How to Report a Lost Driver's License in Texas

Report your lost license to the Texas Department of Public Safety, not to local police

When your Texas driver's license goes missing, you report it directly to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), not to your local police department. DPS handles all lost, stolen, and damaged license reports. You can report the loss online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Online reporting is fastest — you can do it the same day you notice it's gone.

Reporting matters because it flags your license number in the system. If someone finds your license and tries to use it, DPS will know it was reported lost. This protects you from identity misuse and makes it harder for someone else to present your license as their own. It also creates an official record that you no longer have the license, which matters if questions come up later about traffic tickets or other incidents.

You do not need to file a police report unless you believe your license was stolen as part of a larger crime — for example, if your wallet was taken. For a straightforward lost license, DPS reporting is sufficient.

Key Takeaways

Report a lost Texas driver's license to the Texas Department of Public Safety online at dps.texas.gov, by phone at 1-844-DPS-TXDL, or in person at any DPS office.
Online reporting takes minutes and is the fastest way to flag your license number in the system the same day you discover it missing.
You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to report online.
After reporting, you must order a replacement license through DPS; reporting the loss does not automatically issue a new one.
A replacement license costs $16 for a standard five-year license or $32 for an eight-year license in Texas.

Report online through the Texas DPS website

The fastest way to report a lost license is through the Texas DPS website at dps.texas.gov. Look for the "Driver License" section and select "Report 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 form takes about five minutes to complete.

After you submit the online report, DPS sends you a confirmation email. This email is not your replacement license — it is proof that you reported the loss. Keep this email until your replacement arrives. The online report is processed when ready, so your license number is flagged in the system right away.

If you do not have your license number memorized, you can look it up on your DPS record if you have an online account, or you can call DPS at 1-844-DPS-TXDL and provide your name and date of birth to get the number.

Report by phone or in person if you cannot use the website

If you cannot report online, call the DPS Driver License Division at 1-844-DPS-TXDL (1-844-377-8935). Have your license number, date of birth, and Social Security number ready. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. Wait times vary, especially on Mondays and Fridays.

You can also walk into any Texas DPS office in person to report the loss. Bring your identification — a passport, birth certificate, or another government ID works. DPS will file the report on the spot. In-person reporting is useful if you are already at a DPS office to order your replacement license, because you can do both in one visit.

Order your replacement license after reporting the loss

Reporting a lost license and ordering a replacement are two separate steps. After you report the loss, you must then order a new license through DPS. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.

The easiest method is to order online at dps.texas.gov. You will create or log into your DPS account, answer security questions, and pay the replacement fee. A standard five-year license costs $16; an eight-year license costs $32. You can pay by credit card or debit card. After you order, DPS mails your new license to the address on file — usually within 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer during busy periods.

If you need a license faster, you can visit a DPS office in person and request expedited processing. Some offices can issue a temporary paper license on the spot while your permanent card is being printed. Ask about this option when you arrive.

What to do if your license was stolen, not just lost

If you believe your license was stolen — for example, it was taken from your car, home, or wallet during a theft — you have the option to file a police report in addition to reporting to DPS. A police report creates an official record that a crime occurred and can protect you if the stolen license is used fraudulently.

Contact your local police department's non-emergency line to file a report. Bring any details you have: when and where you last saw the license, whether other items were stolen with it, and any information about who might have taken it. The police report number can be useful if you later discover fraudulent activity linked to your license number.

Even if you file a police report, you still need to report the loss to DPS and order a replacement. The police report and the DPS report serve different purposes — one documents a crime, the other flags your license in the state system.

Protect yourself while waiting for your replacement

Between the time you report your license lost and when your replacement arrives, you are without a valid Texas driver's license. If you are stopped by police, explain that you reported it lost and show the DPS confirmation email on your phone. Most officers will accept this as proof that you reported the loss, though they may still issue a citation if you cannot produce a valid license.

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives and you are concerned about being stopped, visit a DPS office and ask about a temporary paper license. Not all offices issue these, but many do. A temporary license is valid for 30 to 45 days and gives you legal proof of licensure while your permanent card is being mailed.

Monitor your credit and bank accounts for the next few months. If someone uses your lost license to open accounts or commit fraud in your name, early detection makes it easier to dispute. You can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them — the alert will be shared across all three.

Timeline and what to expect

Reporting a lost license online takes about 5 minutes and is processed when ready. Ordering a replacement online also takes about 10 minutes. The replacement license itself is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days under normal circumstances, though delays can extend this to 2 to 3 weeks during peak periods.

If you visit a DPS office in person, you can report the loss and order a replacement in one visit, usually within 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is. If you request expedited processing, some offices will print your new license on the spot or within a few days.

The total cost is $16 for a five-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. There is no additional fee for reporting the loss itself — you only pay for the replacement card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a police report to report my license lost to DPS?

No. You report a lost license directly to DPS, not through police. A police report is only necessary if you believe your license was stolen as part of a crime, such as a wallet theft or car break-in. For a straightforward lost license, DPS reporting alone is sufficient.

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

Some Texas DPS offices issue temporary paper licenses valid for 30 to 45 days. Call your local DPS office or visit in person to ask whether they offer this. If they do, bring your identification and be prepared to pay the replacement fee. Not all offices provide temporary licenses, so confirm before making the trip.

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

Once you report a license lost, it is flagged in the DPS system and cannot be used legally, even if you find it. You must use the replacement license that DPS mails to you. If you find the original, you can destroy it or return it to DPS, but do not attempt to use it.

How long does it take to get a replacement license in the mail?

Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days. During busy periods, it can take 2 to 3 weeks. If you need a license faster, visit a DPS office in person and ask about expedited processing or a temporary paper license.

Can I report my license lost if I am out of state?

Yes. You can report your lost Texas license online at dps.texas.gov from anywhere, or call 1-844-DPS-TXDL. You can also order a replacement online and have it mailed to any address. If you are moving out of state, you may want to update your address with DPS before ordering the replacement.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.