Report the theft to the Texas Department of Public Safety when ready
When your driver's license is stolen in Texas, your first step is to report it to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). You can file a report online through the DPS website, by phone at 1-888-589-6556, or in person at any DPS driver license office. The online report is the fastest option and generates a confirmation number you should save.
Reporting the theft creates an official record that protects you if someone uses your license fraudulently. DPS will flag your license number in their system, which means if someone tries to use it at a traffic stop or to obtain services, law enforcement will see the theft report. This record also helps you later if you need to dispute charges or identity theft claims.
You do not need to wait to file a police report before contacting DPS. The two processes run separately, and DPS can act on your report the same day you make it. However, you should file both reports — the DPS report and a police report — because they serve different purposes and both create documentation you may need.
File a police report with your local law enforcement agency
After reporting to DPS, contact your local police department or sheriff's office to file a theft report. In most Texas cities, you can file online through the police department's website, by phone, or in person at the station. Some departments allow online filing for identity theft and document theft specifically.
The police report creates a separate record that documents when and where you discovered the theft. This report is important if your stolen license is later used to commit fraud or if someone uses it to open accounts in your name. You will need the police report number when you contact credit bureaus or dispute fraudulent charges.
Keep the report number and a copy of the police report itself. You may need to show it to banks, credit card companies, or other institutions if fraudulent activity occurs later. Some police departments email the report to you; others require you to pick it up in person or request it by mail.
Key Takeaways
- Report your stolen license to the Texas DPS by phone, online, or in person within the same day you discover the theft.
- File a separate police report with your local law enforcement agency to create a second official record of the theft.
- Request a replacement license from DPS once you have filed both reports and have your confirmation numbers.
- Monitor your credit and financial accounts for fraudulent activity, and place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus if you suspect identity theft.
- A stolen license can be used to obtain credit or services in your name, so act quickly to prevent further damage.
Request a replacement license from the Texas DPS
Once you have reported the theft, you can request a replacement license from DPS. You will need to visit a DPS driver license office in person with your confirmation number from the DPS theft report, a valid form of identification (such as a passport or birth certificate), and proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease).
Bring the police report number as well, even though it is not required. Having it on hand speeds up the process and shows that you have taken the theft seriously. The replacement license will have a new number, which means your old stolen license number will no longer be valid for any transactions.
The replacement license fee in Texas is the standard renewal fee, which varies depending on your license type and how long you want it to be valid. DPS will issue the new license on the spot or mail it to you within a few business days, depending on the office and the type of license you hold.
Monitor your credit and financial accounts for fraud
A stolen driver's license can be used to open credit accounts, make purchases, or commit identity theft. Start monitoring your credit reports and bank accounts when ready. You can check your credit reports for free once per year at annualcreditreport.com, which is the official site run by the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
Look for accounts you did not open, inquiries from creditors you did not contact, and charges on your statements that you did not make. If you find fraudulent activity, contact the creditor or bank when ready and report the fraud. Most financial institutions have fraud departments that can reverse unauthorized charges and close fraudulent accounts.
Consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus. 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.
Understand how a stolen license can be misused
A stolen Texas driver's license is valuable to someone committing fraud because it contains your name, address, date of birth, and license number — all the information needed to open credit accounts or pose as you in transactions. Thieves may use it to rent apartments, obtain utilities, or make large purchases in your name.
A stolen license can also be used at traffic stops or by law enforcement, which means you could face confusion or delays if you are pulled over and your license is flagged as stolen. This is why reporting the theft to DPS quickly is important — it prevents someone else from using your license at a traffic stop and creates a record that protects you.
In some cases, a stolen license is used to commit crimes. If you discover that your license was used to commit a crime or was involved in a traffic incident you did not cause, contact the police department that handled the incident and provide your police report number and DPS confirmation number. This documentation proves you were not the person involved.
What to do if your license is used fraudulently
If you discover that your stolen license was used to open accounts, make purchases, or commit fraud in your name, take action when ready. Contact the creditor or business where the fraud occurred and report it. Most companies have fraud departments that can reverse charges and close fraudulent accounts quickly.
File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at identitytheft.gov. The FTC maintains a database of identity theft reports and provides you with a recovery plan tailored to your situation. The report you file with the FTC can be used as evidence when disputing fraudulent accounts with creditors.
Send written notice to each creditor or business involved, including copies of your police report and DPS confirmation number. Keep records of every communication — dates, names of people you spoke with, and what was discussed. This documentation protects you if disputes arise later and helps you prove you reported the fraud promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I report my stolen license online to the Texas DPS?
Yes. The Texas DPS website allows you to report a stolen license online, and you will receive a confirmation number when ready. You can also call 1-888-589-6556 or visit a DPS driver license office in person. The online option is fastest if you need to act quickly.
What if someone uses my stolen license to get a traffic ticket?
If a traffic ticket is issued under your stolen license number, contact the court listed on the ticket and provide your DPS theft report confirmation number and police report number. The court can verify that your license was stolen and dismiss the ticket. Keep copies of all your reports with you when you contact the court.
Do I have to file a police report if I already reported to DPS?
The DPS report and police report serve different purposes. The DPS report flags your license in their system, while the police report creates a separate record of the theft. Filing both protects you more completely, especially if fraudulent activity occurs later. Most creditors and financial institutions ask for the police report number.
How long does it take to get a replacement license in Texas?
DPS can issue a replacement license on the spot at most driver license offices, or mail it to you within a few business days. The exact timeline depends on which office you visit and how busy they are. Call ahead to ask about wait times at your local office.
Should I place a fraud alert if my license is stolen?
A fraud alert is worth considering if you are concerned about identity theft. It is free, lasts one year, and tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts. You can place one by calling any of the three credit bureaus. It does not prevent fraud, but it makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name without your knowledge.