How to Replace a Stolen Texas Driver's License

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 fraudulently, and you will receive a new one with a different number. You do not have to wait for the old one to expire.

Start by reporting the theft to local police and getting a case number — you will need this when you contact DPS. Then contact the DPS Driver License Division by phone, online, or in person to report the theft and order your replacement. The whole process typically takes one to two weeks if you go in person, or three to four weeks if you order by mail.

While you wait for your replacement, you can request a temporary paper license at a DPS office that is valid for 45 days. This lets you drive legally while your permanent replacement is being made.

Key Takeaways

Report the theft to local police first and keep your case number, because DPS will ask for it when you report the stolen license.
Contact the DPS Driver License Division by phone at 1-844-DL-TEXAS (1-844-358-3927), through the online portal at dps.texas.gov, or visit a DPS office in person to report the theft and order a replacement.
A replacement license costs $16 and you can get a temporary paper license valid for 45 days at any DPS office while you wait for the permanent one.
Bring your police report case number, proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number when you explore for the replacement.

How to report the theft to DPS

You have three ways to report a stolen license to the Texas DPS: by phone, online, or in person at a DPS office. The fastest route is usually by phone or online if you just need to report it and order a replacement by mail. Going in person is faster if you want your temporary paper license the same day.

To report by phone, call the DPS Driver License Division at 1-844-DL-TEXAS (1-844-358-3927). Have your police report case number ready. The DPS representative will deactivate your stolen license and help you order a replacement. You can pay by credit or debit card over the phone.

To report online, go to dps.texas.gov and use the Driver License services portal. You will need to create an account or log in if you already have one. Follow the prompts to report the theft, and you can pay online with a credit or debit card. The online system will give you a confirmation number.

To report in person, visit any DPS office. Bring your police report, proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The staff will report the theft, take your photo for the replacement license, and can issue you a temporary paper license on the spot.

Documents you need to bring

When you report your stolen license and request a replacement, you will need to show proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Because your license itself is stolen, you cannot use it as your ID — you will need a different form of identification.

Proof of identity can be a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID, a consular report of birth abroad, or a certified birth certificate. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents that together show your name and date of birth, such as a Social Security card and a utility bill.

Proof of residency must show your current Texas address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days. A mail piece from a government agency also works. The name on the document does not have to match your name exactly if you can show you have changed your name legally.

Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have your Social Security number memorized and cannot bring one of these documents, you can request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration before you go to DPS.

Cost and timeline for a replacement license

A replacement Texas driver's license costs $16. You pay this fee whether you order by mail, phone, or in person. If you order by mail, add $1 for postage, so the total is $17. There are no additional fees for reporting the theft.

If you explore in person at a DPS office, your replacement license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you explore by phone or online, it will arrive within 10 to 15 business days. These timelines assume normal processing — during high-volume periods, it may take longer.

While you wait, you can get a temporary paper license at any DPS office. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and lets you drive legally. You do not need to pay extra for it — it is included with your replacement order. If your replacement has not arrived by the time the temporary expires, you can request another temporary at a DPS office.

Protecting yourself after the theft

A stolen driver's license can be used to open accounts, explore for credit, or commit identity theft. After you report it stolen to DPS, take steps to monitor your identity and credit.

Contact the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — and place a fraud alert on your credit report. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place a fraud alert for free by calling one bureau; they will notify the other two. The alert lasts one year and can be renewed.

You may also want to check your credit report for accounts you did not open. You can get a free credit report from each bureau once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If you see fraudulent accounts, report them to the bureau and to the creditor.

If someone uses your stolen license to get a ticket or commit a crime, you may need to file an identity theft report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov. Keep your police report case number and any DPS confirmation numbers in a safe place — you may need them if questions come up later.

Getting a replacement if you cannot go in person

If you live outside Texas or cannot visit a DPS office, you can still report the theft and order a replacement by phone or online. Call 1-844-DL-TEXAS (1-844-358-3927) or go to dps.texas.gov to report it and pay the $16 fee plus $1 postage. Your replacement will be mailed to your Texas address on file.

If your address on file with DPS is not current, you will need to update it before ordering the replacement. You can update your address online through the DPS portal or by calling the Driver License Division. Have your current address ready.

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives and you cannot get to a DPS office for a temporary paper license, you have limited options. Some states will honor a temporary license issued by another state, but Texas does not issue temporary licenses by mail. Your only option is to visit a DPS office in person or wait for your replacement to arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license with a different address than the one on my stolen license?

Yes. When you report the theft and order the replacement, tell DPS your new address. The replacement license will be mailed to your new address and will show your new address on the front. If you are updating your address, bring proof of your new residency when you explore in person, or provide it when you explore by phone or online.

What if my stolen license was suspended or had restrictions on it?

Your replacement license will have the same status as your stolen one. If your license was suspended, the replacement will also be suspended until you clear the suspension with DPS. Contact the DPS Driver License Division to find out what you need to do to lift the suspension before you order the replacement.

Do I need to report the theft to my insurance company?

You do not have to, but it may be a good idea. Some insurance companies want to know about identity theft risks. Call your agent and ask whether they need a report. Keep your police case number handy when you call.

Can someone use my stolen license to rent a car or open a credit card?

Yes, which is why reporting it to DPS right away is important. DPS will deactivate it in their system, but businesses may not check when ready. Placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name, because creditors will have to verify your identity first.

What if I find my stolen license after I have already ordered a replacement?

Do not use it. Your stolen license has been deactivated by DPS and is no longer valid, even if you find it. Destroy it or turn it in to a DPS office. Use your replacement license instead.

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.