What to do when ready after your license is stolen

If your Texas driver's license has been stolen, you need to report it to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and then request a replacement. The DPS will flag your stolen license in their system so it cannot be used by someone else. You can report the theft and order your replacement license in the same transaction, either online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.

Do not wait to report a stolen license. The sooner you report it, the sooner the DPS marks it as invalid. This protects you if someone tries to use your license for identity theft or other crimes. You will receive a new license with a different number.

Reporting a stolen license does not cost extra — you only pay the standard replacement fee, which varies by license type and how long your current license is valid. As of now, a replacement license costs between $16 and $32 depending on your situation, though you should confirm the current fee when you begin the replacement process.

Key Takeaways

  • Report your stolen license to the Texas DPS at the same time you request a replacement; the DPS will issue you a new license number.
  • You can report the theft and order a replacement online through the DPS website, by mail with a completed form, or in person at any DPS office.
  • Bring or mail proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number; a police report is not required but can speed up the process.
  • Your replacement license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you order online or by mail, or you can receive it the same day if you visit a DPS office in person.
  • If your license was used fraudulently before you reported it stolen, contact the Texas Attorney General's identity theft unit and consider filing a police report for your records.

Report the theft online through the DPS website

The fastest way to report a stolen Texas license and order a replacement is through the DPS online system. Go to the Texas DPS website and select the option to report a lost or stolen license. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start.

During the online process, you will answer questions about when and where the license was stolen. The DPS does not require a police report, but if you have filed one, you can note the report number. After you complete the report, you will pay the replacement fee by credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to your Texas address within 7 to 10 business days.

Keep the confirmation number the DPS gives you. You will need it if you need to check on your replacement license or if you have questions about the theft report.

Report the theft by mail or in person

If you prefer not to report online, you can mail a completed form to the DPS. read the process for a Duplicate Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-44) from the DPS website. Fill out the form, check the box for "stolen," and mail it with a check or money order for the replacement fee to the DPS address listed on the form.

Include proof of your identity and proof of your current Texas address. A utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days works for proof of residency. Mail your packet to the DPS and expect your replacement license to arrive within 10 to 15 business days.

You can also walk into any DPS office in Texas and report the theft in person. Bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, and payment for the replacement fee. If you report in person, you can receive your replacement license the same day in most cases, though some offices may mail it to you instead. Call ahead to confirm what your local office offers.

What documents you need to bring or send

Whether you report online, by mail, or in person, the DPS will ask for the same core information. You must provide proof of your identity — a passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID. You must also show proof that you live in Texas, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days.

You will need your Social Security number. If you are reporting in person or by mail, bring your original documents or certified copies. The DPS will not accept photocopies of birth certificates or passports unless they are certified by the issuing agency.

A police report is not required to get a replacement license, but filing one creates a record of the theft. If you have a police report number, include it with your process. Some DPS offices prioritize cases with police reports, so it can speed up your replacement.

What happens if your stolen license was used fraudulently

If you discover that someone used your stolen license before you reported it — for example, they were stopped by police or made a purchase in your name — contact the Texas Attorney General's Identity Theft Unit. You can file a report online through their website or by phone. Having an official identity theft report on file protects you if creditors or law enforcement contact you about the fraudulent use.

You should also file a police report with the local police department in the city where the theft occurred. Give them the details of any fraudulent activity you discovered. Keep copies of both the police report and the identity theft report for your records.

If the fraudulent use involved credit cards, bank accounts, or other financial accounts, contact those institutions directly and place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). This step is separate from replacing your license but is important if identity theft is involved.

Timeline for receiving your replacement license

How fast you receive your replacement license depends on which method you choose. If you report the theft and order a replacement online through the DPS website, your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you mail in a completed form, allow 10 to 15 business days for processing and delivery.

If you visit a DPS office in person, you may receive your replacement license the same day, though some offices mail it instead. Call your local DPS office before you go to confirm whether they issue licenses on-site or if you will need to wait for mail delivery.

During the time you are waiting for your replacement, you can use your police report or your DPS confirmation number as proof that you reported the theft. Some businesses and government offices will accept this as temporary proof of identity while your new license is in transit.

What your new license will look like

Your replacement license will have a new license number — not the same number as your stolen license. This is intentional; the DPS issues a new number to prevent anyone from using the old stolen number. Your new license will have the same expiration date as your original license unless your original license was expiring soon.

If your original license was expiring within the next year, the DPS may issue you a replacement with a new expiration date. You will pay only the replacement fee, not a renewal fee, so you will not pay twice. The DPS will clarify the expiration date when you submit your replacement request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to file a police report to get a replacement license?

No. The Texas DPS does not require a police report to issue a replacement license for a stolen license. However, filing a police report creates an official record of the theft and can help if your license was used fraudulently. Some DPS offices may prioritize cases with police reports, so it can speed up processing.

Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my replacement?

Texas does not issue temporary paper licenses. However, you can use your DPS confirmation number or a police report as proof that you reported the theft. Some businesses will accept this as temporary proof of identity. Your best option is to report in person at a DPS office if you need a license when ready, since you may receive your replacement the same day.

What if I find my stolen license after I report it?

Once you report your license as stolen, the DPS marks it as invalid in their system. Even if you find it, you cannot use it. You must use your new replacement license instead. Destroy the old license or return it to the DPS to prevent misuse.

Will my new license have a different number?

Yes. When you report a license as stolen, the DPS issues you a completely new license number. Your old number is deactivated. This protects you by ensuring that no one can use your old license number for fraud or identity theft.

How much does a replacement license cost?

The cost of a replacement license in Texas varies based on your license type and how long your current license is valid. Replacement fees typically range from $16 to $32. You will see the exact fee when you begin your replacement request online, or you can call your local DPS office to confirm the current price.