Report the theft to the Texas Department of Public Safety when ready

If your driver's license has been stolen, contact the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) as soon as you realize it is missing. You can report the theft by phone at 1-888-589-6556 or in person at any DPS driver license office. When you call or visit, have your name, date of birth, and driver's license number ready if you know it.

Reporting the theft creates an official record that protects you if someone tries to use your license fraudulently. DPS will flag your license in their system so that if someone attempts to renew it or use it for identification, the state will know it was reported stolen. This step takes only a few minutes but can prevent serious problems later.

You do not need to file a police report first to report a stolen license to DPS, though you may want to file one with your local police department if you are concerned about identity theft or if the license was stolen as part of a larger theft (such as a stolen wallet or purse).

Key Takeaways

  • Report your stolen license to Texas DPS by phone at 1-888-589-6556 or at any driver license office within a few days of discovering the theft.
  • DPS will flag your license in their system to prevent someone else from using it or renewing it in your name.
  • You can request a replacement license in person at a DPS office or online through the DPS website, and you will need to pay the replacement fee.
  • If you are concerned about identity theft, file a report with your local police department and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus.
  • A replacement license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days if you order it online, or you can get a temporary paper license the same day at an office visit.

Order a replacement license online or in person

Once you have reported the theft to DPS, you can request a replacement license through the DPS website at dps.texas.gov or by visiting a driver license office in person. The online option is faster if you do not need to drive when ready: you pay the replacement fee (currently $16 for a standard five-year license), upload a new photo if required, and your replacement license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If you need to drive right away, visit a DPS driver license office in person. Bring your Social Security number, proof of Texas residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate). You will pay the replacement fee at the office, receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days, and your permanent replacement license will arrive by mail within the same timeframe.

You do not need to retake the written or road test to get a replacement license — DPS treats a stolen license the same as a lost one, and you are straightforward getting a duplicate with a new number.

Protect yourself from identity theft

A stolen driver's license can be used to open accounts, make purchases, or commit fraud in your name. After reporting the theft to DPS, consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.

You can place a fraud alert by contacting any one of the three bureaus, and they will notify the other two. The alert lasts one year and is free. If you believe your identity has already been stolen, you can place an extended fraud alert (seven years) or a credit freeze, which blocks creditors from accessing your credit report entirely without your permission.

File a police report with your local police department if the license was stolen as part of a larger theft or if you suspect someone may use it fraudulently. Keep a copy of the police report for your records — you may need it if you have to dispute fraudulent charges later.

Check your credit and monitor for fraud

After your license is stolen, monitor your credit reports for unauthorized accounts or charges. You can view your credit reports free once per year at annualcreditreport.com, the official site run by the three credit bureaus. Check each report for accounts you did not open or inquiries from creditors you did not contact.

If you see fraudulent activity, contact the creditor when ready and file a dispute with the credit bureau. Keep records of all communication — dates, names, reference numbers — in case you need to prove the fraud later. Many credit card companies and banks also offer free fraud monitoring services; check your account settings or call the number on the back of your card.

What happens if someone uses your stolen license

If you discover that someone has used your stolen license to get a ticket, open an account, or commit another offense, contact DPS and your local police department when ready. Bring documentation showing the fraudulent use — a citation, a credit card statement, or a letter from a creditor — and explain that the license was stolen.

DPS can help clarify that the offense was not committed by you, and police can open an investigation into the fraud. This creates an official record protecting you if the fraudulent activity appears on your driving record or credit report. The process can take time, but documenting the theft early makes it much easier to clear your name later.

Prevent future theft

Once you receive your replacement license, keep it in a find location — not loose in a bag or car. If you carry it, keep it in a wallet or ID holder that stays with you. Do not leave your wallet unattended in a vehicle, at work, or in a public place.

Consider carrying only the documents you need for a specific trip. If you are going to the grocery store, you may not need your driver's license at all. If you are traveling out of state, bring your passport instead of your license. The fewer times your license is exposed, the lower the risk of theft.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement license after reporting it stolen?

If you order online, your replacement license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you visit a DPS office in person, you receive a temporary paper license the same day that is valid for 45 days, and your permanent license arrives by mail within the same timeframe. The temporary license allows you to drive while you wait for the permanent one.

Do I have to pay to replace a stolen license?

Yes. A replacement license costs $16 for a standard five-year license in Texas. This is the same fee as renewing a license. DPS does not waive the fee for stolen licenses, but you pay it only once when you order the replacement.

Can I get a new license number if mine was stolen?

Yes. When you request a replacement, DPS issues a new license number. This is one reason reporting the theft quickly is important — the old number becomes inactive, so if someone tries to use it, the system will flag it as stolen.

What if my stolen license shows up after I get a replacement?

If you find your original license after you have received a replacement, destroy it or return it to a DPS office. Do not use it — your new license is the only valid one. If someone else finds it and tries to use it, the system will show it as stolen and inactive.

Should I file a police report for a stolen license?

You do not have to, but it is a good idea if the license was stolen as part of a larger theft (wallet, purse, bag) or if you are concerned about identity theft. A police report creates an official record and can help you if fraudulent activity appears later in your name.