What to Do When You Lose Your Texas Driver's License

Report the loss to Texas DPS and request a replacement

When you lose your Texas driver's license, you need to report it to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and request a replacement document. You can do this in person at any DPS driver license office, by mail, or online through the DPS website. The fastest route is usually online or in person, since mail processing takes longer.

To report the loss online, go to the Texas DPS website, select "Driver License Services," and look for the option to report a lost or stolen license. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and driver's license number if you remember it. If you report online, you can pay the replacement fee (currently $11 for a standard license) and have the new one mailed to your address on file, or you can choose to pick it up in person at a DPS office.

If you go to a DPS office in person, bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, a document proving your current address (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment for the replacement fee. You will take a new photo and receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 45 days while you wait for the plastic card to arrive by mail.

Key Takeaways

Report your lost license to Texas DPS online, by mail, or in person at a DPS driver license office as soon as you realize it is missing.
You will need to pay a replacement fee (currently $11) and provide proof of your Social Security number and current address.
Reporting in person gets you a temporary paper license valid for 45 days, while the permanent card is mailed to you.
If your license was stolen rather than lost, you may also want to file a police report to protect yourself against identity theft.

Decide whether to file a police report

If you believe your license was stolen rather than lost, consider filing a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office. A police report creates an official record that can help protect you if someone tries to use your license fraudulently or if your identity is misused.

You do not need a police report to get a replacement license from DPS, but having one on file is useful if unauthorized activity shows up later on your credit report or if someone is caught using your license. Keep a copy of the report for your records and provide it to DPS if they ask for it during the replacement process.

Understand what documents you need at a DPS office

Texas DPS requires specific documents to issue a replacement license. You must bring proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card is easiest, but a W-2 form, tax return, or bank statement with your SSN also works) and proof of your current address.

Acceptable address documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail showing your name and current address. The document must be recent — typically within the last 60 days. If you have moved recently and your DPS records still show an old address, bring a document proving your new address so the replacement license reflects the correct information.

Know the timeline for receiving your replacement license

If you report your loss in person at a DPS office, you receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 45 days. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days in most cases, though processing can take longer during busy periods.

If you report the loss online or by mail, the timeline is longer because DPS must process your request before mailing the license. Online reporting typically results in a license arriving within 10 to 14 business days. Mail-in reporting can take 3 to 4 weeks. During this time, you can drive using your temporary paper license, so you are not without a valid license while you wait.

Find the DPS office nearest to you

Texas has DPS driver license offices in most cities and counties. To find the office closest to you, visit the Texas DPS website and use their office locator tool. You can search by city, county, or ZIP code. The locator shows office hours, which vary by location — some offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, while others have extended or weekend hours.

Many DPS offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, but some allow you to schedule an appointment online. Checking ahead for appointment availability can save you time, especially in larger cities where offices get busy. If the nearest office has a long wait, you may be able to visit a different location that is less crowded.

Update your address if it has changed

If you have moved since your current license was issued, use the replacement process to update your address. When you report your loss and request a replacement, your new license will reflect your current address if you provide proof of it. This saves you a separate trip to update your address later.

If you do not update your address during the replacement process, you can do so separately at any DPS office or online through the DPS website. Address changes are free and can be done without replacing your license, but since you are already getting a new license, it makes sense to correct the address at the same time.

Protect yourself against identity theft

A lost or stolen driver's license is a piece of identity information that someone could potentially misuse. Even if you file a police report, monitor your credit for suspicious activity. You can request a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once per year through annualcreditreport.com.

If you notice unauthorized accounts or charges on your credit report, contact the credit bureau and the creditor when ready. You can also place a fraud alert on your credit file, which notifies creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts. The initial fraud alert lasts one year and is free to place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a temporary paper license while I wait for my replacement?

Yes. The temporary paper license issued at a DPS office is valid for 45 days and can be used for driving, voting, and other purposes that require a driver's license. Keep it with you while you drive, since it is your proof of a valid license until the plastic card arrives.

What if I find my original license after I have already reported it lost?

Contact DPS and let them know you found it. You can cancel the replacement order if it has not yet been mailed. If the replacement has already been sent, you will receive it anyway — keep it as a backup or destroy it. You cannot use both licenses at the same time.

Do I have to go to a DPS office in person, or can I handle everything by mail?

You can report the loss and request a replacement entirely by mail or online without visiting an office. The trade-off is that you will not receive a temporary paper license, so you will need to wait for the permanent license to arrive before you can legally drive. In-person reporting gets you a temporary license when ready.

How much does a replacement license cost?

The current replacement fee for a standard driver's license in Texas is $11. Fees may vary slightly for different license types (such as commercial licenses). Payment methods accepted at DPS offices include cash, check, and debit or credit card.

What if my address on file with DPS is different from where I actually live?

Bring a document proving your current address when you report the loss. DPS will update your address in their system and issue the replacement license with the correct address. This ensures your license matches where you actually live and prevents mail from being sent to an old address.

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.