Get a replacement license at your local DPS office with proof of identity and a theft report
If your Texas driver's license has been stolen, you can replace it in person at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. You will need to bring a government-issued ID (passport, military ID, or another valid license), proof of your Social Security number, and a police report documenting the theft. The DPS will issue you a new license with a different number on the same day you explore, though you may wait several hours depending on office traffic.
You do not have to replace your license when ready if you do not plan to drive or use it for identification right away. However, if someone uses your stolen license to commit fraud or traffic violations, those records will appear under your name until you report the theft and get a new number. Filing a police report creates an official record that protects you if this happens.
Key Takeaways
- You must file a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office before the DPS will issue a replacement license with a new number.
- Bring your police report number, a valid government-issued ID, and proof of your Social Security number to any DPS office to get your replacement license the same day.
- Your new license will have a different number than your stolen one, which prevents someone else from using your old number for fraud.
- If you cannot reach a DPS office in person, you can request a duplicate license by mail, but this takes longer and does not change your license number.
File a police report for the theft
Before you go to the DPS, file a report with your local police department or sheriff's office. You can do this in person at the station, by phone, or online through your city or county's police website. Tell them your license was stolen and provide the license number if you remember it. The police will give you a report number, which you will need when you explore for your replacement.
Filing a report is important because it creates an official record. If someone uses your stolen license to get a traffic ticket, open a credit card, or commit another crime, that record will be linked to your name until you report the theft. The police report protects you by showing that you did not authorize those actions.
Gather your documents before visiting the DPS
Collect these items before you go to the DPS office: your police report (or the report number), a valid government-issued ID, and proof of your Social Security number. Valid IDs include a U.S. passport, military ID, or another state's driver's license. If you do not have a passport or military ID, you can bring a birth certificate, naturalization papers, or a consular ID card.
For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you have none of these, you can bring a bank statement, utility bill, or mortgage statement with your name and address. The DPS accepts a wide range of documents, so if you are unsure whether something counts, call your local office before you go.
Visit a DPS office in person to get your replacement
Go to any Texas DPS office during business hours. You can find the nearest office and its hours on the DPS website by entering your city or zip code. Bring your police report, valid ID, and Social Security proof. Tell the clerk that your license was stolen and you need a replacement with a new number.
The DPS will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your replacement license on the spot. You will pay a fee (currently $16 for a standard replacement license, though this may vary). The new license will have a different number than your stolen one. You will leave the office with your replacement in hand, though it may take a few minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is.
What to do if you cannot go to a DPS office
If you cannot visit an office in person, you can request a duplicate license by mail through the DPS website. However, a duplicate keeps your same license number, which does not protect you from fraud if someone is using your stolen license. You should only use the mail option if you are certain your stolen license will not be misused, or if you plan to visit an office later to get a new number.
To request a duplicate by mail, go to the DPS website, fill out the form, and mail it with a check or money order. This process takes two to three weeks. If you change your mind and want a replacement with a new number instead, you will need to visit an office in person with your police report.
Protect yourself from identity theft after the theft
Beyond replacing your license, consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file. Contact one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) and ask them to add a fraud alert to your account. This tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. The alert lasts one year and is free.
You can also check your credit report for unauthorized accounts or inquiries. Visit annualcreditreport.com to get your free report from all three bureaus. If you see accounts you did not open, contact the bureau and the creditor to dispute them. Keep your police report number handy—creditors often ask for it when you report fraud.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone use my stolen license to get a ticket in my name?
Yes, and this is why filing a police report matters. If someone uses your stolen license and gets a traffic ticket, that ticket will appear under your name. The police report creates an official record that you reported the theft, which helps if you need to contest the ticket or clear your driving record later.
How long does it take to get a replacement license?
If you go to a DPS office in person with your police report and documents, you will get your replacement the same day. If you request a duplicate by mail, it takes two to three weeks. A replacement with a new number requires an in-person visit.
Do I have to get a new license number, or can I keep the same one?
You can request a duplicate with your same number by mail, but this does not protect you from fraud. If someone uses your stolen license, they will be using your old number. A replacement with a new number requires you to visit a DPS office in person with your police report.
What if I do not have a passport or birth certificate?
The DPS accepts many forms of ID and Social Security proof. Bring whatever government-issued ID you have—a military ID, consular card, or even an expired passport. For Social Security proof, a bank statement or utility bill with your name works. Call your local DPS office if you are unsure whether your documents may have access to.
Will my new license have a different expiration date?
Your replacement license will have the same expiration date as your stolen one, unless your stolen license was already expired. The DPS does not charge extra to renew at the same time you replace, but you can also renew separately when that date approaches.