Replacing a Lost License

Unfortunately, theft is a fact of life in our modern world. Every day, wallets and purses are lost and stolen, and with them, driver licenses, ID cards, credit cards, checks, and other personal items. Luckily, North Carolina makes it easy for you to request a duplicate (replacement) driver license or nondriver ID card if yours is ever lost or stolen.

If you find yourself a victim of a damaged, torn, lost, or stolen license, simply go to the nearest driver license office to apply for a duplicate one. You will be required to show two DMV-approved forms of ID. You only have to pay a $10 fee to have your licensed replaced.

If your address changes from the address on your license, you must let the DMV know within 60 days after the change. You must also obtain a duplicate license showing your new address.

Commercial Driver Licenses (CDLs)

If you have lost your commercial driver's license or it was stolen or mutilated, you can also get a replacement the same way. A duplicate CDL costs $10.

You can request a duplicate CDL online as long as it hasn't expired. You'll need to request a PIN number before completing your transaction.

Obtain a Duplicate License or Make Major Changes in Person

When you visit a North Carolina driver license office, you can do much more than you can online. For example, you can update your class of license or add endorsements. You can also change your personal information such as your name if you have gotten married, divorced, or can show a court order verifying the change. You can also have your picture taken in order to update the digital image of you that the DMV keeps on file.

Obtain a Duplicate License or Make Minor Changes Online

For even more convenience, you can also apply for a replacement license online. The online service was designed for people who need to make minor changes to their driver licenses or request a duplicate license. It allows you to request replacements of current, valid licenses or ID cards you hold; make changes to your residence, mailing address, or phone number; and request a personal identification number (PIN). If you change your address this way, the new address will appear on your duplicate license.

Requesting a Duplicate from Out of State

If you are out of the state or country when your North Carolina driver license gets lost, stolen, or mutilated, take advantage of the DMV's online replacement services.

Requirements for Replacing a Driver License Online

• Must have a valid ID card or valid, active license status (not suspended or expired)

• Must have been issued after October 1996, with digital image on file with DMV

• Driver license or ID card number

• Date of birth

• Social Security number or ITIN

• E-mail address to receive your DMV-assigned PIN

• PIN

• Web browser that supports Secure Socket Layer (SSL)

• Valid Visa or MasterCard to pay the $10 fee