Get a replacement at any Texas DPS office within one business day
If your driver's license was stolen, you can get a replacement at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. You do not need to wait for a new license to arrive by mail — you can walk out with a temporary paper license the same day, and the permanent card arrives within 7 to 10 business days. The process is faster than a renewal because you are not taking a new photo or retesting; you are straightforward replacing the card you already had.
The cost is $11 for a replacement license (different from a renewal). You will need to bring proof of identity and proof of your Social Security number. If your license was stolen as part of a larger theft — your wallet, for example — you may want to report the theft to police first, though it is not required to get the replacement.
Key Takeaways
- Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your SSN, plus one form of ID like a passport or birth certificate, to any DPS office.
- You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and can drive when ready while the permanent card is printed.
- The permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you do not need to return the temporary one.
- The replacement fee is $11, and you do not need a police report unless you want one for insurance or fraud reasons.
- If your address has changed since your last license, bring proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement).
What documents to bring to the DPS office
You need two things: proof of identity and proof of your Social Security number. For identity, bring one of these: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a state ID card, a military ID, or a tribal ID. A photo is not required if you are bringing a passport or military ID. If you are bringing a birth certificate or tribal ID, you will also need a second form of ID — a credit card, bank statement, or utility bill with your name on it.
For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card itself, or a document that shows it: a W-2, a 1099 form, a tax return, a bank statement, or a paystub. If you do not have your card and cannot find a document with the number, you can contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card, but that adds time to the process.
If your address has changed since your last license was issued, bring proof of your current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from them confirming you live there, plus the bill.
Where to go and what to expect at the office
Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website under "Driver License Offices." Most cities have at least one; larger cities have several. You do not need an appointment — walk-ins are accepted, though wait times vary. Early morning or mid-week visits are usually faster than late afternoon or Friday.
When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. Tell the clerk your license was stolen. They will look up your existing license record, verify your identity and Social Security number, and ask you to confirm your address and any other information on file. If everything matches, they will take a new photo (using the same one from your last license if you do not want a new photo taken) and print your temporary paper license on the spot.
The temporary license is valid for 45 days and works everywhere a regular license does — you can drive, use it as ID, and show it to police. Keep it with you until your permanent card arrives. The permanent card will be mailed to the address on file, so make sure the clerk has your correct mailing address before you leave.
If you want a police report for insurance or fraud claims
A police report is not required to get your replacement license, but you may want one if the theft was part of identity theft or if you are filing an insurance claim. You can file a report with the police department in the city where the theft occurred, either in person or online. Some departments allow online filing for theft reports; others require you to call or visit in person.
If you suspect identity theft — for example, if accounts were opened in your name or if the theft included other documents like your Social Security card — file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov. This creates an official record and gives you a recovery plan. You can also place a fraud alert on your credit report by contacting one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion).
What happens after you leave the office
Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The mail date starts from the day the DPS office processes your replacement, not the day you visit. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the DPS office where you applied and give them your license number or date of birth so they can check the status.
Once the permanent card arrives, the temporary paper license is no longer needed — you can throw it away. You do not have to return it. If the permanent card never arrives or arrives damaged, you can go back to any DPS office and request another replacement at no additional cost within 30 days of your first replacement.
If your license was stolen out of state
If you were traveling and your license was stolen outside Texas, you can still get a replacement at any Texas DPS office when you return home. Bring the same documents listed above. If you need to drive before returning to Texas, contact the DPS office in the state where the theft occurred — most states issue temporary licenses for stolen IDs.
Some states allow you to request a replacement by mail or online if you are a resident. Since you are a Texas resident, you will need to return to Texas to get your replacement, but the process is the same and takes the same amount of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement license if I do not have my Social Security card?
Yes. Bring any document showing your Social Security number: a W-2, tax return, paystub, or bank statement. If you have none of these, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card, which takes about two weeks. You can still get your driver's license replacement while waiting for the SSN card to arrive.
Do I need a police report to get my license replaced?
No. A police report is optional and not required by the DPS. File one only if you want an official record for insurance purposes or if you suspect identity theft. You can get your replacement license the same day without a report.
What if my address changed and I do not have a utility bill?
Bring any document dated within the last 60 days showing your current address: a lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance bill, or government mail. If nothing is in your name, bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus the bill itself.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. You must appear in person at the DPS office to explore for the replacement. The office will not mail the temporary license or accept an process from someone else on your behalf.
What if I move before my permanent license arrives?
Contact the DPS office where you applied and give them your new address. They can update your mailing address in the system before the card ships. If the card arrives at your old address, contact the DPS and they can reissue it to your new address at no cost.