Lost or Stolen Virginia Learner's Permit: Replacement Options

To replace a lost Virginia learner's permit, apply for a duplicate through the Virginia DMV. The fee is $2.00. Standard replacement is available online for eligible customers or in person at a DMV customer service center.

Who Can Replace a Virginia Learner's Permit Online?

Adults 18 and older can replace a lost Virginia learner's permit online through dmvNOW.com for $2. Log in with your license number and date of birth, confirm your current address, and submit. The replacement card arrives by mail within 7 to 15 business days.

• Under 18: Online replacement is unavailable. Visit a DMV customer service center. A completed driver's license and identification card application is required.
• 18 and older: You can replace your permit online via DMV Now if your permit is valid, you don't need a new photo, and you're not changing your name.

The age-18 cutoff for online access catches a lot of teens off guard. Plan for an in-person trip if you're under 18.

Online vs. In-Person Virginia Permit Replacement

Does a Replacement Virginia Learner's Permit Get a New Expiration Date?

A replacement card replaces the lost or damaged credential; it does not function as a renewal. The replacement keeps the underlying permit record and expiration rather than starting a new permit-validity period.

Can You Change Your Address When Replacing a Lost Virginia Learner's Permit?

Yes. An otherwise eligible customer can review and update the address during the online replacement transaction. A name change, new photo, or REAL ID upgrade still requires the appropriate in-person process. Confirm the address before ordering because USPS will not forward the credential.

Can You Upgrade to REAL ID While Replacing a Lost Learner's Permit?

Not through the normal online replacement transaction. A REAL ID upgrade requires the applicable identity and residency documents and must follow Virginia DMV's REAL ID process.

Documents Required for In-Person Permit Replacement

Drivers under 18 must visit a DMV Customer Service Center in person to replace a lost permit. Bring a parent or guardian, one proof of identity, and your application transaction number if available. A paper temporary permit is issued at the counter. A REAL ID upgrade requires additional documents, and DMV may also require proof of legal presence for your transaction.

1. Download and complete Form DL 1P. A parent signs if you're under 18. Veterans can request a veteran indicator here.
2. Bring one proof of identity like an original birth certificate or U.S. passport. Your Social Security number may be required.
3. Walk-ins are accepted. Scheduling an appointment cuts wait times.
4. Pay the $2.00 fee by cash, check, or card. See all accepted payment methods.
5. Receive a temporary paper permit immediately. This lets you drive legally while your plastic card is mailed.

Call your DMV ahead to confirm which identity document works best. Fairfax offices get slammed during school breaks, and a rejected application means rescheduling.

Can You Drive While Waiting for Your Virginia Replacement Permit?

Do not drive unless you have a valid learner's permit or valid temporary permit in your possession. If DMV issues a temporary paper permit during an in-person replacement, carry it while the new card is being mailed and continue following all learner-permit restrictions.

For penalties tied to driving without carrying the permit, see the forgot-permit-while-driving guide.

Stolen Virginia Learner's Permit: Steps to Take

Report the theft to local police and get a case number. Then visit a DMV Customer Service Center with the police report, one identity document, and a parent if under 18. The police report is not legally required for the replacement, but it protects you if the stolen permit is misused.

Filing a report does not waive the $2 replacement fee. You complete the standard replacement process either way.

A driver in Richmond had their instruction permit stolen from their car. They filed a police report online, then visited the DMV on Broad Street with their birth certificate. The temporary permit was issued on the spot. The new card arrived in 7 business days.

Knowledge-Test Requirements for a Replacement Permit

No. You do not retake the knowledge or vision test for a duplicate. This applies only if your lost permit was valid and unexpired.

Virginia Permit Replacement Limits

Virginia law sets no specific cap. The DMV may flag frequent requests for fraud review. The online system limits one request per day.

Before your DMV visit, use the online form filler for Form DL 1P. Handwriting errors cause staff to reject applications. That mistake forces a reschedule. Don't be that person.