Get a replacement license through the California Department of Motor Vehicles
To replace a lost California driver's license, you submit a form to the DMV either in person at a field office, by mail, or through their online system. The DMV will issue you a new license with the same number as your original one. You do not need to take a written test or vision test unless your license has been expired for more than five years.
The fastest route is usually the online system if your license was issued within the last 10 years and is not expired. If you cannot use the online option, you can mail your request or visit a field office. Processing time varies: online replacements typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days, while mail requests take 2 to 3 weeks, and in-person visits may issue a temporary license on the spot.
Key Takeaways
- You can replace your lost license online through the DMV website, by mail with form DL 44, or in person at any California DMV field office.
- Online replacement is the fastest option if your license was issued within the last 10 years and is not expired; you will receive your new license in 7 to 10 business days.
- You will need to pay a replacement fee (currently $30 for a standard license) and provide proof of identity and California residency.
- If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary license at a field office or use your Social Security number as a temporary ID in some situations.
Replace your license online through the DMV website
Visit the California DMV website and select the option to replace a lost or stolen license. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The system will verify your identity using information on file with the DMV. If verification succeeds, you can pay the replacement fee by debit or credit card and submit your request when ready.
This method works only if your license was issued within the last 10 years and is not expired. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew it instead of replacing it, which requires a vision test and written test. The DMV will mail your new license to the address on file; if you have moved, update your address before you submit the replacement request.
Mail a replacement request with form DL 44
read or request form DL 44 (process for California Driver License or Identification Card) from the DMV website or by calling 1-800-777-0133. Complete the form and include a check or money order for the replacement fee payable to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Attach a copy of one document proving your identity (such as a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card) and one document proving California residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
Mail the completed form and documents to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DMV receives your request. Include a return envelope with postage if you want the DMV to return your supporting documents. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.
Visit a California DMV field office in person
Bring your completed form DL 44, proof of identity, and proof of California residency to any DMV field office. You can find the nearest office and check current wait times on the DMV website. Bring the originals of your documents, not copies. You will pay the replacement fee at the office by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
If you visit in person, the DMV can issue you a temporary license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. This temporary license allows you to drive legally during the replacement process. Your permanent license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Documents you need for any replacement method
You must provide one document proving your identity and one document proving you live in California. Identity documents include a valid passport, certified birth certificate, Social Security card, or military ID. Residency documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail addressed to you, all dated within the last 60 days.
If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. If you have changed your name since your license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DMV will not accept photocopies of identity documents unless they are certified copies.
Pay the replacement fee and understand what it covers
The replacement fee for a standard driver's license is currently $30. This fee covers the cost of issuing a new license with the same number as your original. If you also want to renew your license at the same time (for example, if it is expiring soon), you will pay both the replacement fee and the renewal fee. Payment methods vary by how you submit your request: online replacements accept debit or credit cards, mail requests accept checks or money orders, and in-person visits accept cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
The fee is non-refundable even if you find your original license after you have submitted a replacement request. If you find your original license, you do not need to cancel the replacement; straightforward use whichever license you have when you need to show identification.
What to do if you need to drive before your replacement arrives
If you visit a DMV field office in person, ask for a temporary license at the time you submit your replacement request. The temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent license. You can also use your Social Security number as a form of identification in some situations, though it is not a substitute for a driver's license and will not satisfy law enforcement if you are stopped while driving.
If you submitted your request by mail or online and need to drive before your replacement arrives, visit a field office to request a temporary license. Bring your proof of identity and residency. The temporary license is issued on the spot and costs no additional fee beyond the replacement fee you have already paid.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a replacement license in California?
Online replacements arrive in 7 to 10 business days. Mail requests take 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DMV receives your form. In-person visits result in a temporary license issued when ready, with your permanent license arriving by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Can I replace my license if it expired more than five years ago?
No. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew it instead of replacing it. Renewal requires you to pass a vision test and written test at a DMV field office. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than five years.
What if I lost my license while traveling outside California?
You can still submit a replacement request online or by mail from anywhere. If you need to drive when ready and are still out of state, contact the DMV to ask about temporary driving privileges. When you return to California, you can visit a field office to pick up your replacement license or request a temporary license while you wait for the permanent one to arrive by mail.
Do I need to report my lost license to the police?
Reporting a lost license to police is not required by California law, but you may want to do so if you are concerned about identity theft or fraud. If someone uses your lost license fraudulently, a police report can help protect you. You can file a report online or in person at your local police station.
Will my replacement license have the same number as my original?
Yes. Your replacement license will have the same driver's license number as your original. You do not receive a new number when you replace a lost license. The number only changes if you renew your license after it has expired.