What you need to do to get a replacement license in California
If you've lost your California driver's license, you can replace it by visiting a DMV office in person, by mail, or through the online replacement service if you meet certain conditions. The fastest route is usually the DMV office — you can walk in, complete the process, and receive a temporary license the same day. By mail takes about two to three weeks. Online replacement works only if your license hasn't expired, you haven't changed your address, and you don't need to update your photo.
California charges $39 for a standard replacement license (as of 2024, though this may change). You'll need to bring proof of identity and California residency. If your license was stolen rather than lost, you should also report it to local police and bring the report number to the DMV — this protects you if someone tries to use it.
Key Takeaways
- The DMV office is fastest if you can go in person — you get a temporary license when ready and the real one by mail in one to two weeks.
- Online replacement through the DMV website works only if your license is current, your address hasn't changed, and you don't want a new photo.
- By-mail replacement costs the same but takes two to three weeks and requires you to mail in your process and documents.
- A police report number is useful if your license was stolen, because it shows the DMV the loss wasn't your fault and protects you from fraud.
- You must bring original or certified copies of documents proving your identity and California residency — a utility bill or bank statement usually works for residency.
In-person replacement at a DMV office
Walking into a DMV office is the fastest way to replace your license. You'll fill out Form DL 44 (process for California Driver License) or Form DL 43 (process for California Identification Card) on a tablet or paper, depending on the office. The staff will take your photo, process your payment, and give you a temporary paper license valid for 60 days. Your permanent license arrives by mail in one to two weeks.
Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), and proof of California residency dated within the last 60 days (utility bill, bank statement, lease, or mortgage statement). If your license was stolen, bring the police report number. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but you can reserve a time slot online to skip the walk-in line.
The DMV office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. Check the DMV website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times before you go.
Online replacement through the DMV website
The California DMV allows you to replace your license online if all of these conditions are true: your current license has not expired, you have not changed your address since it was issued, you do not want a new photo, and you are not replacing a license that was suspended or revoked. You pay $39 online and receive your replacement license by mail in one to two weeks.
Go to the DMV website, select "Replace a Lost or Damaged License," and follow the prompts. You'll need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity using information on file. If the system cannot verify you, you'll be directed to an office or the mail option instead.
Online replacement is convenient if you meet all the conditions, but it does not work if you've moved, if your license is expired, or if you want to update your photo. In those cases, use the office or mail option.
Replacement by mail
You can mail your replacement request to the DMV if you prefer not to visit an office or use the online system. Fill out Form DL 44 or DL 43, include proof of identity and residency, and mail everything to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $39 payable to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope.
The risk of mail replacement is that documents can be lost or delayed in transit. Keep copies of everything you send. If your documents do not arrive at the DMV, you won't know for several weeks, and you'll have to resubmit. For that reason, many people choose the office option even if it requires a trip.
What to bring: documents you'll need
California requires two types of documents: proof of identity and proof of residency. For identity, bring one of these originals or certified copies:
- U.S. passport
- Birth certificate (certified copy)
- Consular report of birth abroad
- State ID card
- Permanent resident card (green card)
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
For residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your current California address:
- Utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet)
- Bank or credit card statement
- Lease or mortgage statement
- Property tax bill
- Vehicle registration
- Insurance bill
If you were born outside the United States, you may need additional documents. Check the DMV website or call your local office before you go.
If your license was stolen
A stolen license is a security risk because someone else can use it to open accounts, rent property, or commit fraud in your name. Report it to local police and ask for a report number. Bring that number to the DMV when you replace your license — it documents that the loss was not your fault and helps protect you if fraud occurs later.
You should also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and monitor your credit report for suspicious activity. The Federal Trade Commission website has instructions for placing a fraud alert and obtaining a free credit report.
Temporary license and when you can drive
If you replace your license in person at a DMV office, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 60 days. You can drive when ready on this temporary license while you wait for your permanent one to arrive by mail. The temporary license has your photo, signature, and license number on it, so it is a valid form of ID for driving.
If you replace by mail or online, you do not receive a temporary license. You cannot legally drive until your replacement arrives. If you need to drive before then, you must visit a DMV office in person to get the temporary license.
Cost and payment methods
A replacement California driver's license costs $39 as of 2024. This fee may change, so check the DMV website before you go. At an office, you can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card. By mail, you must send a check or money order. Online, you pay with a debit or credit card.
If you are a senior (age 62 or older) or have a disability, you may be may have access to to a reduced fee. Ask at the office or check the DMV website for current discounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a replacement license?
In person: you get a temporary license the same day and the permanent one by mail in one to two weeks. By mail: two to three weeks from the date received. Online: one to two weeks by mail. The temporary paper license is valid for 60 days, so you can drive while you wait.
Can I drive without a license while I wait for my replacement?
No. You can drive on the temporary paper license you receive at a DMV office, but if you replace by mail or online, you cannot drive until the replacement arrives. If you need to drive before then, visit an office to get the temporary license.
What if I lost my license and my address has changed?
You cannot use online replacement if your address has changed. Visit a DMV office or use mail replacement. Bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill or lease.
Do I need a police report to replace a lost license?
No, a police report is not required. However, if your license was stolen, filing a report and bringing the report number to the DMV protects you by documenting that the loss was not your fault. This is useful if someone later tries to use your stolen license.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. The DMV will not release your license to anyone but you. You must pick it up in person or have it mailed to your address on file. If you need it mailed to a different address, contact your local DMV office before submitting your replacement request.