Replacing a Lost License in Washington DC

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Replacing a Lost License in Washington D.C.

You are required to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged D.C. driver's license for a couple reasons.

First, the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires all drivers to have a valid license before taking to the roads. Second, you should replace your license to protect yourself from identity theft.

Continue reading below for more information about obtaining a replacement copy of your D.C. driver's license.

D.C. REAL ID Driver's Licenses

The replacement process varies slightly depending on whether you have a REAL ID—an identification that allows you to enter federal facilities and board domestic flights—or a Limited Purpose driver's license. Details are outlined below.

Required Identity Documents for Driver's License Replacement

Whether you are replacing a REAL ID or a Limited Purpose driver’s license, you will need to provide documents to the DMV to prove your identity and residency.

To replace a REAL ID, you will need to take:

1 document proving identification.
1 document showing your Social Security number.
2 documents proving your Washington, D.C. residency. Your residency documents cannot be from the same business, agency, or company.

To replace a Limited Purpose license in Washington, D.C., you will need to show:

Proof of your identity.
Your Social Security number, which will be verified, OR a Social Security Number Declaration (Form DMV-SSN-001).
Proof of residency, including BOTH:
- 2 documents proving your current D.C. residency. Residency documents cannot be from the same business, agency, or company
- 2 documents proving residency dated at least 6 months prior.

The D.C. DMV website has a detailed lists of approved documents.

How to Replace a Driver's License in D.C.

You can replace your Washington D.C. driver's license by requesting a duplicate from the D.C. DMV.

Replacement driver's license requests can be made:

Online.
In person.
By mail.

Each process is outlined below.

Replace License Online

Whether you have a Limited Purpose D.C. driver's license or a REAL ID (with a star in the top, right corner), you can replace your driver's license online using the D.C. DMV's Online Services.

You will need to provide:

The required ID and residency documents listed above.
Your unique D.C. driver's license number, which can be found on:
- Your Washington D.C. driving record. See our page on Driving Records in Washington, D.C. for more information.
- Any DMV transaction receipt.
A debit or credit card to pay the $20 duplicate driver's license fee (VISA, MasterCard, or Discover).

Simply complete the online transaction and wait for your license to arrive by mail.

Replace in Person

You can visit any Washington, D.C. DMV service location to order a duplicate DC REAL ID or Limited Purpose driver's license. You will need to:

Bring the required ID and residency documents.
Complete the DC Driver License or Identification Card Application (Form DMVR-4).
Pay the $20 duplicate license fee.

Replace License by Mail

You can apply for your duplicate REAL ID or Limited Purpose driver’s license through mail by sending all of the above required ID and residency documents to:

DC Department of Motor Vehicles
Driver Services Administration
P.O. Box 90120
Washington, DC 20090

If you do not have a REAL ID or a Limited Purpose license, you will have to go in person to the DMV to update your license.

Replacement While Out of State

If you are outside of Washington, D.C. when your driver's license is lost or stolen, you can use the DMV's Online Service to replace it. See the “Online" section above for more details.

If you do not have the information required for an online transaction, contact the Washington, D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) at 311 or (202) 737-4404 for assistance with getting a replacement license.

Lost or Stolen D.C. CDL

You can replace your lost or stolen commercial driver's license (CDL) in Washington, D.C. either online or in person at your local DC DMV office.

The process is practically the same as the one described above. You can find more information about the process at our page about Replacing a Lost CDL.

Report a Lost or Stolen License

You are NOT required to report a lost, stolen, or damaged D.C. driver's license to the police or law enforcement in Washington, D.C.

However, if you are concerned about identity theft or fraudulent use of your driver's license, consider reporting it to your local police or law enforcement agency.

Forms

DMVR-4: Drivers License or Identification Card Application; Apply for a driver's license or identification card from the Washington D.C. DMV. You can also use this form to register to vote.

DMV-SSN-001: Social Security Number Declaration for Limited Purpose Credential; This form is used by the D.C. DMV to confirm whether or not you have a Social Security number, whether you are eligible to receive one, OR to state that you cannot establish legal presence in the U.S. but have been assigned a Social Security number.