Quick facts TL;DR · 4 bullets
✓ You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged California license online (standard licenses) or at a DMV office; ID cards and CDLs must be replaced in person.
✓ The duplicate fee is $37; the replacement card arrives by mail.
✓ Your license stays valid while you wait — losing the card doesn't end your driving privilege.
✓ Upgrading to a REAL ID at the same time means an in-person visit with documents.
Cost $37 (duplicate)
Online? Most drivers
Card arrives By mail
While you wait License stays valid
Lost your California driver’s license, had it stolen, or worn it out? You can get a duplicate — a new copy of your current license — usually online in a few minutes, or at a DMV office. The duplicate fee is $37, and your license stays valid while you wait for the new card.
This is different from renewing: a replacement copies your current license, while a renewal extends the expiration date. If your license is expiring soon anyway, renew instead.
When to replace vs renew
- Replace if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged but not near expiration — you get a fresh copy with the same expiration date.
- Renew if it’s expiring soon — a renewal extends the date (and costs the same $46 you’d eventually pay anyway).
- Both at once? If you’re replacing and want a REAL ID, do it in person with your documents.
Cost
Duplicate driver's license
Duplicate ID card
Replace + upgrade to REAL ID (in person)
no extra fee at a regular renewal
Pay online by card/e-check, or any method in person. Check totals with the fee calculator.
How to apply — step by step
Online for most drivers; in person if you also need REAL ID or have a hold.
1
Report it stolen (if applicable)
If your license was stolen, consider a police report for your records — it's not required to replace, but helps with identity theft.
2
Sign in to MyDMV
Go to dmv.ca.gov and choose "Replace your license." Online services ›
3
Confirm your details and address
Verify the address the card mails to; update it first if it changed. Change of address ›
4
Pay the $37 fee
Card or e-check online. You'll get a confirmation to print.
5
Your license stays valid
Losing the card doesn't end your driving privilege. Keep the printed confirmation as your record; the new card arrives by mail.
Special cases
You also want a REAL ID
A first-time REAL ID needs an in-person visit with documents — do the replacement at the same visit.
Your name or address changed
Update those first (or in person); a pending change can block an online replacement. See name change.
Out of state
You can usually replace online and have it mailed, or request the DMV mail to a temporary address.
License is suspended
Clear the suspension first — you can't replace a license that's under suspension.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to replace a California license?
The duplicate fee is $37 (a duplicate ID card is $40). Upgrading to REAL ID at a regular renewal adds no extra fee beyond the $46 renewal.
Can I replace my license online?
Most drivers can replace a standard license online via MyDMV at dmv.ca.gov. You'll need an in-person visit if you're also getting a first REAL ID, have a hold, or the DMV needs a new photo. ID cards and commercial licenses (CDL) can't be replaced online — those require an office visit.
Can I drive while I wait for the new card?
Yes — replacing a lost card doesn't change that your license is still valid, so your driving privilege continues. Carry your printed confirmation (or the interim paper from an office visit) as your record until the new card arrives by mail.
What if my license was stolen?
Replace it the same way. A police report isn't required but is worth filing if you're worried about identity theft.
Is a replacement the same as a renewal?
No — a replacement gives you a new copy of your current license; a renewal extends the expiration date. If yours is expiring soon, renew instead.
Do I need documents to replace my license?
For a straight online replacement, no documents — just your MyDMV login and payment. Adding REAL ID requires the full document checklist.
Related guides
Other guides readers of this page also use.
Renew your license online If yours is expiring, renew instead REAL ID — full guide Add it at the same visit DMV change of address Update before replacing DMV office locations If you must go in person
About this guide
Published by
DMVCA· an independent California DMV information publisher
Fact-checking
Fact-checked against primary sources — the California Vehicle Code, DMV publications, and government sources — and cited on the page.
Update cadence
Reviewed quarterly and after any federal or state policy change.
Sources. California DMV — Replace your license or ID · California DMV — Online services · California Vehicle Code § 14901
Last verified June 28, 2026 · reviewed quarterly and after any policy change.