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Losing your driver’s license can be a major hassle as well as a potential security risk. Whether you were out with friends at a restaurant or hiking in the woods with your dog, realizing that you’ve lost your license can give you a sinking feeling as all the “what-if’s” run through your mind. But don’t despair! Losing your driver’s license is inconvenient but it has happened to many people.
While losing your driver’s license is nothing to panic over, it is important to take proactive steps as soon as possible. The most important reason for this is to prevent someone from using your license fraudulently. This can be in the form of identity theft or from someone falsely claiming to be you while driving. By reporting that you’ve lost your license to the proper authorities you’ll create a paper trail that can help you down the road if any of these issues arise.
Before you get too worried about the consequences of losing your license we’ve created a step-by-step guide and infographic to help you learn what you need to do.
Steps to Take if You Lost Your License
Here are the steps to take if you lost your license.
First Things First: Try to Remember Where You Last Had It
The first thing to do is to try and remember where you may have lost your license so you can retrace your steps in the hope of finding it again. Take a moment to think about the last time you saw your license. From that moment until now, where have you been? It can be helpful to write down each of the places you’ve visited in sequential order from the last time you saw your license to the moment you realized it was missing.
Another important thing to consider is how the license went missing. Is there a hole in your pocket? Did it fall out of an open bag or purse? Maybe someone asked to check your license but they forgot to give it back? If you can figure out how you lost your license then this can quickly narrow down the list of places you’ll need to check to try and recover your license.
If your license just went missing in the last few minutes or hours and you don’t have a strong idea of how it went missing then try to retrace your movements in a reverse chronological order starting with the most recent place you visited. If outdoors, keep your eyes on the ground and visually scan the area directly in front of you. If you recently visited an establishment like a restaurant or a bank, ask an employee to see if anybody has turned in a driver’s license.
When all else fails and you can’t seem to find your lost license, here are the next steps to take.
Next Steps to Take
By now you’ve taken the time to try and remember where you may have lost your license and carefully retraced your steps. If you still can’t find your license then it’s time to take action by taking the steps necessary to get a replacement. There are 2 options when it comes to replacing your license: online or in-person. The online option is ideal as you can provide all the necessary information that the DMV needs from the comfort of your own home. Another advantage is that you don’t need to wait for an appointment and you can access the online system 24/7.
If you prefer to request a replacement in-person it’s important to make a reservation as soon as possible. You still may be able to walk-in during the DMV’s business hours but there is a good chance you will be waiting for an extended period of time and there are no guarantees that they will be able to help you as most DMVs work on a first-come, first-serve basis.
To help guide you through both the online and in-person options, we’ve outlined the steps you need to take to get your replacement drivers license:
Process if Done Online
- 1
Report it Lost or Stolen
Some states require you to file a police report if your driver’s license has been lost or stolen. Whether it is required or not it is always a good idea to report your lost driver’s license to the police so that you can begin to create a paper trail in the event that someone fraudulently uses your license.
- 2
Check Your State’s DMV Website for Instructions
The first step is to check your state’s DMV to determine the appropriate steps to take. Most states allow you to complete your replacement request online but it is important to check to make sure this is true for your state.
- 3
Complete the Replacement Request Form
If your state requires a replacement license application then you will find it on your state’s DMV website. Typically this is a multi-step form that will require you to enter your personal information that matches with the records on file with your state’s DMV.
- 4
Submit the Paperwork via the DMV Website & Pay the Associated Fee
Typically the fee for a replacement license ranges from $15-$30 depending on the state in which you reside. This fee covers a replacement card only. When it comes time to renew your driver’s license you will still have to pay the license renewal fee.
After completing the replacement request form and adding your payment information you will be able to submit your information to the DMV. After completing the form you will be presented with a confirmation page. It is a good idea to print a copy for your records.
Usually it is at this time that you can print your temporary license. This will allow you to continue to drive while you wait for your official replacement license to arrive in the mail.
- 5
Wait For Your License to Arrive
After submitting your replacement license application, paying the associated fee and submitting the form, you will need to wait for your replacement license to be mailed to you. It can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks to receive your replacement license depending on your state’s policies.
Process if Done In-Person
- 1
Report Your License Lost or Stolen
Some states require you to file a police report if your driver’s license has been lost or stolen. Whether it is required or not it is always a good idea to report your lost driver’s license to the police so that you can begin to create a paper trail in the event that someone fraudulently uses your license.
- 2
Request an Appointment at the DMV
Call or go online to request an appointment with your state’s DMV. Time slots can fill up quickly so it’s important to try and request an appointment as soon as possible. You may be able to walk in and wait for a no-show appointment -- just be prepared to wait for a long period of time. There is a chance that if you walk into a DMV without an appointment that you might not get the chance to renew your license as walk-ins generally operate on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- 3
Complete the Replacement Request Form
If your state requires a replacement license application then you will find it on your state’s DMV website. Typically this is a multi-step form that will require you to enter your personal information that matches with the records on file with your state’s DMV. When requesting a replacement in-person you will need to provide the pieces of identification that they request. A list of acceptable forms of ID will be available on your state’s DMV website.
