Report your lost Texas driver's license to the Department of Public Safety
To report a lost driver's license in Texas, you contact the Department of Public Safety (DPS) either online through their website, by phone, or in person at a DPS driver license office. The fastest route is online at the DPS website — you can file a report in minutes without leaving home. If you prefer to speak with someone, you can call the DPS driver license customer service line or visit a local office in person.
Reporting the loss protects you against identity theft and fraud. Once DPS records your license as lost, someone who finds it cannot use it as valid identification. You will also receive a replacement license, which you need to carry as proof of identity and driving privileges.
The entire process — from reporting the loss to receiving your replacement license — typically takes one to two weeks if you order online, or you can walk out the same day if you visit an office in person and pay the replacement fee.
Key Takeaways
- Report your lost license online at the DPS website, by phone at 1-844-DPS-TXDL, or in person at any DPS driver license office.
- You will need to pay a replacement fee, which varies but is typically under $30 for a standard driver's license.
- If you report online, your replacement license will arrive by mail in one to two weeks; if you visit an office, you can receive it the same day.
- Reporting the loss prevents someone else from using your license as identification and protects you against identity theft.
- You can drive legally while waiting for your replacement as long as you have proof that you reported the loss.
Report online through the DPS website
Go to the Texas Department of Public Safety website and look for the driver license section. Select the option to report a lost or stolen license. You will need to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.
After you submit the report, DPS will send you a confirmation email. You can then order a replacement license through the same online process. You will pay the replacement fee using a credit or debit card — the fee is typically $16 for a standard five-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, though the exact amount depends on which type of license you hold.
Your replacement license will be mailed to the address on file with DPS. If your address has changed since you last renewed, update it before you submit your report. The replacement usually arrives within one to two weeks.
Report by phone or in person if you need faster service
Call the DPS driver license customer service line at 1-844-DPS-TXDL (1-844-377-8935). A representative will take your report, verify your identity using information from your driver's license record, and process your replacement order over the phone. You will pay the replacement fee by credit or debit card during the call.
If you need your replacement license the same day, visit a DPS driver license office in person. Bring a form of identification — a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card will work. Tell the staff member your license is lost, and they will process the report and issue a replacement on the spot. You will pay the replacement fee at the office. Wait times vary by location, so call ahead or check the DPS website to see current wait times at your nearest office.
What to do if your license was stolen, not just lost
If your license was stolen rather than lost, you should report it to both DPS and local law enforcement. File a police report with your city or county police department — you can do this online, by phone, or in person. The police report creates an official record that your license was taken without your permission, which protects you if someone tries to use it fraudulently.
After you file the police report, report the theft to DPS using the same methods described above (online, by phone, or in person). Tell DPS that the license was stolen, not lost. Provide the police report number if you have it. DPS will flag your record to alert them to potential fraud.
Consider also 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 for free by contacting any one of the three bureaus, and they will notify the other two.
Driving legally while you wait for your replacement
You can legally drive while your replacement license is on the way. Keep the confirmation email or receipt from your online report, or ask for a receipt if you reported by phone or in person. If a police officer stops you, show them this proof that you reported your license as lost and ordered a replacement. Most officers will accept this as sufficient proof that you are a licensed driver.
If you are uncomfortable driving without your physical license, you can also carry a passport or state ID card as backup identification. These documents prove your identity and your right to drive if you have a valid license on file with DPS.
Update your address if it has changed
Before you report your lost license, check whether your address is still current with DPS. If you have moved since your license was issued, update your address first. You can change your address online through the DPS website, by phone, or in person at a driver license office.
If you update your address and order a replacement license at the same time, your new license will be mailed to your current address. If you do not update your address, the replacement will go to the old address on file, and you will have to pick it up or request that it be reissued to your new address.
What happens to your old license once you report it lost
Once DPS records your license as lost, that license number is flagged in their system. If someone finds your old license and tries to use it, businesses and law enforcement can see that it has been reported as lost and will not accept it as valid identification. The old license becomes useless for identification purposes.
Your replacement license will have a new license number. You do not need to do anything with the old license if you find it later — just destroy it or keep it as a record. If you find it and want to turn it in, you can bring it to a DPS driver license office, but this is not required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my replacement?
If you visit a DPS driver license office in person, you can receive your replacement license the same day. If you report online or by phone, DPS does not issue a temporary paper license, but your confirmation of the report serves as proof that you are a licensed driver. Most law enforcement will accept this proof.
What if I lost my license out of state?
Report the loss to the Texas DPS using the methods above — you do not need to be in Texas to file the report online or by phone. Your replacement will be mailed to your address on file with DPS. If you need a license urgently while out of state, visit a DPS office when you return to Texas, or contact DPS to see if they can expedite your replacement.
Do I have to pay a fee to report my license as lost?
Reporting the loss itself is free, but you must pay a replacement fee to receive a new license. The fee is typically $16 to $32 depending on the type of license. This fee is separate from the cost of renewing your license when it expires.
What if I find my license after I report it lost?
If you find your old license after reporting it lost, you can still use your new replacement license once it arrives. The old license is flagged as lost in the system and will not be accepted as valid identification. You can destroy the old license or keep it for your records.
Can someone else report my license lost for me?
No, you must report your own lost license. DPS requires you to verify your identity using information from your driver's license record. If you are unable to report it yourself, you can authorize someone to help you through the online process or call on your behalf, but you will need to provide your personal information to complete the report.