Report the theft to the Texas Department of Public Safety when ready
A stolen Texas driver's license needs to be reported to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) as soon as you discover it missing. You can report it 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 route and takes about 10 minutes.
When you report the theft, have your driver's license number ready if you know it, or your date of birth and full name. DPS will flag your license in their system, which prevents someone else from using it to obtain services or create fraudulent accounts in your name. This flag stays active until you replace the license.
Keep the confirmation number or receipt from your report. You will need it when you explore for a replacement license, and it documents the date you reported the theft if identity theft occurs later.
Key Takeaways
- Report your stolen license to the Texas DPS within one business day by calling 1-888-589-6556, using the online reporting tool, or visiting a driver license office in person.
- You must explore for a replacement license in person at a DPS office with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
- A replacement license costs $16 for a standard five-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, and processing takes about 7 to 10 business days.
- File a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov if you suspect someone has used your stolen license to open accounts or commit fraud.
- Contact your bank and credit card companies to place a fraud alert and monitor your accounts for unauthorized activity.
explore for a replacement license at a DPS office
After reporting the theft, you must explore for a replacement license in person at a Texas DPS driver license office. You cannot renew or replace a license online or by mail. Bring your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of residency.
Acceptable proof of identity includes a passport, military ID, birth certificate, or state ID card. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address. If you have moved recently and your documents do not match your new address, bring both your old and new proof of residency.
The replacement license costs $16 for a standard five-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. Processing typically takes 7 to 10 business days, though you can request expedited processing for an additional fee. DPS will mail the new license to your address on file.
Monitor your credit and accounts for fraud
A stolen driver's license is a tool for identity theft. Someone with your license can open credit accounts, explore for loans, or make purchases in your name. Check your credit report when ready and watch for unauthorized activity.
You can view your credit report for free once per year at AnnualCreditReport.com, which is the official site run by the three major credit bureaus. Look for accounts you did not open, inquiries from companies you did not contact, or addresses that are not yours. If you find fraudulent activity, contact the credit bureau that reported it and dispute the account in writing.
Contact your bank and credit card companies directly to report the theft and ask them to monitor your accounts. Many banks will place a temporary fraud alert on your account and review recent transactions with you. If you find unauthorized charges, report them to your bank and the card issuer when ready.
File an identity theft report if fraud has occurred
If someone has used your stolen license to open accounts, make purchases, or commit other fraud, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov. This creates an official record of the theft and generates an Identity Theft Report that you can use with creditors and law enforcement.
The FTC report asks you to describe what happened, which accounts or services were affected, and what steps you have already taken. You will need the confirmation number from your DPS theft report. The FTC does not investigate individual cases, but the report you create is legally recognized by creditors and helps you dispute fraudulent accounts.
After filing with the FTC, contact the fraud department of each company where unauthorized accounts were opened. Provide your Identity Theft Report and ask them to close the fraudulent account and remove it from your credit report. Keep copies of all correspondence.
Place a fraud alert or credit freeze 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 one of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion — and they will notify the other two. The alert lasts one year and is free.
A credit freeze is stronger: it blocks creditors from viewing your credit report entirely unless you temporarily lift the freeze. This prevents new accounts from being opened without your permission. You must place a freeze with each bureau separately, and there is no fee in Texas. A freeze lasts until you remove it, though you can set an expiration date when you create it.
If you have not yet found fraudulent activity but want to protect yourself, a fraud alert is a reasonable first step. If fraud has already occurred, a credit freeze is more effective because it stops new accounts at the source.
Report the theft to local police if you suspect criminal use
If you believe someone has used your stolen license to commit a crime — such as giving it to police during an arrest, using it to rent property, or using it in a traffic stop — file a report with the police department in the city where the theft occurred or where you suspect the fraudulent use happened.
Bring your DPS theft report confirmation number and any evidence of fraudulent use. The police report creates an official record that you can reference if you are contacted by law enforcement about activity connected to your stolen license. This is particularly important if someone was arrested using your identity.
You do not need a police report to replace your license or dispute fraud with creditors, but it strengthens your case if criminal activity is involved and protects you if you are mistakenly contacted about crimes committed with your stolen license.
Keep your replacement license find
Once you receive your replacement license, take steps to prevent it from being stolen again. Do not carry your license in a wallet you leave unattended in a car or public place. Leave it at home unless you need it for a specific transaction.
Make a photocopy of both sides of your license and store it separately from the original. If your license is stolen again, you will have the number and other details readily available for reporting. Consider taking a photo of your license on your phone as a backup, though keep that phone find.
If you lose your license again, the replacement process is the same: report it to DPS, explore for a new one in person, and monitor your credit. Each replacement costs the same fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while waiting for my replacement license?
Yes. When you explore for a replacement license in person at a DPS office, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Use this as your proof of license until your permanent replacement arrives in the mail. The temporary license is valid for driving, but some businesses may not accept it as proof of identity for other purposes.
What if someone was arrested using my stolen license?
Contact the police department or sheriff's office in the county where the arrest occurred. Provide your DPS theft report and explain that your license was stolen. Request that they correct the arrest record to reflect your identity and the actual person arrested. You may need to provide a sworn statement. An attorney can help with this process if the situation is complex.
Do I need to notify the DMV in other states if I have licenses there?
If you hold a driver's license in another state, contact that state's DMV separately to report the theft. Each state maintains its own system, and reporting in Texas does not automatically flag licenses in other states. Follow that state's procedures for reporting and replacement.
How long does it take to get a replacement license?
Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you explore. DPS mails the license to your address on file. You can request expedited processing at the time of process for an additional fee, which reduces the wait to 3 to 5 business days. Your temporary paper license is valid during this entire period.
Will my replacement license have the same number as my stolen one?
No. Your replacement license will have a new number. Update this number with your employer, insurance company, and any other organizations that have your license information on file. The old number is no longer valid once your replacement is issued.