- 4
Drop Off Your Paperwork at the DMV & Pay the Associated Fee
When it’s time for your appointment, an employee of the DMV will be able to take your paperwork and verify your pieces of ID. Be sure to check the DMV website or call ahead of time so that you know which pieces of ID to bring with you.
Typically the fee for a replacement license ranges from $15-$30 depending on the state in which you reside. This fee covers a replacement card only. When it comes time to renew your driver’s license you will still have to pay the license renewal fee which varies state to state. You’ll pay the renewal fee at the DMV at the same time you drop off your paperwork.
- 5
Receive Your License
You’ll be issued your new license after your paperwork has been accepted and your ID has been verified.
Replacement Fee Schedule
Find out how much it will cost to replace your license using the table below. For some states the replacement fee is dependent on the length of time the license is valid for. For instance some states offer 2 different options where you can obtain a license with a standard validity period or an extended validity period.
State Fee Alabama $31.25 Alaska $15 Arizona $12 Arkansas $10 California $36 Colorado $12 Connecticut $30 Delaware $20 Florida $25 Georgia $5 Hawaii $6 Idaho $15 Illinois $5 Indiana $9 Iowa $10 Kansas $16 Kentucky $12 Louisiana $13 to $17 Maine $5 Maryland $20 Massachusetts $25 Michigan $9 Minnesota $17 Mississippi $11 Missouri $26 to $32 Montana $10.30 Nebraska $15.50 Nevada $18.25 New Hampshire $10 New Jersey $11 New Mexico $18 to $34 New York $17.50 North Carolina $13 North Dakota $8 Ohio $26 Oklahoma $25 Oregon $26 Pennsylvania $30.50 Rhode Island $27.50 South Carolina $10 South Dakota $15 Tennessee $8 Texas $11 Utah $23 Vermont $20 Virginia $20 Washington $20 West Virginia $10 Wisconsin $14 Wyoming $30 Special Considerations
There are certain circumstances that may prevent you from being able to replace your lost drivers license. In general, your license will need to have been in good standing previous to losing it in order to request a replacement. If any of the special circumstances mentioned below apply to you then make sure to call your local DMV directly as they will be able to provide information specific to your state.
When it Expires Soon
Depending on the state in which you reside, you might be required to renew your drivers license instead of replacing it if the license is expiring soon. Check with your state’s DMV to determine whether you should be replacing your license or renewing it.
If it Already Expired
If your license expired before you lost it then you may need to pay an additional fee. The fee depends on how long the license is past its expiration date and varies state to state.
In most states if your license is suspended you will need to have your license reinstated before you can get a replacement. Some of the reasons for having your license suspended include:
- DUI/DWI conviction
- Excessive speeding tickets
- Too many points on your driving record
- Reckless driving charge
- Not paying child support
- Using your license to commit fraud
- Drug offense conviction
- Skipping school (under 18)
- Boating while intoxicated
- Defaulting on your student loans
- Advocating for the overthrow of the government
- Committing an act of vandalism
- Assaulting another motorist (road rage)
- Operating an amusement ride while intoxicated
You’ve Moved to Another State
In most cases if you’ve moved to another state and lost your license you’ll have to go through the process of obtaining a replacement license in the original state before applying in the new state. This is meant to prevent criminals from acquiring a fraudulent license. Keep in mind that most states are part of the Driver’s License Compact (DLC) so your driving record will follow you to your new state.
You’ve Changed Your Name
In some cases you won’t be able to replace your license online if you’ve changed your name and your current name is not the same as the one that your state’s licensing department has on file. In this case it’s best to contact your state’s DMV directly and ask about the best way to proceed in this circumstance.
Frequently asked Questions (FAQs)
Dangers if it happens
Losing your driver’s license can be potentially dangerous as criminals can use your license to steal your identity and commit other crimes while impersonating you. It’s always a good idea to report your license to the police to create a paper trail. This may be helpful in the event somebody finds your license and uses it for illicit purposes.
Can you drive while waiting?
In order to operate a vehicle on public roadways you will need to have a temporary license in your possession. You can obtain a temporary license online in some states as well as at your nearest DMV. Make sure to check what documents you’ll need to bring with you. You can find this information by checking your state’s DMV website or by calling them directly.
It happened while traveling
The first thing you should do if you lose your driver’s license while traveling is to file a police report. This will start a paper trail and you can reference your case number in the event you run into any difficulties.
The next step is to try and get your license replaced online. Many states allow you to request a replacement online and this will allow you to print a temporary license that you can then use. If you don’t have a printer that’s ok as you can download the temporary license as a PDF to your phone.
It happened before a flight
If you lose your driver’s license before a flight you can still board the plane in most cases. The TSA recognizes that unforeseen events do happen so there is a process in place in the event that you lost your license. The TSA agent assigned to check documents will be able to use any additional forms of ID you may have on you. They will also ask you personal questions that they can verify using a public database. There is a chance that if you are unable to answer the questions correctly then you might not be able to board your flight.
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