You are eligible to submit a replacement request for your driver's licence (DL), identification card (ID), or commercial driver's licence (CDL) if it has been misplaced, stolen, or damaged in any way.

Instructions for Submitting an Online Request for a Replacement (Only for Driver's Licenses)

Complete Replacement Application for a Driver's License Can Be Completed Online

Request a replacement DL

How to Make a Request for a Replacement License or Identification Card in an Office

Apply for a new driver's licence or identification card.

Applying for a new driver's licence, ID card, or commercial driver's licence can be done online with our driver's licence and identification card application (DL/ID). You can select REAL ID in the application if you want to take advantage of this chance to convert to a REAL ID driver's licence, identification card, or commercial driver's licence.

When applying for a replacement driver's licence, minors must have the signatures of their parents or guardians included on the application.

Collect the necessary evidence documents to present at the DMV.

Suppose you decide to convert to a REAL ID for the first time. In that case, you will be required to supply the following information: 1.) proof of identification, 2.) your social security number (SSN), and 3.) two proofs of your domicile in the state of California.

Acceptable Documents List

You are exempt from providing any proof documents if the replacement for your expired ID will not be a REAL ID.

You will need to go to a DMV office to finish the process.

You will need to come into a field office for your replacement request to be processed. You can schedule an appointment, or you may check your local office's current wait list time — wait times are frequently much shorter than one would expect at certain locations!

It would be best if you were prepared to pay the proper amount for a replacement licence, have the Department of Motor Vehicles confirm your photograph, and scan your thumbprint (to protect against identity theft). Bring any documentation that verifies your identity with you if this is your first time applying for a REAL ID.

Possible alternatives to the World Wide Web

Online replacement is available for those who already own an Enhanced or REAL ID or prefer to preserve their Standard ID. Keep working with the same document type.

Online substitute

Through the mail

You can change your ID by mail if you already have an Enhanced or REAL ID or if you wish to keep your Standard. The format of your document will not change.

For a new permit, driver's licence, or non-driver ID card in California, fill out form MV-44 (PDF) (if you don't know your DMV ID number, enter your date of birth and name as they appeared on your old document) and remit it along with the following: photocopies of acceptable proof of identity payment of $17.50 (check or money order payable to "Commissioner of Motor Vehicles")

Visa Debit Card without personal identifying number (PIN)

Suppose your driver's licence or learner's permit is lost or stolen due to criminal activity. In that case, you can obtain a free replacement by submitting form MV-78B to your local law enforcement officials. The DMV does not have access to this form; instead, it can be obtained via local law enforcement.

Location and contact details

Address changes

The order's documents will be delivered to the address on file. If you've just relocated, update your address before placing a replacement order.

Your paperwork is being mailed to you.

Ten business days is how long it will take for us to send you a replacement licence. The delivery status of your mail can be viewed online. Contact us if it has been more than two weeks since your renewal.

We will ship it to the mailing address already in our database or another one you give. See the updated address verification and editing instructions.

Temporary address

Your new ID can be sent to a different address than the one listed on your original ID if you submit your request in person or through the mail to your local DMV office.

Please include a separate note and ensure the new address is printed clearly if you send something via regular mail. Wait to fill out section MV-44 with the secondary address. Your mailing address on the MV-44 must match the one on your photo ID and your DMV file.