Where to go depends on which ID you need to replace
The place you go and the documents you bring depend on which ID you're replacing. A driver's license goes through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. A passport goes through the U.S. State Department. A birth certificate comes from the vital records office in the state where you were born. A Social Security card comes from the Social Security Administration. Each one has its own process, timeline, and cost.
You can replace most IDs in person at a local office, by mail, or online — but not all three for every document. Some states let you renew a driver's license online if it's not expired; others require you to appear in person. The State Department accepts passport applications only in person at a passport acceptance facility or passport agency. Knowing which route is open to you saves a trip.
Key Takeaways
- Driver's licenses are replaced at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, usually in person, though some states allow online renewal if your license is not expired.
- Passports must be applied for in person at a passport acceptance facility or passport agency, and the process takes several weeks even with expedited service.
- Birth certificates come from the vital records office in the state where you were born, not your current state, and can usually be ordered by mail or online.
- Social Security cards are replaced at your local Social Security office with proof of citizenship and identity, and the replacement is free.
- Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not be accepted for any of these replacements.
Replacing a driver's license at the DMV
Go to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles office in person if your license is expired or if your state does not allow online renewal. Bring your current ID (even if expired), proof of residency (a recent utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. Some states also require proof of citizenship for a first-time license or a replacement after a certain number of years. Check your state's DMV website before you go — requirements vary.
If your license is not expired and your state allows online renewal, you can do it through the DMV website without visiting an office. You'll pay a renewal fee, which ranges by state. The replacement usually arrives by mail within one to three weeks. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask the DMV for a temporary paper license at the time of renewal.
If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, tell the DMV staff when you arrive. The process is the same, but you may need to sign a statement saying the license was lost or stolen. There is no extra charge for a replacement due to loss or damage.
Getting a replacement passport
You must explore for a passport replacement in person at a passport acceptance facility or a passport agency. These are usually located at post offices, libraries, courthouses, or dedicated passport agencies in major cities. Bring your expired passport (if you have it), a completed process form DS-11, a government-issued photo ID, and proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate. You'll also need a new passport photo, which you can get at the acceptance facility itself or bring from a photo service.
Standard processing takes four to six weeks. Expedited processing takes two to three weeks and costs extra. If you need a passport in fewer than two weeks, you must go to a passport agency in person and request expedited service there. Passport agencies are located in major cities; check the State Department website to find the one nearest you.
The cost varies: a standard adult passport book is one amount, a passport card is less, and expedited service adds a fee on top. Minors under 16 need a parent or guardian present and have different rules. Check the State Department website for current fees and the full list of acceptable documents.
Ordering a replacement birth certificate
Order a birth certificate from the vital records office in the state where you were born, not from your current state. You can usually order by mail, online, or in person. Go to the state health department website and search for "vital records" or "birth certificate" to find the office and the order form.
You'll need to provide your full name at birth, date of birth, parents' names, and the reason for the request. Some states ask for a government ID to verify your identity. The cost is usually between $10 and $30 per copy, depending on the state. Processing time ranges from a few days to a few weeks if you order by mail.
If you were born outside the United States, contact the vital records office in the country or territory where you were born. If you don't know which state you were born in, the Social Security Administration can help you find that information — call them at 1-800-772-1213.
Replacing a Social Security card
Go to your local Social Security office with proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate), proof of identity (a driver's license, passport, or state ID), and proof of residency (a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement). You do not need an appointment at most offices, but you can call ahead to check wait times. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies will not be accepted.
The replacement is free. You'll fill out form SS-5 at the office. The new card usually arrives by mail within one to two weeks. If you need it sooner, ask the office staff whether they can issue a temporary document you can use while you wait for the card.
If your card was lost or stolen, report it to the Social Security Administration by calling 1-800-772-1213. They can flag your account and help you watch for fraud. You don't have to report it before you explore for a replacement, but doing so protects you if someone tries to use your number.
What to bring: documents checklist by ID type
| ID Type | Where to Go | Documents to Bring |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's License | State DMV office (or online if not expired) | Current ID, proof of residency, Social Security number |
| Passport | Passport acceptance facility or passport agency (in person only) | Expired passport, form DS-11, photo ID, proof of citizenship, new photo |
| Birth Certificate | Vital records office in state of birth (mail, online, or in person) | Full name at birth, date of birth, parents' names, government ID |
| Social Security Card | Local Social Security office | Proof of citizenship, proof of identity, proof of residency |
How long replacement takes and what it costs
A driver's license replacement arrives by mail in one to three weeks in most states. In-person replacement at the DMV is faster — you may get a temporary license the same day. The cost ranges from $20 to $60 depending on your state.
A passport replacement takes four to six weeks with standard processing or two to three weeks with expedited service. The cost for a standard adult passport book is around $130, plus a $35 execution fee if it's your first passport or your old one was lost or stolen. Expedited service adds $60. A passport card costs less but takes the same time.
A birth certificate replacement takes a few days to a few weeks depending on whether you order in person or by mail. The cost is usually $10 to $30 per copy. A Social Security card replacement arrives by mail in one to two weeks and is free.
What to do if you don't have the documents you need
If you don't have a birth certificate and need one to get another ID, you can order it first using the process above. If you don't have a government ID to prove your identity, some offices will accept other documents such as a school ID, employee ID, or utility bill with your name on it. Call the office ahead of time to ask what they will accept.
If you were born outside the United States and don't have a U.S. birth certificate, you'll need a passport or naturalization certificate instead. If you don't have any of these, contact the Social Security Administration or your state's vital records office to ask what documents you can use to prove your identity and citizenship.
If your documents were lost in a disaster or you straightforward cannot find them, explain that to the office staff. Many offices have procedures for people in this situation and can help you find alternatives or order certified copies of documents you've lost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my ID if it's not expired?
Yes. You can replace an ID that is not expired if it was lost, stolen, or damaged, or if your information changed. For a driver's license, go to the DMV. For a passport, you can renew it by mail if it's not damaged and you still have it, which is faster than a full replacement. For other IDs, contact the issuing office.
What if I don't have my Social Security number memorized?
If you need a Social Security number to explore for a replacement ID, you can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 and they can tell you your number. You can also find it on old tax returns, W-2 forms, or bank statements. For a driver's license, bring whatever documents you have and the DMV staff can help you look it up.
How do I replace an ID if I've changed my name?
Bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The process is the same as a regular replacement, but you'll need to show both your old name and your new name. Some offices may ask for additional documents to verify the name change.
Can someone else pick up my replacement ID for me?
For a driver's license or Social Security card, you usually have to pick it up yourself or have it mailed to your address. For a passport, you can authorize someone else to pick it up by signing a form at the acceptance facility. For a birth certificate, you can have it mailed to anyone's address if you order by mail. Call ahead to ask about your specific situation.
What if my replacement ID arrives with an error on it?
Contact the office that issued it right away. Bring the ID and the document that shows the correct information — such as your birth certificate or marriage certificate. They can usually issue a corrected replacement at no extra cost. Do not use an ID with errors on it, as it may not be accepted as proof of identity.