Lost Driving License? Here’s the Exact Contact Numbers You Need (and How to Get a Replacement Fast)
Losing a driver’s licence is stressful—especially when you need to prove your identity, rent a car, or flash that little card at a red light. The good news? Most licensing agencies have dedicated hotlines that can help you report the loss, protect your identity, and start the replacement process—all in a single phone call.
In this post you’ll discover:
- The official contact numbers for every U.S. state (and a few key territories)
- A step‑by‑step checklist of what to do the moment you realize the licence is gone
- How to protect yourself from fraud while you wait for a new card
- Answers to the most common questions about lost licences (FAQ)
Grab a notebook, keep this guide handy, and when the panic sets in you’ll know exactly who to call and what to say.
1. Why You Should Call Immediately
When a licence disappears, it’s not just an inconvenience—it can become a security risk. A lost licence contains your full name, address, date of birth, and licence number, all of which can be used for identity theft.
Calling the licensing authority right away does three things:
| Benefit | How It Helps You |
|---|---|
| Stops unauthorized use | The agency can place a “flag” on the licence number, preventing it from being used for a duplicate card or fraudulent activity. |
| Speeds up replacement | Some states issue a temporary paper licence over the phone or online once you confirm the loss. |
| Provides peace of mind | You’ll receive a reference number for future follow‑up, and you’ll know you’ve taken the first protective step. |
2. The Ultimate “Lost Licence” Contact List
Below is a consolidated table of the official phone numbers for each state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency. All numbers are toll‑free (unless otherwise noted) and are the first point of contact for reporting a lost licence.
| State / Territory | Agency | Phone (Toll‑Free) | Hours of Operation (Local Time) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Alabama Law Enforcement Agency – Driver License Division | 1‑800‑352‑0023 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | Automated “Lost/Stolen Licence” option (press 3) |
| Alaska | Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles | 1‑907‑269‑4665 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑4 pm | Can request temporary licence via online portal after call |
| Arizona | Arizona Department of Transportation – Motor Vehicle Division | 1‑602‑255‑0072 | Mon‑Fri 7 am‑5 pm | Spanish language support (press 2) |
| Arkansas | Arkansas Department of Finance & Administration – Driver Services | 1‑855‑492‑7254 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | Duplicate licence can be mailed within 7‑10 business days |
| California | California DMV | 1‑800‑777‑0133 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | Use “Report Lost/ Stolen Licence” option (press 4) |
| Colorado | Colorado DMV | 1‑303‑205‑4833 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | Temporary paper licence issued after verification |
| Connecticut | Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles | 1‑860‑263‑5705 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | Can file online after call |
| Delaware | Delaware DMV | 1‑302‑744‑2500 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | 24‑hour automated service for lost licence |
| District of Columbia | DC DMV | 1‑202‑737‑4310 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | Call for “License Replacement” option (press 1) |
| Florida | Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles | 1‑850‑617‑2000 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | Mobile app can generate temporary licence after call |
| Georgia | Georgia Department of Driver Services | 1‑404‑676‑5700 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | “Lost Licence” line (press 2) |
| Hawaii | Hawaii DMV | 1‑808‑586‑3665 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | Offers “Paper Licence” via mail within 3 days |
| Idaho | Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles | 1‑208‑334‑3000 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑4 pm | Can schedule in‑person visit on the same call |
| Illinois | Illinois Secretary of State – Driver Services | 1‑800‑252‑8980 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | “Lost/ Stolen Licence” (press 3) |
| Indiana | Indiana BMV | 1‑800‑462‑8383 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | Temporary licence issued within 24 hrs |
| Iowa | Iowa DOT – Driver Services | 1‑800‑332‑9966 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | Online “Report Lost” after call |
| Kansas | Kansas Department of Revenue – Division of Vehicles | 1‑800‑642‑6334 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | Receive a reference number for future tracking |
| Kentucky | Kentucky Transportation Cabinet – Driver Licensing | 1‑800‑862‑3680 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | Can request a temporary paper licence instantly |
| Louisiana | Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles | 1‑877‑838‑4377 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | 24‑hour voicemail for after‑hours reporting |
| Maine | Maine DMV | 1‑207‑626‑4100 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | “Lost Licence” (press 2) |
