Replacing a Lost License in North Carolina

It is vitally important if you have lost your drivers license in North Carolina that you replace it as soon as possible. It is a legal requirement to have your drivers license with you when you drive, and so during the time when you do not have it you will not be allowed on the roads. Your license also serves as a primary means of identity, and not having it available could make many aspects of your daily life more difficult.

Report Your Lost or Stolen Drivers License

Although the state of North Carolina does not require an official police report for your lost or stolen drivers license, the Department of Transportation (DOT) highly recommends speaking to them about it. If your stolen license is ever used in a crime or identity theft, having a previous record will aid you immensely in proving your innocence.  When you do report your lost or stolen drivers license, highlight your concern over identity theft and the police will be able to keep a tab on any potentially illegal uses of your license.

Replacing Your Lost or Stolen Drivers License

There are two ways you can replace a lost or stolen drivers license: in person or online. If you wish to replace your license in person, your license must meet the following criteria:

• Your drivers license was lost, stolen, or damaged beyond recognition.
• Your license is valid, and has not yet expired.
• There are no outstanding DMV fees or fines attached to your name.

If these are all true for you, it will be possible for you to go down to your local DMV office and apply for a replacement drivers license. You will need to bring two certified documents that show proof of age and identity. If your name has ever been changed, you must bring proof of the name change, such as a certified marriage certificate, or a certified divorce decree. Don’t forget that you’ll need to pay an application fee as well.

Your photograph will be taken by a member of the DMV office staff for your temporary permit; your permanent license will be sent to you through the mail soon enough.

It is possible for you to apply for your new drivers license online if:

• You have a valid drivers license, ID card, or graduated learner permit or license.
• Your original drivers license was issued after January 2000.
• Your license was never suspended, revoked, or canceled.
• There are no outstanding fees or fines to the DMV attached to your name.
• The DMV already has your Social Security number, your taxpayer identification number, and a US government document proving your legal presence.

Temporary Drivers Licenses

When you apply for a replacement drivers license, you will not receive it right away. Instead, you will be issued a temporary driving certificate. This is valid for 20 days, during which time your permanent drivers license should arrive in the mail.

You can learn more about replacing a lost or stolen license on the NCDOT website.