To get a replacement driver’s license, you need proof of identity, proof of your current residency, and your Social Security number, plus a fee that in most states runs between $10 and $35. What you need for a replacement driver’s license is largely the same whether the original was lost, stolen, or damaged, though a stolen card calls for a few extra protective steps. Most states let you apply online, in person, or by mail, and a permanent card typically arrives within two to four weeks.
What to Bring
Every state wants you to prove you are who you say you are. The identity documents accepted nearly everywhere include an original or certified U.S. birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport, or a permanent resident card.1USAGov. How to Replace Lost or Stolen ID Cards If you no longer have any of those, you may have to replace one of them first, which adds time to the overall process.
Most states also ask for proof of residency, usually two documents showing your current address. Utility bills, bank statements, lease agreements, and mortgage statements commonly qualify. You’ll need to provide your Social Security number as well, but you usually don’t have to bring the physical card. Many motor vehicle agencies verify the number electronically with the Social Security Administration, so entering or stating it during the application is often enough.
Details from your old license help too. Your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number are often all it takes to complete an online replacement. Some states also ask for an audit number printed on the face of the card, which can be a problem if you have no copy of the original.
REAL ID
Since May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant license or another federally accepted document has been required to board domestic flights and enter certain federal facilities.2Transportation Security Administration. REAL ID If your lost or damaged license was REAL ID-compliant and you want the replacement to be as well, expect the motor vehicle agency to ask for the full REAL ID packet: proof of identity such as a birth certificate or passport, your Social Security number, and proof of your state residency.3USAGov. How to Get a REAL ID and Use It for Travel Some states keep these documents on file from your original application, so you may not need to bring them again. Check with your state’s agency before the visit.
If the old license was a standard, non-REAL ID card, a simple replacement will also be standard. You can usually upgrade at the same time, but that requires an in-person visit and the full documentation set.
How and Where to Apply
Online
Most states let you request a duplicate through the motor vehicle agency’s website or app. Online is usually the fastest and cheapest option. It comes with limits: you generally can’t change any information on the card, and your license can’t be expired, suspended, or revoked. You’ll verify your identity with personal details from your current record, and the replacement arrives by mail.
In Person
An in-person visit is the fallback when you can’t apply online, and it’s required in many states if you’re updating your photo, changing information on the card, or applying for a REAL ID replacement. Bring originals, not photocopies. You’ll usually have a new photo taken and sign for the new card. Walk-ins are sometimes accepted, but an appointment typically saves considerable wait time.
By Mail
A smaller number of states accept mail-in applications. You send a completed form, photocopies of your identity documents, and payment to a designated address. Processing takes longer than online or in person, but it can be the only workable option when you’re temporarily out of state.
Fees, Timing, and the Temporary License
Replacement fees generally fall between $10 and $35 for a standard, non-commercial license. A few states charge less; a handful charge more, especially when a REAL ID upgrade is included. Online portals typically take credit and debit cards, while in-person offices often also accept cash, checks, and money orders. The replacement keeps the original expiration date, so you aren’t paying for added time.
A permanent card is usually mailed within two to four weeks. Some states issue a temporary paper license on the spot during an in-person visit, or make one downloadable after an online application, so you can keep driving legally while you wait.
One limitation worth knowing: a temporary paper license is not accepted as identification at TSA airport security checkpoints.4Transportation Security Administration. Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint If you need to fly before the permanent card arrives, bring a passport or another federally accepted ID.
If Your License Was Stolen
A stolen license creates a problem a lost one doesn’t: someone else now holds a document with your name, address, date of birth, and license number, which is enough to open fraudulent accounts or impersonate you during a traffic stop. The replacement application itself is largely the same, but take a few additional steps to protect yourself.
File a police report as soon as you realize the license is gone. Some states recommend or require it, and the report gives you documentation if your identity is misused later. In a few states, a police report can waive the replacement fee.
Next, file an identity theft report at IdentityTheft.gov, the FTC’s recovery portal, which creates an official record and generates a personalized plan. Place a fraud alert with one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion); the one you contact is required to notify the other two. An initial alert lasts one year and is free. With a police report or FTC identity theft report, you can request an extended alert that lasts seven years.5Federal Trade Commission. Credit Freezes and Fraud Alerts A credit freeze goes further, blocking new creditors from accessing your report entirely, but you have to contact each bureau separately. Both tools are free.
Situations That Change What You Need
Name Change
If you’re also changing your legal name, update it with the Social Security Administration first.6Social Security Administration. Change Name with Social Security Depending on your situation, you can do this online or at a local Social Security office. After the SSA processes the change, usually five to ten business days, bring the legal documentation (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) to your motor vehicle agency. This step typically requires an in-person visit for a new photo and signature.
Address Change
Most states let you update your address at the same time you request a replacement, and many require you to notify the agency of a move within 30 days anyway. Handling both at once usually means a single fee rather than two. Some states let you update the address online without ordering a new card at all, allowing you to write the new address on the back of your existing license.
Out of State
If you lose your license while temporarily living elsewhere, check whether your issuing state offers an online or mail-in replacement. Many do, but with restrictions on what you can change remotely. Some states require a certified copy of your driving record for a mail-in application. Name changes and photo updates are generally not available from out of state. If neither remote option works, you may need someone back home to visit the office with a notarized authorization, or wait until you return.
Commercial Driver’s License
Replacing a CDL follows a similar process with one extra requirement: your medical examiner’s certificate often has to be current and on file. If your medical certification has lapsed, you’ll need a new physical exam before a replacement CDL can be issued. CDL replacement fees sometimes differ from standard license fees.
Suspended or Revoked License
If your driving privileges are suspended or revoked, most states won’t issue a replacement. The card represents an active privilege. You’ll usually have to resolve the underlying suspension first, which can involve paying fines, completing a required course, or waiting out a period, and then apply for reinstatement rather than a duplicate. Reinstatement typically carries higher fees and additional requirements.
Donor or Veteran Designation
A replacement is a chance to add or change optional designations such as organ donor status or a veteran indicator. Most states let you update these during the replacement application, online or in person.