Most states do not offer kiosk replacement yet, but a growing number do

A kiosk replacement is faster than visiting a DMV office — you walk in, scan your documents, take a photo, and leave with your new license in minutes. But this option exists in only a handful of states right now. If your state offers it, the kiosk is usually located inside a DMV office, a grocery store, or a government building. You still need to bring the same documents you would bring to a counter: proof of identity, proof of residency, and payment.

The states with working kiosk programs as of now include Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah. Even within these states, kiosks may not be available in every city or county. Your best first step is to check your state's DMV website or call your local office to confirm whether a kiosk is near you and whether it handles replacement licenses specifically.

If your state does not have kiosks yet, you will need to visit a DMV office in person or mail in your replacement request. Some states also allow online renewal for licenses that are not lost or stolen, but a replacement for a missing or damaged license almost always requires an in-person visit or a mailed process.

Key Takeaways

  • Kiosk replacement is available in about 15 states, but the list changes as more states add the service.
  • You still bring the same documents to a kiosk as you would to a DMV counter: ID, proof of residency, and payment.
  • Check your state DMV website or call your local office to find out whether a kiosk near you handles replacement licenses.
  • If your state does not offer kiosks, you can visit a DMV office in person or mail in your replacement process.

What documents you need to bring to a kiosk

The documents required at a kiosk are the same as those required at a DMV counter. You will need a form of primary identification — usually your passport, military ID, or state ID card — and proof of residency, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Some states also accept a recent tax return or government mail.

Bring your payment method as well. Most kiosks accept debit or credit cards, though a few still require cash. The replacement fee varies by state, typically ranging from $15 to $50. Check your state's DMV website to confirm the exact fee and accepted payment methods before you go.

If your original license was damaged, bring what remains of it. If it was lost or stolen, you do not need to bring it, but some states ask you to sign a statement saying it was lost or stolen. The kiosk will walk you through this step.

How the kiosk process works from start to finish

When you arrive at the kiosk, you will see a touchscreen menu. Select "Replace License" or "Replacement" from the options. The kiosk will then ask you to scan or insert your primary ID — usually your passport or military ID. It reads the information from the document and pulls up your existing license record.

Next, you will take a new photo. The kiosk has a built-in camera, and you position yourself in front of it just as you would at a photo booth. The kiosk may ask you to adjust your position or remove glasses. Once the photo is taken, you review it on the screen and approve it or retake it.

After that, you will scan or upload your proof of residency. Some kiosks have a document scanner; others ask you to photograph the document with your phone and upload it through the kiosk's app or website. You then review your information on the screen, confirm it is correct, and pay the fee. The kiosk prints your temporary license on the spot, and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 14 days.

How long it takes to get your new license

The kiosk itself takes about 5 to 10 minutes from start to finish. You walk out with a temporary printed license that is valid when ready. This temporary license looks different from your permanent one — it is usually printed on regular paper or cardstock — but it is a legal form of ID and works for driving, voting, and other purposes.

Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail. Most states deliver it within 7 to 14 days, though some take up to 3 weeks. If you need your license faster, check whether your state offers expedited mail for an additional fee. A few states will mail your license to a DMV office for pickup instead of to your home address, which can save a few days.

When a kiosk cannot help you

Kiosks handle straightforward replacements, but they cannot help if your situation is more complex. If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot use a kiosk — you must visit a DMV office to resolve the suspension first. If you need to update your address, name, or other information beyond just replacing the card, most kiosks will not let you do that in one transaction.

If you are under 18, some states do not allow kiosk replacement and require a parent or guardian to be present at a DMV office. If you are a non-citizen or your immigration status has changed, you will also need to visit an office in person. Check your state's rules before you go to the kiosk.

If the kiosk rejects your documents — for example, if your proof of residency is too old or your ID is expired — you will need to go to a DMV office instead. The kiosk will tell you what is wrong, so you can gather the right documents and either return to the kiosk or visit an office.

Finding a kiosk location near you

Your state DMV website has a locator tool that shows which kiosks are in your area and what services each one offers. Search for "[Your State] DMV kiosk locations" or go directly to your state's DMV homepage and look for a link labeled "Kiosk Locations" or "Self-Service Options." The locator will show you the address, hours, and which services are available at each kiosk.

If you cannot find a kiosk near you, or if the nearest one is far away, visiting a DMV office or mailing in your replacement may be faster. Some states also let you start your replacement online and then pick it up at a kiosk, which can save time if the kiosk is more convenient than an office.

What to do if your state does not have kiosks

If your state does not offer kiosk replacement, you have two main options: visit a DMV office in person or mail in your replacement request. An in-person visit usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You bring the same documents you would bring to a kiosk and pay the same fee.

Mailing in your replacement takes longer — typically 2 to 4 weeks from the time the DMV receives your process — but you do not have to leave home. You will need to fill out a replacement form, include copies of your documents, and mail everything to your state DMV. Some states require you to have your documents notarized. Check your state's DMV website for the exact mailing address and which form to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a kiosk if my license is suspended?

No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you must visit a DMV office in person to address the suspension before you can replace your license. The kiosk will not process your replacement until the suspension is cleared.

Is the temporary license from the kiosk valid for driving right away?

Yes. The temporary printed license is valid when ready and works for driving, voting, and other ID purposes. You do not have to wait for the permanent license to arrive in the mail.

What if the kiosk rejects my documents?

The kiosk will tell you which document did not work — for example, your proof of residency might be too old. You can gather the correct documents and return to the kiosk, or visit a DMV office instead. Bring the documents the kiosk rejected so you know what to fix.

Can I change my address at a kiosk when I replace my license?

Most kiosks only replace the card itself and do not let you update your address, name, or other information at the same time. If you need to change your address, do that at a DMV office or online before you use the kiosk, or handle both changes at an office in one visit.

How much does kiosk replacement cost?

The cost is the same as an in-person replacement at a DMV office, typically $15 to $50 depending on your state. Check your state DMV website for the exact fee. Most kiosks accept debit or credit cards, though some accept cash only.