Report your lost license to the Texas Department of Public Safety

To report a lost driver's license in Texas, you contact the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and request a replacement. You do not need to file a separate police report unless your license was stolen — a lost license just needs to be replaced through DPS. The fastest way is to visit a DPS driver license office in person with your documents, though you can also start the process online or by mail.

The reason you report it matters slightly. If your license was lost, you straightforward request a replacement. If it was stolen, you can report the theft to local police at the same time, which creates a record in case someone tries to use your license fraudulently. Either way, DPS will deactivate your old license number so it cannot be used.

Key Takeaways

  • You report a lost Texas driver's license directly to the Texas Department of Public Safety, not to police, unless the license was stolen.
  • The fastest option is to visit a DPS driver license office in person with your ID documents and pay the replacement fee.
  • You can also request a replacement online through the DPS website or by mail, though these routes take longer.
  • Your old license number is deactivated when ready once DPS processes your report, so it cannot be used fraudulently.
  • A replacement license costs the same as a regular renewal and is valid for the same length of time as your original would have been.

What documents you need to bring to a DPS office

When you visit a DPS driver license office to report your lost license and request a replacement, bring one form of primary identification and one form of secondary identification. Primary ID includes a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID from another state. Secondary ID includes a Social Security card, birth certificate, or utility bill in your name.

You will also need to bring proof of your Texas residency — a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement with your current address. If your address has changed since your original license was issued, bring the document that shows the new address.

Bring your Social Security number written down or memorized. You do not need to bring the physical card, but DPS will ask for the number during the replacement process.

In-person replacement at a DPS office

Walking into a DPS driver license office is the quickest way to get a replacement. You will fill out Form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License), show your documents, have your photo taken, and pay the replacement fee. Most offices can process your replacement the same day, though you may need to wait for your appointment or your turn in line.

The replacement fee varies depending on how long your original license was valid for. If your license had several years remaining, your replacement will cost less than a full renewal. If it was expiring soon, you may pay more to renew it for a full term. DPS will calculate the exact fee based on your original expiration date.

You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 45 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you. Your permanent replacement license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days in most cases.

Online replacement through the DPS website

You can start a replacement request on the Texas DPS website without visiting an office. Go to the DPS Driver License Services page and select the option to report a lost or stolen license. You will answer questions about your original license, provide your contact information, and upload photos of your ID documents.

The online process does not issue you a temporary license, so you will be without a valid driver's license until your replacement arrives by mail. This route takes longer overall — typically 2 to 3 weeks from submission to delivery — because DPS still needs to verify your documents and process your request before printing and mailing your new card.

You will still pay the replacement fee, which DPS will charge to a credit or debit card during the online process. Use the online option only if you cannot visit an office and do not need to drive before your replacement arrives.

Replacement by mail

You can also request a replacement by mail by printing Form DL-43 from the DPS website, filling it out, and mailing it with copies of your documents to the DPS address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for the replacement fee — do not send cash.

Mail-in replacement is the slowest option and typically takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time DPS receives your envelope. You will not receive a temporary license, so you cannot drive legally during this time. Use this option only if you have no access to a DPS office and do not need to drive soon.

What happens if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost, you can file a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office at the same time you report it to DPS. The police report creates an official record that your license was taken without your permission, which protects you if someone tries to use it fraudulently.

You do not have to file a police report to get your license replaced — DPS will process your replacement either way. But if you suspect your license might be used for identity theft or fraud, a police report gives you documentation to show banks, creditors, or other agencies if problems arise later.

Whether you file a police report or not, DPS will deactivate your old license number as soon as it processes your replacement request. This prevents anyone from using your old license as valid ID.

Driving without your replacement while it arrives

If you visit a DPS office in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. This temporary license is legal to carry and use while you wait for your plastic card to arrive by mail. You can drive, show it to police, and use it for any purpose your regular license serves.

If you request a replacement online or by mail, you do not receive a temporary license. You cannot drive legally until your replacement arrives. If you need to drive before then, you have two options: visit a DPS office in person to get the temporary license, or wait for your replacement to arrive by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license the same day I report it lost?

Yes, if you visit a DPS driver license office in person. You will fill out the form, provide your documents, have your photo taken, and receive a temporary paper license on the spot that day. Your permanent plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Online and mail-in replacements take much longer.

Do I have to report my lost license to the police?

No. You report it to the Texas Department of Public Safety to get a replacement. You only need to file a police report if your license was stolen and you want an official record of the theft, which can help if someone tries to use it fraudulently.

How much does a replacement license cost?

The cost depends on how much time was left on your original license. DPS calculates a prorated fee based on your original expiration date. There is no separate "lost license" fee — you pay the same amount as you would for a renewal of the remaining time. Exact amounts vary, so ask DPS when you explore.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still request a replacement from Texas DPS online or by mail without being in Texas. You can also visit any DPS driver license office when you return to Texas. If you need to drive before then, contact your current state's DMV about a temporary license or replacement options.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. When your replacement arrives by mail, it goes to the address on file with DPS. You must sign for it or pick it up yourself. If your mailing address has changed, update it with DPS before you request the replacement so the card goes to the correct location.