Replacing a Lost License in Ohio

Replacing a Lost License in Ohio

If your license or ID card has been lost or stolen, you've lost both your ability to drive legally and your primary form of identification.

Luckily, the OH Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) makes it easy to get a replacement.

Report a Lost or Stolen Ohio License, Permit, or ID

The Ohio BMV does not require that you report a lost or stolen license, permit, or ID; however, when you apply for a duplicate, a BMV agent will have you sign a document stating your original license was lost or stolen.

Also, consider filing a police report in order to protect your identity. Reporting a theft is especially important if you know your identity was assumed and used by someone else.

To learn more tips to protect yourself, check out our page on preventing identity theft.

How to Get a Replacement OH Driver's License

REAL IDs and License Replacements

If you plan to upgrade to an Ohio REAL ID upon replacement, you'll need to follow the steps for a first-time REAL ID application. Jump over to our license guide for help.

In order to request a duplicate OH driver's license or ID card, you must apply in person.

To request a duplicate, take the following steps:

  • Visit your local Deputy Registrar agency.
  • Present appropriate ID documents. The OH BMV provides a full list of accepted documents, but you must bring:
    • Documents that prove all 5 elements for proof of identity.
    • Proof of any changes to your identifying information:
      • Full legal name.
      • Birth date.
      • Social Security number.
      • Legal presence.
      • Residency.
  • Sign a statement that your original license was lost or stolen.
  • Pay the applicable fee*:
    • License or permit: $26.
    • ID card: $9.
    • Commercial driver's license (CDL): $28.50.
      • The BMV accepts: cash, check/money order/certified cashier checks, traveler's checks, intra-state agency vouchers, or county agency vouchers.

Renew Instead of Replace?

If you wish, you can renew your license instead of replacing it IF your license is not expired more than 6 months. Also, if can't show your license, you'll need to present the full set of required proofs of ID.

Replacing a Temporary Permit

If your temporary permit has been lost, stolen, or destroyed, you can request a replacement IF your test scores can be verified by the BMV. If your scores aren't available, you'll be required to buy a new permit and do all the testing again.

Getting a replacement permit does not restart the holding requirement of 6 months for minor drivers under 18 years old. The period of 6 months still begins at the issue date of the original temporary permit.

Out-of-State and Military OH License Replacement

If you are temporarily traveling out of the state or on leave as an active member of the military (or a dependent of a military member), you can apply for a Class D duplicate license while out of state.

To apply for a replacement out of the state, request an out of state renewal packet by either:

  • Calling the Telecommunications department at (844) 644-6268.
    OR
  • Visiting www.ohiobmv.com and clicking on “Contact BMV" to send an e-mail request to the Registrar.

New-to-State Drivers

If you've just moved to OH and you lost your out-of-state license during the move, you can still transfer your license without getting a duplicate from your old state (UNLESS you are a CDL holder).

If you take one of the above steps and show the proofs of ID from the state's full list of accepted documents, that is generally enough to transfer your license:

  • Proof of identity.
  • Proof of legal presence in the country.
  • Proof of OH residency.

OH Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Replacement

If you need to replace your CDL, you must apply in person. The steps are the same as for replacing a Class D license. (See “Apply for a Replacement OH Driver's License" above to learn how to apply.)

Note that CDL holders may be required to show proof of medical certification. To learn more on this topic, visit our page on applying for a CDL in OH.

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