declaration for a disaster. Contact your state DMV to ask whether you may have access to and what documents to bring.

Expedited processing and rush fees

If you need your replacement license quickly, some states offer expedited or rush processing for an extra fee. This typically costs $10 to $20 on top of the standard replacement fee and reduces the processing time from two to four weeks down to three to five business days. A few states offer same-day or next-day service at a DMV office for an even higher fee, sometimes $30 to $50 total.

Not all states offer expedited processing, and not all DMV locations within a state do. Check your state's website or call ahead to confirm whether your local office offers it and what the exact cost is. If you are in a true emergency — for example, you need to fly tomorrow and your license is your only acceptable ID — some states allow you to request a temporary paper license at no extra charge while you wait for the card.

Documents you may need to pay for separately

To get a replacement license, you will need to prove your identity and residency. The state does not charge for this verification, but you may need to pay for the documents themselves. A certified copy of your birth certificate costs $10 to $25 depending on which county issued it. A utility bill or lease agreement usually costs nothing if you already have it, but if you need an official letter from your bank or employer confirming your address, that may cost $5 to $15.

If your name has changed since your original license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you will need a certified copy of the document that proves the change. For marriage, that is a marriage certificate; for divorce, a divorce decree; for legal name change, a court order. Each of these costs money to obtain from the county clerk or vital records office, typically $10 to $25 per document.

Replacement fees for different license types

A standard driver's license and a commercial driver's license (CDL) often have different replacement fees. A CDL replacement usually costs more — sometimes $30 to $50 — because it requires additional processing and verification. If you hold a CDL and need a replacement, check your state's fee schedule specifically for commercial licenses.

Some states also charge differently for a standard license versus an enhanced license (one that meets federal Real ID requirements) or a license with a Real ID endorsement. If your original license was a basic license and you want to upgrade to Real ID at the same time you replace it, you may pay a combined fee that is higher than a straightforward replacement. Ask your DMV whether upgrading costs extra or whether the replacement fee covers both.

How replacement fees compare to renewal fees

In most states, a replacement license costs less than renewing an expired license. A replacement is a one-time fee to get a new card because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged. A renewal is what you pay every four to eight years when your license expires, and it usually costs more because it includes a new photo and updated information. If your license is also expired, you may pay both a replacement fee and a renewal fee, or your state may combine them into a single charge.

Check your state's fee schedule to see whether a replacement and renewal are charged separately or together. Some states offer a discount if you do both at the same time; others charge the full amount for each service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license the same day I explore?

Some states offer same-day or next-day service at certain DMV locations, but most do not. Standard processing takes two to four weeks. If your state offers expedited processing, you can usually get your license in three to five business days for an extra $10 to $20. Call your local DMV office to ask whether they offer same-day service and what the cost is.

Do I have to pay the replacement fee if my license was stolen?

Most states charge the standard replacement fee regardless of why you need a new license. However, some states waive the fee if you can show a police report documenting the theft. Contact your state DMV to ask whether they waive fees for stolen licenses and what proof you need to bring.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can replace your license through your home state's DMV, even if you are out of state. Many states allow you to mail in your process and documents, or you can visit a DMV office in your home state if you travel back. Some states also allow you to replace your license through a third-party vendor in another state, though this usually costs more than going through your home state DMV.

Does the replacement fee change if I also need a new address?

Some states charge one flat fee for any replacement, including address changes. Others charge the replacement fee plus a separate address-change fee, usually $5 to $10. Check your state's fee schedule or call your DMV to confirm whether an address update costs extra.

How much does a temporary license cost?

Most states issue a temporary paper license at no extra charge while you wait for your replacement card to arrive. This temporary license is valid for a set period, usually 30 to 60 days. Ask your DMV whether they offer a temporary license and whether it costs anything.

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.