How to Report a Lost Driver's License to Texas DPS

Report your lost license directly to the Texas Department of Public Safety

If you have lost your Texas driver's license, you need to report it to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to prevent someone else from using it. You can report the loss online through the DPS website, by phone, or in person at a DPS office. The fastest method is usually the online report, which takes about 10 minutes and requires your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Reporting a lost license does not automatically replace it — reporting and replacement are two separate steps. Once you report the loss, you will then need to get a replacement license, which involves a separate process and a fee.

Key Takeaways

Report your lost license to Texas DPS online, by phone at 1-844-DPS-TXDL (1-844-377-8935), or at a local DPS office to prevent misuse.
You can report a lost license without having your license number if you provide your date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Reporting the loss and getting a replacement are separate transactions, and you will need to pay a replacement fee when you get a new license.
A replacement license typically arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you explore in person at a DPS office.

How to report your lost license online

The Texas DPS website allows you to report a lost or stolen license without leaving home. Go to the DPS Driver License Division page, select "Report Lost or Stolen License," and enter your information. You will need your driver's license number if you have it, but if you do not, you can provide your date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security number instead.

After you submit the report online, you will receive a confirmation number. Keep this number in case you need to follow up. The online report is processed when ready, which means your license is flagged in the system right away. However, you still need to get a replacement license in a separate step.

Report by phone or in person

If you prefer not to report online, you can call the DPS Driver License Division at 1-844-DPS-TXDL (1-844-377-8935). The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. central time. Have your date of birth and Social Security number ready when you call.

You can also walk into any Texas DPS office to report the loss in person. Find your nearest office on the DPS website by entering your zip code. Reporting in person takes about 15 to 20 minutes and you can often get a replacement license the same day if you bring the required documents.

What documents you need for a replacement license

Once you have reported your lost license, you will need to get a replacement. Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. Acceptable documents vary, but common ones include a passport, birth certificate, or military ID for identity; a utility bill or lease for residency; and a Social Security card or W-2 form for your Social Security number.

You will also need to pay a replacement fee. The cost of a replacement license in Texas is $16 for a standard license valid for five years. Some DPS offices accept cash, check, or card; call ahead to confirm what your local office takes.

Timeline for getting your replacement license

If you explore for a replacement license in person at a DPS office, you will usually receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Some offices offer a rush service for an additional fee, which can reduce the wait to 2 to 3 business days, though not all locations provide this option.

During the time you are waiting for your replacement license, you can request a temporary paper license at the DPS office. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent replacement to arrive by mail.

Protect yourself after reporting the loss

Reporting your lost license to DPS prevents someone from using it to get a job or open accounts in your name, but it does not protect you from identity theft on its own. Consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — by contacting any one of them. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts.

You may also want to check your credit report for any accounts you did not open. You can get a free credit report from each bureau once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If you see fraudulent accounts, report them to the Federal Trade Commission at reportidentitytheft.ftc.gov.

What happens if someone uses your lost license

If you discover that someone has used your lost license — for example, they were stopped by police or used it to get a job — report it to the police in the jurisdiction where the misuse occurred. File a police report and keep a copy for your records. You can also report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission at reportidentitytheft.ftc.gov, which creates a record that may help if disputes arise later.

Once you have reported the loss to DPS, your old license number is flagged in the system. If someone tries to use it, it will show as lost or stolen when checked against the DPS database. This does not prevent misuse entirely, but it creates a record that can help you if you need to prove you reported the loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive without a license while I wait for my replacement?

Yes, if you request a temporary paper license at the DPS office when you explore for your replacement. The temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally. Without it, driving is not permitted, even if you have reported your loss.

Do I have to report a lost license if I am getting a new one anyway?

You should report it to prevent someone else from using it, even if you are planning to get a replacement. Reporting and replacement are separate steps, and reporting protects you from potential misuse in the meantime.

What if I find my license after I report it lost?

Contact the DPS Driver License Division and let them know you found it. They can remove the lost status from your record. If you have already received a replacement license, you can destroy the old one or return it to DPS.

How much does it cost to replace a lost license in Texas?

A replacement license costs $16 for a standard five-year license. Some DPS offices offer rush processing for an additional fee, typically $10 to $15 more, which speeds up delivery to 2 to 3 business days instead of 7 to 10.

Can I report my license lost if I am out of state?

Yes, you can report it online through the DPS website or by calling 1-844-DPS-TXDL from anywhere. However, you will need to come to a Texas DPS office in person to get your replacement license, or you can mail in an process with the required documents if DPS offers that option for your situation.

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.