How much is a replacement drivers license in california

Losing your drivers license is very common and can be a major  inconvenience. Unfortunately, every state has its own rules , procedures and fees for dealing with a lost license. You’ll have to visit your local dmv office and ask for a replacement or duplicate drivers license. Some states will allow you to process your duplicate online, while other states will require you to go in person and fill out an application.

Let’s go over a few states and see how they handle the issue of a lost drivers license.

Replace Alaska Drivers License

You will need to provide your identification documents, take the vision test and pay the duplicate license fee. The fee is $15.00.

Replace Alaska Drivers License

Provide your identification documents, take your photo (if license is older than 1995) and pay the fee which is $12.00.

Replace California Drivers License

You will first need to make an appointment, then you must complete a drivers license application, give your prints and pay the fee of $25.00.

Replace Florida Drivers License

Florida allows you to request your replacement license online or by going in person to the DMV office. There will be a $25 fee unless you can show a copy of a police report.

Getting a California drivers license is exhilarating. Losing your California drivers license is traumatizing. Seriously. 

Maybe you looked away for one second and then noticed it was gone. Or maybe you misplaced it somewhere in your room … and then were forced to clean while frantically trying to find it. 

No matter how you lost your license, it’s imperative that you get it replaced ASAP. You can replay your whole night in your head or retrace your steps, but the bottom line is that you need a form of identification or you’ll have to stop driving.

The process isn’t always a quick fix, and it varies by state. If you live in the Golden State and things aren’t looking so golden, here’s how to replace a lost California drivers license, from what you’ll need before leaving your house to how you can legally get to the DMV office.

COVID-19 Changes

Some things are a little different right now due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are a few things to know in addition to the standard procedures below. 

Schedule an Appointment Online

One of the biggest changes is that the DMV is doing as much as possible online these days to minimize contact. That includes scheduling an appointment in advance for replacing your drivers license.

Some DMV offices have been open to handle services that require an in-person visit since May 8th, 2020. However, there’s no guarantee a specific office is open so check ahead of time. 

Pay With a Card

Since cash passes through a lot of hands, it’s not considered to be the cleanest form of payment. While cash is accepted, card and online payments are preferred at this time.

Don’t Forget Your Mask

Like other public places in California, you’ll need to wear your favorite mask to the DMV. If you arrive without a face covering you won’t be able to apply for a duplicate license. 

Practice Social Distancing

While you are at the DMV you’ll be expected to practice social distancing by staying six feet away from others while in line and waiting in the lobby.

Fill Out the Request for Duplicate DL Forms

Before you can get a replacement drivers license you have to submit the proper paperwork. Even before the COVID-19 virus, it was always a good idea to complete the duplicate drivers license forms online. Now it’s a given.

The forms might look a little familiar because the application for a duplicate drivers license is actually the same as an application for any license. The difference here is that you’ll want to make sure your paperwork notes that the license has been lost or stolen. 

If You Are Under 18

Even if you’re a valid driver under 18 who has taken the required drivers ed courses and aced the driving exam, you’ll still need a parent or guardian to sign the forms. If your parents share custody both parents will have to sign.

Need to replace a learner’s permit as opposed to a drivers license? You’ll continue with the process, but if the permit was expired you’ll be starting back at square one.

What to Bring to the California DMV to Replace a Lost Drivers License

• Proof of your identity.

• A social security card or verification of your social security number.

• Proof of your California residency (this could be a piece of mail with your name on it, as long as it contains a mailing address).

• Have your drivers license number if possible, but there is a drivers license number search capability as well.

• A means to pay the renewal fee, which ranges from $30 - $36.

A California DMV employee will validate all of your documents upon receiving your application.

Head To Your Local California DMV

You can’t apply for a duplicate California drivers license online or over the phone. You’re going to need to head to your local California DMV office once you’ve scheduled an appointment. 

There may be circumstances based on age or career to be aware of before going to the DMV. One of those circumstances is for minors. They’ll need the help of their parents or guardians to get the documents filed. 

Pay the Fee

You should also be prepared to pay the standard fee at the DMV office, which is the same for a renewal. The department accepts checks, cash or debit cards. Some DMV locations also accept credit cards and digital wallet payments, but there is a 2.3% processing fee. 

The current fees for a duplicate California drivers license are:

• A class C driver’s license will cost $30

• Commercial class C costs $36

• Commercial classes A and B cost $36

• Non-commercial classes A and B cost $30

There is a reduced fee to replace or renew a license if you meet certain income requirements or if you’re a senior citizen, which is age 62 or older.

Get Your Interim License

Once you’ve filled out the appropriate paperwork, presented the proper identification and paid the fees, you’ll be presented with an interim license. Your interim license will be valid for 90 days, and you will need it to operate a vehicle. Your replacement drivers license will be mailed to you within 60 days of your application. 

Remember, it is illegal to drive without a drivers license. If you don’t have an interim license, you should avoid driving altogether. If this is impossible, bring along a copy of your driving record as proof you are a licensed driver in the event you’re pulled over. You do risk being pulled over and ticketed if you don’t have a current license on your person, and we all know nobody wants that.

Still need to get a California drivers license before you can lose it? With Aceable completing the required drivers license education it’s easy, cheap and convenient. Find out why more students choose to use the Aceable drivers ed app!

*This article was updated on 6/18/2020.

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