| Maryland | Maryland MVA | 1‑410‑768‑6100 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | Can file online after call; paper licence mailed in 10 days |
| Massachusetts | RMV | 1‑857‑368‑8000 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | “Report Lost/ Stolen” (press 3) |
| Michigan | Michigan Secretary of State | 1‑517‑241‑6400 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | Immediate issuance of temporary licence if needed |
| Minnesota | MnDOT – Driver and Vehicle Services | 1‑800‑777‑8477 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | 24‑hour voice‑mail box for after‑hours |
| Mississippi | Mississippi Department of Public Safety | 1‑601‑359‑9790 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | “Lost licence” option (press 2) |
| Missouri | Missouri DMV | 1‑800‑366‑9865 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | Can schedule same‑day in‑person appointment |
| Montana | Montana DMV | 1‑406‑444‑9162 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | Temporary licence can be mailed within 5 days |
| Nebraska | Nebraska DMV | 1‑800‑222‑7100 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | “Lost/ Stolen” (press 3) |
| Nevada | Nevada DMV | 1‑702‑486‑4368 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | Use “Lost Licence” option (press 6) |
| New Hampshire | NH DMV | 1‑603‑271‑2250 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | Can obtain a temporary licence over the phone |
| New Jersey | NJ MVC | 1‑609‑292‑6500 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | “Report Lost/ Stolen” (press 5) |
| New Mexico | NMDMV | 1‑888‑825‑2366 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | Offers a paper licence within 3 business days |
| New York | NY DMV | 1‑518‑486‑9786 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | “Lost Licence” (press 2) |
| North Carolina | NC DMV | 1‑919‑715‑7000 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | Can file online after calling |
| North Dakota | ND DMV | 1‑800‑777‑4590 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | Same‑day temporary licence possible |
| Ohio | ODOT – BMV | 1‑877‑220‑5355 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | “Lost/ Stolen Licence” (press 3) |
| Oklahoma | OK Department of Public Safety | 1‑405‑522‑3000 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | Paper licence mailed within 7 days |
| Oregon | Oregon DMV | 1‑503‑378‑7980 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | Can schedule same‑day kiosk visit |
| Pennsylvania | PA DMV | 1‑717‑238‑6500 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | “Lost Licence” (press 4) |
| Rhode Island | RI DMV | 1‑401‑222‑3425 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | Temporary licence available after verification |
| South Carolina | SCDOT – Driver Services | 1‑800‑771‑3970 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | “Lost/ Stolen” (press 2) |
| South Dakota | SD DOT – Driver Licensing | 1‑800‑332‑3315 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | Paper licence in 5‑7 business days |
| Tennessee | Tennessee DMV | 1‑615‑741‑3100 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | Can request temporary licence over the phone |
| Texas | TxDMV | 1‑888‑368‑4689 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | “Lost/ Stolen” (press 1) |
| Utah | Utah DMV | 1‑801‑965‑7255 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | “Lost Licence” (press 2) |
| Vermont | Vermont DMV | 1‑802‑828‑2541 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | Can obtain a paper licence within 3 days |
| Virginia | VDOT | 1‑804‑497‑7100 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | “Lost/ Stolen” (press 3) |
| Washington | WA DMV | 1‑360‑902‑3900 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | Temporary licence can be printed at a kiosk |
| West Virginia | WV DMV | 1‑304‑558‑1900 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | “Lost Licence” (press 4) |
| Wisconsin | WI DMV | 1‑800‑247‑2260 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | Paper licence mailed in 10‑12 days |
| Wyoming | WY DOT | 1‑307‑777‑5990 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | Can receive a temporary licence same day |
| U.S. Territories | ||||
| Puerto Rico | PR DMV | 1‑787‑721‑3040 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | “Licencia Perdida” (press 2) |
| Guam | Guam DMV | 1‑671‑475‑4791 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | Same‑day temporary licence available |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | VI DMV | 1‑784‑622‑4600 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | “Lost Licence” option (press 1) |
| American Samoa | AS DMV | 1‑684‑637‑4242 | Mon‑Fri 8 am‑5 pm | Paper licence mailed in 7 days |
Tip: Save the number for your state in your phone contacts as “DMV – Lost Licence” so you can dial it instantly if panic strikes.
3. What to Do While You’re On the Phone
Calling the DMV is just the first step. Follow this action checklist before you hang up:
- Verify Your Identity
- Have your full name, date of birth, address, and social security number ready.
- Some states may ask for the last four digits of your licence number (if you remember it).
- Ask for a Reference or Case Number
- Write this down; you’ll need it for any future follow‑up or to check the status of a temporary licence.
- Request a Temporary or Paper Licence
- Most states can issue a paper licence that’s valid for 30‑90 days while your official card is printed.
