Last updated: October 2026 | Verified against official state DMV/DPS fee schedules
Losing your driver's license is stressful, but replacing it is usually quick and inexpensive. This guide covers what a duplicate costs, how to apply, what you'll need, and what to do if your license was stolen.
Quick answer: Most U.S. states charge roughly $5 to $40 for a duplicate driver's license, though a few charge more. The exact fee depends on your state, whether you apply online or in person, and whether you choose expedited delivery. Check your state's official licensing agency for the current amount.
How Much Does a Duplicate Driver's License Cost?
There is no single national price. Each state sets its own fee, and the agency name varies (DMV, BMV, DOL, or Driver Services).
Cost Comparison: Duplicate vs. Renewal
Before ordering a duplicate, check your expiration date. Renewing early is often a better financial move.
| Action | What Happens | Typical Cost Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duplicate | Replaces lost/stolen card; keeps original expiration date | $5 – $40 | Licenses that don't expire for another 6+ months |
| Renewal | Extends validity, usually by 4–8 years from date of processing or previous expiration | $15 – $90+ | Licenses expiring soon; saves you from paying twice |
What Can Change the Final Duplicate Price
- Base duplicate fee: The state-set replacement charge.
- Photo or card fee: Some states bundle it in; others charge separately.
- Expedited processing or delivery: Usually an optional surcharge.
- License type: Commercial (CDL) licenses often cost more than standard ones.
- Replacing multiple times: Some states charge more for repeat duplicates.
50-State Duplicate Driver's License Fee Table
Below are the standard base fees for a Class D (non-commercial) duplicate driver's license. Note: Fees are subject to change. Always verify with your state's official agency.
| State | Duplicate Fee | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $36.25 | ALEA |
| Alaska | $15.00 | AK DMV |
| Arizona | $12.00 | AZ MVD |
| Arkansas | $10.00 | AR DFA |
| California | $36.00 | CA DMV |
| Colorado | $12.80 | CO DMV |
| Connecticut | $30.00 | CT DMV |
| Delaware | $20.00 | DE DMV |
| Florida | $25.00 | FL DHSMV |
| Georgia | $5.00 (Lost) / $20.00 (Change) | GA DDS |
| Hawaii | $6.00 | HI DMV |
| Idaho | $15.00 | ITD |
| Illinois | $5.00 | IL SOS |
| Indiana | $9.00 | IN BMV |
| Iowa | $10.00 | IA MVD |
| Kansas | $12.00 | KS DOR |
| Kentucky | $15.00 | KY TC |
| Louisiana | $13.50 | LA OMV |
| Maine | $5.00 | ME BMV |
| Maryland | $20.00 | MD MVA |
| Massachusetts | $25.00 | MA RMV |
| Michigan | $9.00 | MI SOS |
| Minnesota | $17.50 | MN DPS |
| Mississippi | $11.00 | MS DPS |
| Missouri | $11.00 | MO DOR |
| Montana | $10.30 | MT MVD |
| Nebraska | $11.50 | NE DMV |
| Nevada | $8.25 | NV DMV |
| New Hampshire | $10.00 | NH DMV |
| New Jersey | $11.00 | NJ MVC |
| New Mexico | $9.50 | NM MVD |
| New York | $17.50 | NY DMV |
| North Carolina | $13.00 | NC DMV |
| North Dakota | $8.00 | ND DOT |
| Ohio | $24.50 | OH BMV |
| Oklahoma | $25.00 | OK DPS |
| Oregon | $26.00 | OR DMV |
| Pennsylvania | $31.50 | PA PennDOT |
| Rhode Island | $26.50 | RI DMV |
| South Carolina | $10.00 | SC DMV |
| South Dakota | $15.00 | SD DPS |
| Tennessee | $8.00 (1st) / $12.00 (Later) | TN DOS |
| Texas | $11.00 | TX DPS |
| Utah | $18.00 | UT DLD |
| Vermont | $20.00 | VT DMV |
| Virginia | $20.00 | VA DMV |
| Washington | $20.00 | WA DOL |
| West Virginia | $10.00 | WV DMV |
| Wisconsin | $14.00 | WI DMV |
| Wyoming | $15.00 | WY DOT |
| Washington D.C. | $20.00 | DC DMV |
When Do You Need a Duplicate License?
Request a replacement if your license is:
- Lost or misplaced
- Stolen
- Damaged, cracked, or faded
- Unreadable, with a worn magnetic strip or barcode
Note: If your name, address, or other details have changed, you generally need to update your record rather than request a plain duplicate. The process and fees may differ.
How to Get a Duplicate Driver's License: 5 Steps
Step 1: Find Your State's Official Agency
Search for your state's name plus "duplicate driver's license," and make sure the website ends in .gov. Lookalike sites charge extra fees, collect your personal data, or are outright scams. If a site isn't run by a state agency, don't use it.
Step 2: Check Whether You Can Apply Online
Many states let eligible drivers order a replacement online using their license number, date of birth, or Social Security number. Some require an in-person visit, especially if your license is expired, your information changed, or a new photo is needed.
