Lost Driving License? Here's How to Find It

You've lost your driving licence and you're unsure what to do. First, you should file a police report.

This will create an electronic trail that will protect your identity from theft in the future. You can do this online or in person at your local department of motor vehicle office.

Retract your movements

Many drivers lose their licenses as a result of convictions for traffic violations. There are a variety of other reasons that your license may be suspended or revoked that aren't directly connected to driving. In New York for instance, you could lose your driving privileges due to not paying child support or having medical conditions that make it unsafe for you to drive.

If you have lost your license due to reasons that have nothing to relate to traffic violations, you might need to go through a lengthy legal process to get it returned. Your lawyer can help you understand the options you have and how to take the necessary steps to achieve this.

In the majority of states, you can request a replacement at the DMV in person. However, there are some states that allow you to apply online. In any event, you will need to fill out an application for a replacement and usually provide identification proof in addition to paying the fee. Some states will print you a paper copy of the license while others will mail you the plastic license via mail.

If your license was suspended then you must wait until the end of the revocation period before you can apply for a new license. You will then have go through the same procedure, however, the DMV will also check your records to determine whether you're eligible to obtain a license in New York. They will examine all the factors that could have caused the suspension and also whether you've completed the steps required to clear any suspensions or pay fines for traffic violations.

Try to Find It

You may be able to locate your lost driving licence without having to go into the agency. For instance the website of the agency will typically list acceptable proof of identity documents that can verify your identity, such as a passport or birth certificate.

In addition, you can check with your bank to find out whether they have digital copies of cancelled checks on the file. If you've written personal checks before they were issued, the number on them might assist you in finding your license.

You can also check your insurance correspondence with your company. Some companies will include your license number in the correspondence. Another option is to contact your insurance agent and discuss what transpired. While many insurance companies have policies against giving out information about customers over the phone, they may be willing to let you know if they have your license number in their database.

In addition to trying to find your license, you should consider filing a police report to report your name for any crime that could be committed in your absence. You can also sign up for ID theft protection with Identity Guard to ensure that criminals don't use your personal information to commit crimes using your name. You might want to consider a credit lock to prevent criminals opening accounts in your name. If you require assistance after losing your license, you may also contact the Department of Homeland Security for assistance. Avoid driving while you're still trying to find your license.

Get a Temporary License

It can be difficult to recall where your license was particularly in the event that it was stolen while you were out and out and about. Try to remember the last time you saw it, and retrace those steps. You may be able find it or at least reduce the search area.

Having a valid driving license is vital for a variety of reasons. It protects your identity from being stolen and also makes you a safer driver on the road. It can be a hassle to get your driver's license replaced if you lose it. The good news is that you can get your license in a short time by following the correct steps.

First, you must make an application on the internet or in person. Depending on the state there are different requirements for each. For instance, New York offers you the option to replace your license online. It also offers a temporary document on the confirmation page that you can download. The document serves as a replacement until you receive your actual card in the mail.

If you decide to apply in person, the process will be more complex and may take longer as well. You will be required to submit an application form for an ID or duplicate license card (non-driver) and show proof of identification, and pay the appropriate fee. You will also have to complete an Report of Lost or Stolen Motor Vehicles Items form (MV-78B). This is crucial because it will create an evidence trail that could help with the recovery of your license later on. It could also help rental car companies and TSA feel more comfortable accepting your license.

Send it to the Police

You've tried everything but it appears as if your driver's permit has gone missing. This could be a sign of identity theft, even although it's unlikely. You must do all you can to avoid this.

Notifying your lost license to police is the best way to go about this. This doesn't always require an emergency call and is usually done at your local DMV office. Not only does this create a paper trail for you and your family, but it also flags your record and makes it harder for criminals to steal your personal information in the future.

You should also contact the credit bureaus to ask for a freeze on your credit to prevent criminals from opening new accounts or obtaining loans in your name. It's also a good idea to keep an eye on your credit and statements carefully and check for any unusual activity, such as any charges you didn't make. You can also monitor your credit in near-real-time using an application like Aura, which integrates directly with the three major credit bureaus and will alert you to any suspicious activity in real-time.

It is essential to declare your lost license, not just to the police but also to the DMV. This will stop unapproved modifications from being made to your driving record, such as adding points for accidents you did not cause or suspensions that you didn't receive.

If you've reported the theft of your license to the police, you'll be able to get a replacement at the DMV without paying a fee however this will depend on your state. Make sure you follow the correct steps to get your license replaced. Remember that it will not be delivered to your current mailing address immediately.

Apply for a Replacement

You can apply online, by post or in person. permis de conduire perdu is straightforward however certain conditions must be met to be eligible for an alternative. Reporting the loss or theft to the police is the first step. It is imperative to report the theft immediately to avoid any negative marks being put on your record due to the crime.

You can apply for an online license by mail or in person after you have reported the theft or loss of your license. You'll need the proof of identity and date of birth and Social Security number in order to obtain the new driver's license. You will have to pay an additional fee to cover the costs of processing your application.

If you are applying for a new driver's license online you will need to prove your identity with a government-issued ID such as an ID card from the military or a passport identification card. You will also have to provide a valid email address so that DVA will be able to send you updates regarding your application.


If you want to replace your lost driving licence, please send the above information together with a copy of your previous driver's licence. The claimant will also need to provide a signed declaration of claim from the owner of the document.

The New York State Driver's Manual requires that those replacing their license also have a valid photo that meets the specifications. If your license's photo is outdated, you must make an appointment with a TLC licensing center to have a new one taken.