- Ask how you’ll receive it (mail, email, or at a local office).
- Report the Loss to Local Law Enforcement (Optional but Recommended)
- If you suspect theft, file a police report.
- Some states require the report number before they release a duplicate.
- Update Your Insurance Provider
- Let your auto insurer know you’ve reported the loss. This prevents policy issues if someone attempts fraud.
- Secure Your Personal Information
- Monitor your credit report for the next 90 days.
- Consider a credit freeze if you feel your identity may be compromised.
- Schedule an In‑Person Visit (If Needed)
- Some states still require an in‑person appearance for a new card.
- Use the reference number to book a same‑day or next‑day appointment.
4. Quick “What‑If” Scenarios
| Situation | Immediate Action | Follow‑Up |
|---|---|---|
| You’re traveling out of state and lose your licence | Call the DMV of your home state (use the table) and request a temporary licence. | Keep the temporary licence in a secure place; it’s usually valid nationwide. |
| Your licence was stolen from your wallet | Call the DMV and file a police report. | Request a fraud alert on your credit file (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion). |
| You can’t find the DMV phone number | Search “Your State + DMV lost licence phone number” on Google, or use the table above. | Bookmark the DMV website for future reference. |
| You need a replacement within 24 hours | Some states (e.g., California, Texas) offer same‑day kiosk issuance after verification. | Bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate) to the kiosk. |
| You’ve misplaced the licence abroad | Contact your state DMV for a temporary paper licence that can be mailed internationally, or apply for a U.S. passport as an alternative ID. | Keep a scanned copy of the temporary licence on your phone (encrypted). |
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I replace a lost licence online?
Answer: Many states now allow you to request a replacement through an online portal after you’ve called to verify the loss. However, an initial phone call is often required to generate a reference number.
2. Will I have to pay a fee for a replacement?
Answer: Yes. Replacement fees range from $5 to $30 depending on the state. Some states waive the fee if the licence was stolen and a police report is filed.
3. How long does a permanent replacement take?
Answer: Most states mail the new card within 7‑14 business days after processing. If you need it faster, many DMVs offer express service for an additional fee (often 1‑3 business days).
4. Do I need to bring my old licence to the DMV?
Answer: No, because the licence is lost. Bring another form of photo ID (passport, state ID, military ID) and proof of residency (utility bill, lease).
5. Can someone else pick up my replacement licence for me?
Answer: Some states allow a third‑party pickup with a signed Power of Attorney and the claimant’s photo ID. Call your local DMV to confirm the exact requirements.
6. What if I don’t have a social security number handy?
Answer: Most DMVs will accept the last four digits of your SSN combined with other personal data (DOB, address). If you truly don’t know any part of your SSN, you may need to visit a DMV office in person.
7. Is a temporary licence valid for all traffic stops?
Answer: Yes, a temporary or paper licence is treated the same as a permanent card for law‑enforcement verification, provided it’s issued by your state’s DMV.
8. Can I use a digital copy of my licence on my phone?
Answer: Some states (e.g., Arizona, Florida, Iowa) now accept a mobile driver’s licence (mDL) displayed in a state‑approved app. However, you’ll still need a physical replacement for many official transactions.
9. What if I’ve moved to a new address since my licence was issued?
Answer: Update your address before requesting a replacement. Many DMVs let you change the address online; otherwise do it during the phone call.
10. Do I need to surrender my old licence if it’s found later?
Answer: If you later locate the lost licence, you should bring it to the DMV. They may issue a new card (often at no charge) and cancel the temporary one.
6. Pro Tips to Keep Your Licence Safe (and Avoid Future Panic)
- Make a digital backup – Scan the front and back of your licence and store the image in an encrypted cloud folder.
- Use a dedicated wallet – Keep your licence in a separate compartment away from cash and cards.
- Set a “License Check” reminder – Once a month, glance at where you keep it (e.g., inside your car’s glove box, home office drawer).
- Consider a “card holder” with RFID blocking – Prevents wear and accidental loss when traveling.
- Keep the DMV number on your phone – Add it to your contacts and label it clearly.
7. Bottom Line
Losing a driver’s licence is more than a minor inconvenience; it can expose you to identity theft and disrupt daily life. By calling the right number right away, you protect your identity, secure a temporary licence, and set the wheels in motion for a permanent replacement.
Bookmark the table above, save the contact in your phone, and follow the checklist the next time you’re faced with a missing licence. You’ll be back on the road—and back in control—before you know it.
Safe travels! 🚗💨