What To Do If You Lose Your License? | A Step-By-Step Guide

If your driving license is stolen, this is bad news because it contains a lot of personal information about you, like your date of birth, home address, and even your height, weight, and eye color. Some of this information can be used by thieves to steal your identity and apply for credit cards and loans in your name.

What to do if you lose your license?  The first approach might be to try to remember where you left your license so you can retrace your steps in the hopes of recovering them. Consider the last time you looked at your driver’s license. What have you been up to since that time? It’s a good idea to keep a list of all the places you’ve been from the last time you saw your license to the moment you realized it was missing.

When it comes to updating your driver’s license, you have two options: online or in person. We’ve explained the steps you’ll need to follow to receive your replacement driver’s license, both online and in-person, to assist you:

Online Request for a Replacement Driver’s License

Step 1: Report your lost or stolen driver’s license

If your driver’s license is lost or stolen, some states require you to submit a police report. Whether it is required or not, reporting your loss of driver’s license to the police is always a good idea so that you may start creating a paper trail in the event that your license is fraudulently used.

Step 2: Check your state’s DMV website for instructions

The first step is to check with your state’s DMV to see what steps you need to do. Most states allow you to fill out your replacement request online, but double-check to be sure this is the case in yours.

Step 3: Fill out the Request for Replacement Form

You can find a replacement license application on your state’s DMV website if your state requires one. This is usually a multi-step process that requires you to submit personal information that matches what your state’s DMV has on file.

Step 4: Submit the paperwork on the DMV website and pay the associated fee

The cost of a replacement license typically ranges from $15 to $30, depending on the state in which you live. This cost is only for a replacement card. You will still have to pay the license renewal charge when it comes time to renew your driver’s license. You will be able to submit your information to the DMV after completing the replacement request form and entering your payment information.

You will be able to submit your information to the DMV after completing the replacement request form and entering your payment information. A confirmation page will appear after you have completed the form. Printing a copy for your records is a good idea.

You can usually print your temporary license at this point. While you wait for your certified new license to arrive in the mail, you will be able to drive.

Step 5: Wait for the arrival of your driver’s license

After submitting your replacement license application, paying the associated fee, and submitting the form, you must wait for your replacement license to be mailed to you. Depending on your state’s requirements, receiving a replacement license can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks.

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In-Person Request for a Replacement Driver’s License

Step 1: Report your lost or stolen driver’s license

Some states require you to file a police report if your driver’s license is lost or stolen. Reporting your loss of driver’s license to the police, whether or not it is needed, is always a smart idea so that you may start building a paper trail in the event that your license is fraudulently used.

Step 2: Request an Appointment at the DMV

To make an appointment with your state’s DMV, call or go online. Because time slots fill up rapidly, it’s essential to request an appointment as soon as possible. You might be able to walk in and wait for a no-show appointment, but expect to be kept waiting for a long time. If you go to a DMV without making an appointment, you may not be able to renew your license because walk-ins are usually handled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Step 3: Complete the Replacement Request Form

You can find a replacement license application on your state’s DMV website if your state requires one. This is usually a multi-step process that requires you to submit personal information that matches what your state’s DMV has on file. You must produce the pieces of identification that they need when obtaining a replacement in person. The DMV website in your state will provide a list of approved types of identification.

Step 4: Submit the paperwork and the DMV and pay the associated fee

When your appointment arrives, a DMV staff will be able to take your paperwork and verify your identification. Make sure to check the DMV website or call ahead to find out which forms of identification you’ll need.

The cost of a replacement license typically ranges from $15 to $30, depending on the state in which you live. This cost is only for a replacement card. When it’s time to renew your driver’s license, you’ll need to pay the license renewal fee, which varies by state. When you drop off your documentation at the DMV, you’ll pay the renewal charge.

Step 5: Receive Your License

After your paperwork has been accepted and your ID has been validated, you will receive your new license.

What To Do If You Lose Your License in other circumstances

There are some cases in which you may not be able to replace your lost driver’s license. In general, in order to get a replacement, your license must have been in good standing prior to its loss. If any of the unusual conditions listed below apply to you, contact your local DMV immediately. They will be able to give you information that is specific to your state.

Your license is about to expire

If your driver’s license is about to expire, you may be required to renew it rather than replace it, depending on the state where you live. Check with your state’s DMV to see if you should replace or renew your driver’s license.

Your driver’s license is no longer valid

You may be required to pay an additional cost if your license expired before you lost it. The charge varies by state and is determined by how long the license has expired. If your license has been suspended in most places, you will need to have it reinstated before you may get a replacement.

You’ve relocated to a different state

In most circumstances, if you’ve moved to another state and misplaced your driver’s license, you’ll need to apply for a replacement license in the original state before applying for the new one. This is to keep criminals from getting a fake driver’s license. Keep in mind that most states are members of the Driver’s License Compact (DLC), so your driving record will follow you to your new state.

You’ve Decided to Change Your Name

If you’ve changed your name and your current name differs from the one on file with your state’s licensing department, you may not be able to replace your license online. In this situation, it’s recommended to contact your state’s DMV directly and ask about the best way to proceed.

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FAQs

Is losing your driver’s license dangerous?

Losing your driver’s license can be dangerous since thieves can use it to steal your identity and perform other crimes while pretending to be you. To generate a paper trail, it’s always a good idea to report your license to the police. This could come in useful for someone who steals your license and uses it for illegal purposes.

Is it possible to drive while you wait for a replacement license?

To drive the car on public roads, you’ll need a temporary driver’s license. In some states, you can get a temporary license online or at your local DMV. Make sure you know the documents you’ll need to bring. This information can be found on your state’s DMV website or by calling them directly.

What should you do if you misplace your driver’s license while on the road?

If you lose your driver’s license while traveling, the first thing you should do is submit a police report. This will create a paper trail, and you will be able to refer to your case number if you have any problems.

The next step is to try to replace your driver’s license online. Many states allow you to seek a replacement license online, and you may then print a temporary license to use. If you don’t have access to a printer, you can download the temporary license to your phone as a PDF.

What should you do if your driver’s license is lost right before a flight?

In most circumstances, if you lose your driver’s license before a flight, you can still board the plane. The TSA understands that unexpected events do occur, thus there is a process in place if you lose your driver’s license. Any other pieces of identification you have on you will be accepted by the TSA agent assigned to check your documents. They’ll also ask you personal questions, which they’ll check against a public database. There’s a possibility you won’t be able to board your flight if you don’t answer the questions correctly.

Are you certain that you will be able to avoid losing your driver’s license? There may still be times when you have no choice, such as if you lost your wallet with your driver’s license somewhere and were alone with no one to help you. What to do if you lose your license?  If you have a working phone, we believe it is better to call the police and report your lost driver’s license at first. And then follow the next steps which we mentioned in this article.

Thank you for reading!

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