How to Replace a Drivers License

A stolen or lost drivers license can present many challenges and hazards, and should be replaced as quickly as possible. Replacement drivers license credentials not only keep senior drivers compliant with driving rules and regulations, but can help protect personal information and prevent identity theft. Before seeking a drivers license replacement, authorities at all levels strongly recommend that all drivers report lost or stolen licenses to their local police departments as soon as possible. In some states, reporting a license known to be stolen is required by law. Regulations regarding the requests and issuances of duplicate drivers licenses are determined by individual states, and therefore, vary widely. Seniors seeking to replace drivers license credentials will need to refer to their local DMV offices and/or their state’s primary DMV websites for exact details on many aspects of the process, including the total fees to be assessed and a complete list of limitations applied to online driver license renewal options. Continue on to the sections below to learn more about replacement drivers licenses for seniors.

How to Replace a Senior Drivers License Online

When exploring options related to how to replace drivers license credentials, many seniors’ first step is to determine whether or not the option to replace lost drivers license credentials online in their state is a possibility. Online systems can eliminate the need for seniors to travel to the DMV in person, and are often faster and less expensive than applying for replacement licenses to drive by mail. However, replacing drivers license credentials online is not an option offered to drivers in all states. Due to personal and public security concerns, some states require that a new copy of license be requested in person, every time. In states where online applications are allowed for replacement driver licenses, drivers will need to access the DMV’s online system, then gather and enter personal information into the online form(s). Next, they will need to supply valid online payment to cover the application fees. Then, drivers must review their entire applications carefully before submission to verify that no mistakes have been made. Online applications may be faster and easier to submit than other application options, but seniors can expect to wait the same amount of time for their applications to be processed and for the duplicate licenses to arrive, regardless of which method they choose.

How to Replace a Senior Drivers License by Mail

Duplicate drivers license credentials may be requested by mail using a paper application. These applications may be downloaded and printed from the state’s DMV website. Driver license replacement forms are also available at all DMV offices. To request a copy of drivers license credentials, drivers must complete the application form in its entirety, providing all of the required identifying information and supplemental documentation. Applicants must send legible copies of qualifying documentation to prove their identities as part of the application package. Illegible or non-qualifying documents will not be accepted. Payment in the form of a check or money order must also be included. In lieu of a drivers license copy request, neither cash nor original documents should be mailed to the DMV. Once a DMV duplicate license application package has been fully compiled, it can be mailed to a centralized DMV address.

How to Replace a Drivers License in Person

Seniors wondering, “where can I get a copy of my drivers license?” can find a complete list of their state DMV offices on the state’s central DMV website. To apply for a replacement drivers license in person, drivers can make appointments using that same website or call their local DMV offices to schedule by phone. Seniors needing to update drivers license credentials may do so in person at the same appointment. Updating drivers license credentials may require different supporting documents than requesting a copy of a drivers license. Drivers seeking to complete more than one task or carry out more than one change during a DMV appointment – such as a DMV name change or address change – must take care ahead of time to clarify what types of documentation is needed, so that they can be sure to take with them all the mandatory items requested.

Seniors replacing a lost drivers license in person will meet with DMV representatives and provide the same personal information and proof of identity documents required under the other replacement request methods. In certain states, the only way to request a replacement drivers license is to make an appointment and appear in person. Processing fees will apply. At the end of the appointment, applicants will be supplied with an interim driver license that is only valid for a short period of time. Interim drivers license copies are valid only for demonstrating authorization to operate a motor vehicle, and cannot be used as proof of identity.

Learn About Temporary Documents, Fees and How to Receive a New License

Applicants who apply online for duplicate licenses may have the opportunity to print a short-term, temporary license. Applicants who apply via mail will not have access to temporary documents. Regardless of the method used to request a drivers license replacement, all applicants will be charged replacement fees. These fees vary by state and other factors.

When they arrive, duplicate drivers license credentials should be thoroughly examined to ensure that all information is correct. If anything is not correct, it must be brought to the attention of the DMV immediately. Once the replacement drivers license has been established to be complete and correct, interim licenses should be destroyed to safeguard the driver’s personal information.