Where to go and what to bring

You get a replacement ID card from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Secretary of State, or equivalent agency — the name varies by state. You cannot order one by mail in most states; you have to go in person. Bring your Social Security number, proof of residence (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and proof of citizenship or legal residency (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers). If your ID was lost or stolen, some states require a police report number.

The exact documents differ by state. Before you go, check your state's DMV website and search for "replacement ID card" or "state ID replacement" — the site will list what you need and whether you can make an appointment online. Making an appointment cuts your wait time from hours to 15 minutes in most places.

Bring the original documents, not copies. The DMV staff will verify them against their records. If you do not have one of the required documents, ask the DMV what alternatives they accept — some states will take a notarized affidavit or a letter from a government agency instead.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit your state's DMV or equivalent office in person; most states do not issue replacement IDs by mail.
  • Bring proof of residence, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and your Social Security number in the form your state's DMV website specifies.
  • Check your state's DMV website before you go to confirm which documents are accepted and whether you can book an appointment online.
  • The replacement card usually arrives by mail within two to four weeks; ask for a temporary paper ID if you need to drive before then.
  • If your ID was lost or stolen, some states require a police report number, so file a report before you visit the DMV.

Cost and processing time

A replacement ID card costs between $15 and $50 depending on your state. Some states charge less if your ID was lost versus stolen or damaged. A few states offer free replacements for certain groups — military members, seniors, or people with disabilities — so check your state's fee schedule on the DMV website.

Processing takes two to four weeks by mail. If you need to drive before the card arrives, ask the DMV for a temporary paper ID or receipt at the time you explore; most states issue one on the spot and it is valid for 30 to 60 days. Some states also offer expedited processing for an extra fee, usually $10 to $25, which cuts the wait to five to seven business days.

What to do if you lost or had your ID stolen

File a police report before you go to the DMV. Some states require the report number when you explore for a replacement. You do not need to wait for the police to complete an investigation — you can file a report online in many jurisdictions, and the DMV will accept the report number when ready.

If your ID was stolen and you are worried about identity theft, place a fraud alert with the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) at the same time. You can do this online at IdentityTheft.gov, which is run by the Federal Trade Commission. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.

Replacing an ID from another state

If you moved to a new state and need a replacement ID from your old state, you can usually request one by mail or through the old state's DMV website. Some states mail the card directly to your new address if you provide it. Others require you to visit a DMV office in the original state, which means you may need to wait until you travel back or use a mail-in option if available.

If you need an ID in your new state instead, you will have to visit your new state's DMV in person. Bring your old ID (or a copy if it was lost), proof of residence in the new state, and proof of citizenship. The process is the same as getting a replacement card in your original state.

Getting a replacement if your ID is expired

An expired ID is treated the same as a lost or damaged one — you go to the DMV, bring the documents listed above, and pay the replacement fee. You do not need a police report for an expired card. If your ID expired more than a few years ago, the DMV may ask for updated proof of residence or citizenship, so bring current documents.

Some states allow you to renew an expired ID by mail if it expired recently (usually within the last five years) and you have not changed your address. Check your state's DMV website under "renewal" or "expired ID" to see if mail-in renewal is an option for you.

Replacing a damaged or defaced ID

If your ID is damaged — cracked, faded, or unreadable — bring it to the DMV along with your other documents. The DMV will keep the damaged card and issue a replacement. You do not need a police report unless the damage was caused by theft or loss of the original card.

If the card is so damaged that the DMV cannot read your information, bring proof of your identity (a passport or birth certificate) so they can verify who you are and look up your record in their system.

Replacing an ID with a name change

If you changed your name through marriage, divorce, or a legal name change, bring the court order or marriage certificate along with your old ID and the other standard documents. The DMV will issue a new card with your current name. Some states issue the new card on the spot; others mail it within two to four weeks.

If you do not have the original court order or marriage certificate, ask the DMV what certified copies they accept. You can usually get a certified copy from the county clerk's office or the court that issued the order.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most states require you to visit the DMV in person for a replacement ID. A few states allow mail-in renewal for expired cards if you meet certain conditions, but this is not available for lost, stolen, or damaged IDs. Check your state's DMV website to see if mail-in options are available for your situation.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?

Ask the DMV what documents they accept as proof of citizenship. Many states will take a naturalization certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, or a notarized affidavit from a family member who has access to your birth records. Some also accept a combination of documents, such as a school record plus a hospital record from your birth year.

How long does a replacement ID card take to arrive?

Standard processing takes two to four weeks by mail. If you need the card sooner, ask about expedited processing, which usually costs extra and takes five to seven business days. Some DMVs issue a temporary paper ID on the spot that is valid for 30 to 60 days while you wait for the permanent card.

Do I need a police report if my ID was lost?

Some states require a police report number when you explore for a replacement lost ID; others do not. Check your state's DMV website or call before you go. If a report is required, you can file one online in most jurisdictions and get the report number when ready without waiting for an investigation to finish.

What if I moved and my address on the ID is wrong?

Bring proof of your current residence (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) to the DMV. The replacement card will have your new address. You do not pay an extra fee for an address change when you are already getting a replacement card.