Lost Your Driver’s License? What to Do in the US and Abroad

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How to report a missing ID and get a new one
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Losing your driver's license can be a frustrating experience. Fortunately, reporting a lost license is a simple process, and you can even file a police report and take measures to prevent identity theft. In this article, we’ll take you through the process of replacing a lost driver’s license and direct you to where you can find further information and help based on where you live.

What happens if you misplace your license?

If you misplace your license, visit your local DMV or state DMV’s website to fill out a replacement form to receive a new license. To find your local DMV, go to https://www.dmv.org/dmv-office-finder.php .

Section 1 of 4:

Notifying the Police

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  1. Even if you don’t think your license was stolen, it is still a good idea to make a police report. This will help prevent identity theft if your license is found. Tell the officer that you would like to file a report. [1]
  2. If you’re not sure when you lost your license, tell the police the last time that you used it. They may ask if you think your license was stolen. [2]
    • If you have no reason to think it was stolen, you might say, “No, but I would like to file a report just in case someone finds it and tries to use it."
    • If your wallet was stolen or lost, you should also report your lost credit and debit cards and any lost cash.
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  3. If your identity is stolen because of the lost license, this document can protect you against fraud. The police can mail it to you, or you can pick it up at the station. If someone else tries to use your license, show this document as proof that your license was stolen. [3]
    • People sometimes use lost or stolen IDs to get out of traffic violations or to obtain alcohol illegally.
    EXPERT TIP

    Saul Jaeger, MS

    Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department
    Saul Jaeger is a Police Officer and Captain of the Mountain View, California Police Department (MVPD). Saul has over 17 years of experience as a patrol officer, field training officer, traffic officer, detective, hostage negotiator, and as the traffic unit’s sergeant and Public Information Officer for the MVPD. At the MVPD, in addition to commanding the Field Operations Division, Saul has also led the Communications Center (dispatch) and the Crisis Negotiation Team. He earned an MS in Emergency Services Management from the California State University, Long Beach in 2008 and a BS in Administration of Justice from the University of Phoenix in 2006. He also earned a Corporate Innovation LEAD Certificate from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business in 2018.
    Saul Jaeger, MS
    Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department

    Our Expert Agrees: If you lose your driver's license, first do a good search to make sure you didn't drop it somewhere. If you're sure it's gone, call your local police and file a report as soon as possible. That can help protect you if someone does find it and tries to open accounts in your name.

  4. For most states, contacting your police department and DMV is all you need to do. That said, some states have slightly different requirements. Look up the process for your state by simply searching “report lost license in [your state]” online. [4]
    • For example, in Illinois, you need to visit your local Secretary of State office.
    • In Washington state, you may be asked to report the lost or stolen license to the License Integrity Unit by emailing fraud@dol.wa.gov. [5]
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Section 2 of 4:

Replacing Your License in the US

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  1. The DMV will likely flag your old license in case somebody else tries to use it. The DMV may also tell you how to replace the license in your state. [6]
  2. A duplicate license is the same as your original license. The process for getting a duplicate license can vary by state. While many states will require you to fill out a form at the DMV, some states have slightly different processes. [7]
    • For example, you must renew your license if you lose it in Colorado. Follow the same process as you would to renew it.
    • Some states, like Florida or Tennessee, allow you to apply for a replacement online. Most states, however, require you to apply in person at a DMV.
    • You can look up the requirements by state by following this link .
  3. When replacing your driver’s license, you must prove your identity. Since you don’t have your license, bring multiple types of alternative identification. Depending on your state, the following documents may be acceptable: [8]
    • Passport
    • Government ID
    • Military ID
    • Birth certificate
    • Social Security Card
    • Vehicle insurance policy in your name
    • Mail with your registered address
  4. To save time, find the form on your state’s DMV website. Print it and fill it out. Bring the filled form with you to the office. If you don’t have a printer, you can fill out the form at the DMV. [9]
    • In most cases, this form will be the same as applying for a new driver’s license. A box on the form may ask if your last license was lost or stolen. Check the right box.
  5. It is illegal to drive without a license in the US. Do not drive to the DMV. Ask a friend to give you a ride, take public transport, or get a taxi. The DMV will issue you a temporary license that you can use after you apply for a replacement. [10]
  6. The fee can vary from state to state. Generally, it costs between $10 and $30 USD to get a replacement license. Once all the steps are completed, you will receive a paper license that will be good for 60 to 90 days (depending on where you live). [11] You’ll receive your plastic license by mail in 3 to 4 weeks.
    • Some states can print off your license right away. In this case, you will not need to wait for the plastic license to arrive in the mail.
    • Ask the clerk at your DMV for more information about your state’s rules and regulations on temporary paper licenses.
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Section 3 of 4:

