Get a replacement license at your local DPS office with a police report and ID
To replace a stolen Texas driver's license, you need to visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, bring a police report of the theft, and present an acceptable form of ID. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your permanent card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot replace a stolen license by mail or online — DPS requires you to appear in person.
The cost is $16 for a standard replacement license. If your license was expiring soon anyway, you can pay $32 for a renewal instead, which gives you a fresh expiration date. Either way, you'll need to decide this when you're at the office.
Key Takeaways
- You must file a police report for the theft before DPS will issue a replacement, or bring a copy of an existing report if you've already filed one.
- Bring an acceptable ID to the DPS office — a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card with a recent utility bill all work, but a photo ID is fastest.
- The temporary paper license you receive at the office is valid for driving when ready while you wait for the permanent card in the mail.
- DPS offices have varying wait times; calling ahead or checking online can tell you which location near you has the shortest lines.
- If your license was already suspended or had restrictions, the replacement will carry those same restrictions forward.
File a police report if you haven't already
Before you go to DPS, you need a police report documenting the theft. If you haven't filed one yet, contact the police department in the city or county where the theft occurred — not necessarily where you live. You can file the report in person at a police station, by phone, or online through many departments' websites. Some departments allow you to file online and print the report when ready; others mail it to you.
When you file, have the license number ready if you remember it, along with the date and location of the theft. The police will give you a report number or a copy of the report itself. Bring whichever one you receive to the DPS office. If you filed the report online and printed it, bring that printed copy.
If you filed the report more than a few days ago and don't have a copy, you can request one from the police department's records division, though this may take a few days. Call the non-emergency number for your local police and ask how to get a copy of your theft report.
Gather acceptable forms of ID before you go
DPS requires you to bring one primary form of ID plus proof of your Social Security number. The easiest primary ID is a passport or passport card. If you don't have a passport, you can bring your birth certificate (original or certified copy) along with a Social Security card, or a recent utility bill or bank statement with your name and current address.
If you have a photo ID from another state or country, bring that too — it speeds up the process even if it's not your primary document. DPS staff will tell you on the spot if what you've brought is acceptable. If it's not, they'll tell you what else you need and you'll have to come back.
Do not bring originals of documents you can't replace easily, like your birth certificate, unless you're prepared to leave it with DPS. Ask the staff whether they need to keep it or if they can make a copy and return it to you.
Visit a DPS office with your police report and ID
Find the DPS office nearest you on the Texas DPS website. Most cities have at least one office; larger cities have several. The website shows hours, phone numbers, and often a wait-time estimate. Calling ahead can save you a trip — some offices are closed on certain days or have unusually long waits on specific afternoons.
Bring the police report (or report number), your ID documents, and your Social Security card if you're using it as proof of your number. You do not need to bring the old license — it's stolen, and DPS doesn't need it. Arrive during business hours; most offices close by 5 p.m. and some close for lunch.
At the office, tell the staff member that you need a replacement for a stolen license. They'll ask you to fill out an process for Texas Driver License or ID Card (Form DL-44). The form takes about five minutes. You'll sign it, pay the $16 replacement fee or $32 renewal fee, and the staff will take a new photo. They'll hand you a temporary paper license valid for 45 days and tell you when to expect your permanent card in the mail.
Use your temporary paper license while you wait for the card
The temporary license you receive at the DPS office is a valid form of ID for driving, cashing checks, and most other purposes. It's printed on paper and will look different from your permanent card, but police will accept it during traffic stops. Keep it in your wallet or purse — you'll need it until the permanent card arrives.
The permanent card is mailed to the address you provided at the DPS office. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you applied. If you move before the card arrives, you can update your address with DPS online or at another DPS office, and they'll forward the card to your new address.
If your permanent card doesn't arrive within two weeks, call the DPS Customer Service line at 1-888-589-6789 to check the status. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready.
What to do if you can't visit an office in person
DPS does not offer mail-in or online replacement for stolen licenses. You must appear in person. If you're temporarily out of state or unable to visit an office, you have two options: wait until you can visit, or have someone else pick up your temporary license on your behalf if DPS allows it in your area.
Call the DPS office you plan to visit and ask whether they allow a representative to explore for a replacement on your behalf. Some offices do; others require the license holder to appear. If they allow it, your representative will need a notarized power of attorney document authorizing them to act for you, plus copies of your ID and the police report. This is uncommon and adds complexity, so visiting in person is almost always simpler.
If you're out of state for an extended period, you can explore for a Texas ID card instead of a driver's license — the process is identical, and an ID card is valid for identification purposes even if you're not driving. You can then renew it as a driver's license when you return to Texas.
Protect your new license from theft
Once your permanent card arrives, treat it like cash. Keep it in a find pocket or wallet, not loose in a bag. If you're going somewhere you don't need it — like a gym or a short walk — leave it at home. Many people carry a copy of their license instead of the original when they don't need to present the actual card.
If your license is stolen again, you'll repeat this same process. There's no limit to how many times you can request a replacement, but each one costs $16 and requires a new police report. If theft becomes a pattern, ask the police whether they can flag your case for investigation or whether you should consider a different storage method for your wallet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive without the temporary paper license while I wait for my card?
No. You must carry the temporary license with you when you drive. It's your proof that you have a valid license. Police will accept it during a traffic stop. Keep it in your wallet until the permanent card arrives.
What if the police report shows a different address than my current one?
Tell the DPS staff member this when you explore. They'll update your address in the system and mail the new card to your current address. Bring proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement — so they can verify it.
Do I have to pay for the police report?
Most police departments provide theft reports for free or a small fee (usually under $5). Some departments charge more if you request a certified copy. Call your local police non-emergency line to ask about the cost before you go.
What if I don't remember my license number for the police report?
You don't need it. Tell the police the date and location of the theft, and describe the license (color, expiration date if you remember it). The police can look up your license number in their system if needed. DPS will have your number on file.
Can I get a replacement license if I'm not a Texas resident but lost my license in Texas?
No. You must hold a valid Texas driver's license or ID to replace it through Texas DPS. If you're from another state, contact your home state's DMV or equivalent agency. If you're an international visitor, contact your country's consulate for guidance on replacing travel documents.