Get a replacement license from the Texas Department of Public Safety
To replace a stolen Texas driver's license, you will visit your local Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay the replacement fee, and have a new photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your permanent card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
You cannot do this by mail or online — Texas requires you to appear in person for the photo. However, you do not need to file a police report first, though you may want to do so if the theft involved other documents or if you are concerned about identity theft.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Texas DPS office in person with a valid form of ID and proof of your current address.
- The replacement fee is $16 for a standard license, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready.
- Your permanent replacement card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- You can find your nearest DPS office and check wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go.
- If your license was stolen as part of identity theft, consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus and monitoring your credit reports.
What documents you need to bring
Bring one valid form of primary identification and one proof of current address. Primary ID options include a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or a certified birth certificate paired with a Social Security card. If you do not have a passport or military ID, the birth certificate and Social Security card combination is the most common route.
For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and current Texas address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you have recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, a lease or mortgage document works as long as it shows your current address.
Bring your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number on it. If you cannot locate it, you can still proceed — the DPS office will ask you to sign an affidavit stating you do not have it available.
Steps to replace your license at a DPS office
- Locate your nearest DPS office. Go to the Texas DPS website (dps.texas.gov) and use the office locator tool. Most cities have multiple locations. Check the office hours and current wait times if the site displays them.
- Bring all required documents. Gather your primary ID, proof of address, and Social Security card or number. Do not rely on memory — bring the physical documents.
- Arrive during business hours. DPS offices typically operate Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours. Arriving early in the day usually means shorter waits.
- Check in at the front desk. Tell the staff member that you need to replace a stolen driver's license. They will give you a number or direct you to a specific window.
- Present your documents. Hand over your primary ID and proof of address. The staff member will verify your information and check the system to confirm your license was issued in Texas.
- Pay the replacement fee. The fee is $16 for a standard five-year license. You can pay by cash, check, or debit card — most offices do not accept credit cards. Ask which payment methods they take before you arrive if you want to be certain.
- Have your photo taken. You will sit for a new photo. Wear something you are comfortable with — the photo will be on your license for five years.
- Receive your temporary license. You will be given a paper temporary license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed.
How long it takes and when you will receive your new card
The in-office process itself takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on how busy the office is. Your temporary paper license is valid when ready and works for driving, voting, and most other purposes that require a driver's license.
Your permanent plastic license card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail delivery times can vary, so if you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the DPS office where you applied. Keep your temporary license until the permanent one arrives — do not discard it.
What to do if your license was stolen as part of identity theft
If you believe your stolen license was used for identity theft or fraud, place 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 an alert by calling one bureau — they will notify the other two automatically.
You can also request a free credit report from each bureau at annualcreditreport.com and review it for accounts you did not open. If you find fraudulent accounts, contact the creditor and the Federal Trade Commission to report the fraud. Keep records of all communications.
Consider filing a report with the Texas Attorney General's office or the Federal Trade Commission if you have evidence of identity theft. This creates an official record and may help if you need to dispute fraudulent charges later.
Replacing your license if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL)
If your stolen license is a commercial driver's license, the replacement process is the same — you still visit a DPS office in person with the same documents. However, the fee is higher: $32 for a five-year CDL instead of $16 for a standard license.
You will not need to retake the written or skills test unless your CDL has expired or been suspended. The DPS system will show your current CDL status, and the office staff will confirm whether a retest is required before you pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my temporary license to fly or cross the border?
Your temporary paper license is not accepted for air travel or border crossing. You will need a valid passport, passport card, or other federally approved ID for those purposes. If you need to travel before your permanent license arrives, obtain a passport or use another form of federal ID.
What if I do not have a Social Security card?
You can still replace your license. Bring your primary ID and proof of address, and tell the DPS staff that you do not have your Social Security card. You will sign an affidavit stating that fact, and the process continues. The DPS will use the Social Security number already on file from your original license process.
Do I need a police report to replace a stolen license?
No. The DPS does not require a police report to issue a replacement license. However, filing a report with local police creates an official record, which can be useful if the stolen license is later used for fraud. You can file a report online or in person at your local police department.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
Bring proof of your new address and your old license or primary ID. The DPS will update your address in the system during the replacement process. Your new license will show your current address.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. You must pick up your temporary license in person at the DPS office because you need to be present for the photo. Your permanent license will be mailed to the address on file, so you do not need to pick that up — it will arrive at your home.