Preventing Identity Theft

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  1. Someone can steal your identity if they have the personal information from your driver’s license. [12] This is why it’s important to file a report with the police if you misplace your ID or believe it has been stolen. Unlike a credit card, you can’t put a “hold” or “freeze” on your driver’s license. Instead, you must file a physical report to flag and validate any misuse.
    • Signs of identity theft include: [13]
      • Bills for things you didn’t purchase
      • Information from credit cards you didn’t open
      • Denials of loan applications
      • Missing or lack of mail
    • If you believe your identity has been stolen, report the crime by contacting The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online at IdentityTheft.gov or calling 1-877-438-4338. [14]
Section 4 of 4:

Replacing Your License in Other Countries

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  1. The process for reporting a lost license in the UK is very similar to the US. Make a police report if you believe your license was stolen. Apply for a new license online through the DVLA website. Give the agency either your driving license number, National Insurance number, or passport number. [15]
    • It costs £20 to get a new license. Apply online by clicking this link .
    • If you find your license later, you must report it to the DVLA. Mail the old license to:
      DVLA
      Swansea
      SA99 1AB
  2. The process for reporting a lost license varies by state. In most states, you can get a new license online if you still have your license number. If you don’t have it, visit a state service center. Bring identity documents, such as a birth certificate, citizenship certificate, passport, or a license that expired less than 2 years ago. [16]
    • File a police report if you think your driver’s license was stolen. You do not need to do this if you lost the license.
    • This usually costs around $70 AUD.
  3. Although it can vary by province, typically, you will need to apply for a new license in person. You will need to provide your name, address, and birthday. A replacement license can cost around $30 to $40 CAD. [17]
    • Many states recommend filing a police report if you lost your license to protect yourself against identity theft.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.njsp.org/tech/identity.html
      2. ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/what-to-do-when-you-lose-your-wallet-2014-10/
      3. ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/what-to-do-when-you-lose-your-wallet-2014-10
      4. ↑ https://money.com/collection-post/wallet-lost-stolen/
      5. ↑ https://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/idtheft.html
      6. ↑ https://www.usa.gov/replace-vital-documents
      7. ↑ https://www.dmv.org/replace-license.php
      8. ↑ https://www.dmv.org/replace-license.php
      9. ↑ https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/how-replace-your-driver-license-commercial-driver-license-or-id-card
      1. ↑ https://www.dmv.org/ca-california/replace-license.php
      2. ↑ https://www.dmv.nh.gov/drivers-licensenon-driver-ids/temporary-paper-license
      3. ↑ https://www.usa.gov/identity-theft
      4. ↑ https://www.usa.gov/identity-theft
      5. ↑ https://www.usa.gov/identity-theft
      6. ↑ https://www.gov.uk/apply-online-to-replace-a-driving-licence#more-information
      7. ↑ https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/driving-and-transport/drivers-and-licences/drivers-licence/evidence-of-identity
      8. ↑ https://www.ontario.ca/page/replace-drivers-licence

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To report a lost driver’s license, call the police’s non-emergency line and tell them that you want to file a report, which will help prevent identity theft. When speaking to the police, tell them the last time you saw your license, if you think it was stolen, and if anything else is missing. Once you file your report, ask the police for a copy since this could help protect you against fraud. In addition to filing a report with the police, you’ll have to notify the DMV and replace your license. To learn what identification you’ll need to replace your license, keep reading!

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