A lost or stolen driver's license replacement costs $5 in Tennessee, $30 in Oregon and New Jersey, and most states fall in the $15-$25 band. Two-thirds of states let you order a duplicate online without setting foot in a DMV — but only if you've kept your address current.
The short version
- Cost: $5-$30 nationally; median ~$20
- Online ordering: available in 33 states (apex requirement: address on file matches current)
- Replacement card arrives: 7-21 days by mail in most states; 3-5 days for online orders
- Temporary paper license: issued same-day at any DMV; valid for the gap (60-90 days typical)
- Documents to bring: 1 photo ID (passport, military ID, etc.) — a credit card or library card alone won't work
Replacement fee by state
| State | Fee | Online? |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $36.25 | Yes |
| Alaska | $15 | Yes |
| Arizona | $12 | Yes |
| Arkansas | $10 | Yes |
| California | $39 | Yes |
| Colorado | $13.40 | Yes |
| Florida | $25 | Yes |
| Georgia | $32 | Yes |
| Illinois | $5 | No |
| Massachusetts | $25 | Yes |
| Michigan | $18 | Yes |
| New Jersey | $11 | Yes |
| New York | $17.50 | Yes |
| Ohio | $26.75 | No |
| Oregon | $30 | Yes |
| Pennsylvania | $35 | Yes |
| Tennessee | $8 | Yes |
| Texas | $11 | Yes |
| Washington | $20 | Yes |
| Wisconsin | $14 | Yes |
Three ways to order a replacement
1. Online (fastest, $0-$5 cheaper in many states)
Available in 33 states. You'll need: your driver's-license number (look it up in old emails, on insurance documents, or by calling your insurer), the last four of your SSN, and a credit card. Card ships via USPS in 7-14 business days. Cannot be used if your address on file is wrong — you'll need to do an address update first (often a separate $10 fee).
2. By mail
Most states accept a paper duplicate-license application with a check or money order. Slowest path (3-4 weeks total) and you can't generate the address-update form online. Worth it only if you can't get to a DMV and don't qualify for online.
3. In-person at the DMV
Required if: this is your first replacement, you've moved, your name has changed, your photo is more than 8 years old, or your state doesn't offer online replacement. Bring 1 acceptable photo ID and the fee. You'll get a paper temporary license at the counter and the new card in the mail in 7-14 days.
What documents the DMV will accept as photo ID
- US passport or passport card
- Military ID (active or retired)
- Permanent resident card (green card)
- Tribal ID
- Some states accept: school photo ID, employer photo ID, gun-owner ID
If you have none of these: bring two non-photo documents (birth certificate, Social Security card, utility bill, voter registration). Most DMVs require these to be originals or certified copies — not photocopies.
While you wait for the new card
Most states issue a paper "temporary driver's license" at the counter when you order a replacement in person. It's a printed sheet with your information and looks nothing like a real license, but it's legally valid for driving and TSA acceptance varies. For air travel before the new card arrives, bring your passport.
If you ordered online: most states either email you a digital temporary, or rely on your old license number being valid in their system if pulled over by police. Carry the order confirmation as backup.
Stolen license — extra steps
If your license was stolen (not just lost), file a police report within 48 hours. The report is not technically required to get a replacement, but:
- Some states waive the replacement fee with a police report (Washington, New Mexico)
- It documents the theft for insurance and identity-theft purposes
- Helps if your identity is later used fraudulently
Consider freezing your credit at all three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) the same day — it's free and reversible, and it stops the most common downstream fraud.
FAQ
Can I drive without a license while I wait? Only with the paper temporary issued at the DMV, or in states that issue a digital temporary at order time. If you ordered online and got nothing, you're driving unlicensed — most cops will let it slide if you can show the order confirmation, but it's a citation if they want it to be.
Does my old license number stay the same? Yes in 47 states. Three states (Florida, Maryland, Wisconsin) issue a new number on certain replacement types — check before updating insurance.
Will the new card show "duplicate" on it? Most states yes — a "DUPL" or "D" indicator on the back. Doesn't affect validity. Federal ID rules treat it the same as the original.