Final answer:
If your license expires or is lost or stolen while out of state, update details on necessary documents, keep a written note of your new address, and contact the DMV for a replacement. For commercial drivers, maintaining a residence address in California is vital to retaining commercial license status.
Step-by-step explanation:
If your license expires or is lost or stolen while you are out of state, you should take immediate steps to address the situation. Firstly, if you are a California driver, enter the information as shown on the document, like a California driver license, ID card, or vehicle registration card, that requires an update. It is important to note that names not matching DMV records and/or unreadable information cannot be updated. Additionally, type or write your new address on a small piece of paper with your signature and date, and keep it with your driver license or ID card. Moreover, if you are a commercial licensed driver, you must maintain a California residence address, or your driver license will be downgraded to non-commercial status.
Generally speaking, you should contact the DMV of your home state to report a lost or stolen license and to inquire about the process for replacing a license while out-of-state. Most states have procedures for residents who are temporarily away, such as online applications or mail-in forms for obtaining a duplicate license. It is also a good idea to file a police report if your license has been stolen, to protect against identity theft.