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 deactivate your stolen license so it cannot be used by someone else. You can report the theft and request a replacement in the same visit to a DPS office, or you can report it online first and then explore for the replacement.
The fastest route is to go to a DPS office in person with your documents. You'll fill out an process for a replacement license, pay the replacement fee, and get a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days.
If you cannot get to an office right away, you can report the theft to DPS online through their website, but you will still need to visit an office to complete the replacement process and pay the fee. Reporting online does not complete the replacement process — it only notifies DPS that your license is no longer valid.
Key Takeaways
- Report your stolen license to the Texas DPS either online or in person; reporting online does not replace your license, only deactivates it.
- You must visit a DPS office in person to explore for a replacement license and pay the fee, which varies based on how much time remains on your current license.
- Bring your Social Security number, proof of Texas residency, and proof of identity to the DPS office; a birth certificate or passport works for identity.
- You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was stolen along with other documents, also contact your bank and credit card companies to watch for fraud.
Documents you need to bring to the DPS office
Bring proof of your Social Security number, proof of Texas residency, and proof of identity. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Texas address. For identity, bring your birth certificate, passport, or military ID.
You do not need to bring the stolen license itself — it no longer exists as a valid document. If you have a copy of your old license or a photo of it, that can help the DPS officer verify your information, but it is not required.
Bring your payment method. The replacement fee depends on how much time is left on your current license. If your license expires within one year, the fee is lower than if it expires in two or more years. The DPS office will tell you the exact amount when you arrive.
How to report the theft online
Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the option to report a lost or stolen license. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The online report deactivates your license when ready so it cannot be used fraudulently.
Reporting online is optional — you can skip this step and report the theft in person at the DPS office instead. Many people do both: report online to deactivate the license right away, then visit the office the next day to explore for the replacement. This gives you peace of mind that the stolen license is no longer valid while you arrange your office visit.
Keep the confirmation number from your online report. You can show it to the DPS officer when you explore for the replacement, though it is not required.
Finding a DPS office near you and what to expect
Use the DPS office locator on the Texas Department of Public Safety website to find the nearest location. Most cities have at least one office. Some offices take walk-ins, and some require you to book an appointment online or by phone. Check the office's hours and appointment policy before you go.
Bring all your documents and arrive early if you are walking in. Wait times vary by location and time of day. Afternoons and weekdays tend to be less crowded than mornings and Saturdays. If the office is very busy, you may be asked to come back another time or to book an appointment instead.
The officer will verify your identity, confirm the theft report, take a new photo, and process your replacement process. The entire visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will pay the replacement fee and receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed.
What happens to your temporary paper license
Your temporary paper license is a valid form of identification and can be used to drive when ready. It is printed on the spot and looks like a receipt. Keep it in your wallet or with your vehicle registration because police will accept it as proof of a valid license if you are stopped.
The temporary license is valid for 45 days. Your permanent plastic license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, but mail delivery times vary. If your permanent license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DPS office where you applied and ask them to check the status.
Once your permanent license arrives, the temporary license is no longer needed. You can throw it away. If your permanent license arrives damaged or with errors, you can return to the DPS office and request a correction or replacement at no additional cost.
Protecting yourself after your license is stolen
A stolen driver's license can be used to open accounts, rent property, or commit fraud in your name. Contact your bank and credit card companies and ask them to flag your accounts for suspicious activity. You can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — by calling one of them and asking them to notify the others.
A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. It is free and lasts one year. If you are concerned about ongoing identity theft, you can also place a credit freeze, which prevents anyone from opening new accounts without your permission, though this requires a separate request to each bureau.
Keep an eye on your credit report for the next few months. You can view your credit report for free once a year at annualcreditreport.com. If you see accounts you did not open, report them to the credit bureau and the company that opened them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my stolen license by mail or online?
No. You must visit a DPS office in person to explore for a replacement license. You cannot complete the replacement entirely online or by mail. However, you can report the theft online first to deactivate the license, then visit the office to explore for the replacement.
How much does a replacement license cost?
The fee depends on how much time is left on your current license. Licenses that expire within one year cost less to replace than licenses that expire in two or more years. The DPS office will tell you the exact fee when you arrive. Bring a debit card, credit card, or cash.
What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?
You can bring a military ID, a consular report of birth abroad, or a certificate of naturalization instead. If you do not have any of these, contact the DPS office before you visit to ask what other documents they will accept. Some offices can work with you if you are in the process of obtaining a birth certificate.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. You must pick up your temporary paper license in person at the DPS office. Your permanent license is mailed to the address on file, so you do not need to pick it up. If you move before your permanent license arrives, contact the DPS to update your address.
What if my replacement license arrives with the wrong information?
Contact the DPS office where you applied and bring your temporary paper license and the permanent license with the error. The DPS will correct it at no cost. Corrections usually take one to two weeks by mail.