Step 3: Gather What You Need
Requirements vary, but you may need:
- Proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate)
- Your Social Security number
- Proof of residency, if your state requires it
- Your license number, if you know it
- A completed application form
- A payment method accepted by the office
Step 4: Pay the Fee
Pay the standard replacement fee online or at the office. Decline any optional extras you don't need.
Step 5: Use Your Temporary Proof Until the Card Arrives
Many states issue a temporary paper license or receipt, with the permanent card mailed within a few weeks. Keep the temporary document with you whenever you drive, and confirm your mailing address is current.
Online vs. In-Person Replacement
| Feature | Online | In Person |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Fast to submit; card arrives by mail | May provide a temporary license on the spot |
| Cost | Often the lowest fee | May include an additional photo fee |
| Best for | Simple loss or damage with no changes | Name/address changes, expired licenses, new photo, REAL ID |
Planning to upgrade to a REAL ID? You will typically need to apply in person with your original documents. A basic duplicate won't upgrade your license.
What to Do If Your License Was Stolen
A stolen license can be used for identity theft, so act quickly:
- File a police report if your state recommends or requires one.
- Notify your state licensing agency so the stolen card can be flagged.
- Place a fraud alert or credit freeze with the credit bureaus (in the U.S., Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).
- Report identity theft at IdentityTheft.gov (run by the Federal Trade Commission) if you notice suspicious activity.
- Request your duplicate using the steps above.
5 Mistakes to Avoid
- Using an unofficial website. Stick to .gov sites. Third-party services often add hidden fees or misuse your data.
- Assuming the fee is the same everywhere. Verify your state's current price before you go.
- Driving without proof. Carry your temporary license until the new one arrives—you may be cited in some states for driving without a valid license on your person.
- Ignoring a stolen license. Report it promptly to protect your identity from fraud.
- Forgetting to update your address. The new card is mailed to the address on file. If you've moved, update it first!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a duplicate driver's license cost?
Most states charge about $5 to $40. Some charge less (like Illinois at $5), and costs rise with expedited service or other add-ons.
Can I get a duplicate license online?
Often yes, if you're eligible and nothing has changed on your record. Some situations (like an expired license) require an in-person visit.
How long does a replacement take to arrive?
It depends on the state, but typically it takes 5 to 15 business days by mail, though processing times vary. Ask whether a temporary license is available in the meantime.
Can I drive while waiting for my replacement?
Only if your state issues a temporary license or receipt, and you carry it with you. Check your state's specific rules.
Do I need to report a lost license?
Not always, but you should report it if it was stolen, and you should consider reporting it if you think someone could misuse it for identity theft.
Is a duplicate the same as a renewal?
No. A duplicate simply replaces your existing card with the same expiration date. A renewal extends the license's validity.
Sources
- Alabama: ALEA - Replacing Lost/Stolen License
- Alaska: AK DMV - Replacement
- Arizona: AZ MVD - Replace License
- Arkansas: AR DFA - Replacement DL
- California: CA DMV - Duplicate DL
- Colorado: CO DMV - Renew/Replace License
- Connecticut: CT DMV - Duplicate License
- Delaware: DE DMV - Fee Schedule
- Florida: FL DHSMV - Replacement
- Georgia: GA DDS - Duplicate License
- Hawaii: HI Counties - DMV Portal
- Idaho: ITD - Replace Lost/Stolen
- Illinois: IL SOS - Replacement
- Indiana: IN BMV - Replacing a Credential
- Iowa: IA MVD - Duplicate DL
- Kansas: KS DOR - Replace DL
- Kentucky: KY TC - Duplicate License
- Louisiana: LA OMV - Replace DL
- Maine: ME BMV - Duplicate
- Maryland: MD MVA - Replace Lost/Stolen
- Massachusetts: MA RMV - Replace License
- Michigan: MI SOS - Replace License
- Minnesota: MN DPS - Replace DL
- Mississippi: MS DPS - Replacement License
- Missouri: MO DOR - Replace DL
- Montana: MT MVD - Replace License
- Nebraska: NE DMV - Replace DL
- Nevada: NV DMV - ID Replacement
- New Hampshire: NH DMV - Duplicate Form
- New Jersey: NJ MVC - Replace Lost
- New Mexico: NM MVD - Replace License
- New York: NY DMV - Duplicate License
- North Carolina: NC DMV - Replace DL
- North Dakota: ND DOT - Replace DL
- Ohio: OH BMV - Replace DL
- Oklahoma: OK DPS - Replacement DL
- Oregon: OR DMV - Replace DL
- Pennsylvania: PA PennDOT - Replace DL
- Rhode Island: RI DMV - Duplicate License
- South Carolina: SC DMV - Replace License
- South Dakota: SD DPS - Replace DL
- Tennessee: TN DOS - Replace DL
- Texas: TX DPS - Replace License
- Utah: UT DLD - Replace License
- Vermont: VT DMV - Duplicate DL
- Virginia: VA DMV - Replace License
- Washington: WA DOL - Replace License
- West Virginia: WV DMV - Replace DL
- Wisconsin: WI DMV - Replace DL
- Wyoming: WY DOT - Replace DL
- Washington D.C.: DC DMV - Replace License
Related Guides
Looking for state-specific application steps or renewal guides? We've got you covered:
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