How to Replace a Stolen Driver's License?
3 Answers
Procedure for replacing a stolen driver's license: The motor vehicle driver whose license has been lost should apply for a replacement at the vehicle management office of the issuing authority. When applying, the applicant must fill out an application form and submit the following documents and proofs: 1. The identity proof of the motor vehicle driver; 2. A written statement declaring the loss of the motor vehicle driver's license. If the application complies with the regulations, the vehicle management office should issue a replacement driver's license within one day. After the driver receives the replacement license, the original driver's license becomes invalid and must not be used anymore. Note: Motor vehicle drivers are not allowed to drive if their driver's license is lost, damaged, expired, seized or temporarily suspended by law, or if their penalty points reach 12.
Last month, my driver's license was stolen, which was quite alarming at first, but I quickly got it replaced. The first thing I did was report the loss at the local police station to get a loss certificate, preventing others from misusing my license and causing trouble. Then, I took my ID card and two one-inch photos straight to the local DMV, filled out an application form, paid a small replacement fee of a few dozen yuan, and the staff processed it quickly—I got my new license within a couple of days. I recommend booking an appointment online with the DMV in advance to avoid long queues, especially during peak hours when wait times can be much longer. Most importantly, never drive during the replacement period—getting caught could result in points deducted, fines, or even license suspension in severe cases. It’s also wise to keep a photo backup of your license for easier identity verification if it’s lost. This experience has made me more careful about safeguarding important documents.
If your driver's license is stolen, I recommend taking immediate action to minimize trouble. First, report the loss to the police—this is a crucial first step to prevent others from misusing it and causing accident liabilities. Then, prepare the necessary materials: bring your ID card and recent photos to the vehicle management office to complete the procedures. The cost is usually low, typically just a few dozen yuan, and the process is simple, taking only about half an hour. If you're in a hurry, many places now support online replacement. Use the Traffic Management 12123 app to submit your application and upload the required documents—your new license will be mailed to your home faster. Remember not to drive during the replacement period, as the risk is too high. It's also advisable to regularly check your license's expiration date and pay more attention to wallet security to reduce the chance of loss. After getting your replacement, promptly notify your insurance company to update your information to avoid issues during claims.
