Where to go and what to bring

You replace your driver's license at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), called the Secretary of State in some states. Go to the office in the county where you live, or check your state's DMV website to see if you can handle the replacement by mail or online — some states let you renew or replace without visiting in person if your license is not suspended and you have not had a major address change.

Bring your current license if you still have it, or a state ID card. If your license was lost or stolen, bring a police report or a signed statement saying it is gone. You will also need proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days usually works. Some states ask for a Social Security number or a copy of your Social Security card.

Check your state's DMV website before you go, because requirements vary. A few states require you to pass a vision test or retake a written test if your license has been expired for more than a certain number of years. Most do not.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit your state's DMV office in your home county with your current license or state ID, proof of address, and payment for the replacement fee.
  • If your license was lost or stolen, bring a police report or a signed statement; some states waive the fee if you show a police report.
  • Many states now let you replace your license online or by mail if your license is not suspended and your address has not changed.
  • Processing time ranges from same-day (if you visit in person) to two to four weeks by mail, depending on your state.
  • Replacement fees typically run $15 to $50 and cover a license valid for four to eight years, depending on your state.

Online and mail-in options

Before you drive to the DMV, check whether your state handles replacements online. California, Texas, Florida, New York, and many others let you order a replacement license through their website if your current license is not suspended, you have not moved, and your license is not expired by more than a set number of years (usually five). You upload a photo, pay the fee by credit card, and the new license arrives in the mail in one to three weeks.

Mail-in replacement is slower but works in most states. You fill out a form (usually available on the DMV website), include a photocopy of your current license and proof of address, and mail it with a check or money order. Processing takes two to four weeks. Some states charge a small additional fee for mail service.

If your license was lost or stolen, online and mail-in options may not be available — you may have to visit the office in person so staff can verify your identity and take a new photo.

What happens if your license was lost or stolen

Report the loss or theft to your local police department and ask for a report number. Some states waive the replacement fee if you show the police report at the DMV. Others do not, so do not count on a fee waiver, but it is worth asking.

You cannot order a replacement online if your license is missing. You must visit the DMV office in person. Bring the police report, proof of your address, and payment. The staff will take a new photo and issue a temporary license on the spot in most states, with the permanent one arriving in the mail within two weeks.

If you cannot find a police report number or do not want to file one, you can sign a statement at the DMV saying your license is lost or stolen. This takes longer because the DMV may verify your identity by other means before issuing the replacement.

Fees and how long it takes

Replacement fees range from $15 to $50 depending on your state and whether you are replacing a lost license or renewing one that has expired. A few states charge less if you lost the license and have a police report. Check your state's DMV website for the exact amount.

If you visit the DMV office in person, you usually walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 30 to 60 days, and the plastic card arrives in the mail in one to two weeks. If you order online or by mail, expect two to four weeks for delivery. Some states offer expedited mail service for an extra fee of $10 to $25.

Processing times vary by state and by how busy the DMV is. During peak seasons (late summer, before holidays), mail-in replacements can take longer. Visiting in person is always faster if you have the time.

What to do if your address has changed

If you have moved since your license was issued, you may not be able to replace it online or by mail — you will have to visit the DMV office in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new address, and payment.

Some states let you update your address and replace your license at the same time. Others require you to update your address first, then explore for a replacement. The DMV website will tell you which applies in your state.

Proof of address usually means a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works in most states. A credit card bill or insurance document usually does not.

If your license is suspended or revoked

You cannot replace a suspended or revoked license. You have to resolve the suspension or revocation first — usually by paying outstanding fines, completing a required course, or waiting out a suspension period. Contact your state's DMV to find out what you owe and how to clear it.

Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can replace the license. Some states issue a new license automatically once the suspension ends. Others require you to visit the DMV or explore online. Check your state's DMV website or call the office to confirm what step comes next for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired license to replace my license?

Yes. An expired license is still valid proof of identity for the purpose of getting a replacement. Bring it to the DMV along with proof of your current address and payment. If your license expired more than five to ten years ago (the number varies by state), you may have to retake the written test or vision test.

What if I do not have proof of my current address?

Most DMVs accept a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have any of those, ask the DMV what other documents they accept — some take mail from a government agency, a property tax bill, or a letter from your employer. A few states let you use a notarized statement if you have no other proof.

How much does a replacement license cost?

Fees range from $15 to $50 depending on your state. Some states charge less if you lost the license and show a police report. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee. Expedited mail service, if available, costs an extra $10 to $25.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. Most states require you to pick up your temporary license in person at the DMV office. The permanent plastic license is mailed to the address on file, so you do not have to do anything else once it arrives.

What if my replacement license arrives damaged or with the wrong information?

Contact your state's DMV right away. Most states will issue a corrected license at no extra charge if the error was made by the DMV. If the license arrived damaged, ask whether they will mail a replacement or if you need to visit the office in person.