Get a replacement in person at a DPS office or by mail

If your Texas driver's license was stolen, you have two paths: go to a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, or request a replacement by mail. The in-person route takes about 20 minutes and you leave with a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your plastic card is printed. The mail route takes longer — typically two to three weeks — but works if you cannot reach an office.

You do not need to file a police report first, though you may want to if the theft was part of a larger crime or if you are concerned about identity theft. The DPS replacement process is separate from any police report.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit any DPS office with your Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or legal presence to get a replacement the same day.
  • If you cannot go in person, mail a completed DL-44 form with the same documents and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the DPS address for your region.
  • A stolen license does not automatically trigger a fraud alert on your credit, so consider placing one yourself if you are worried about identity theft.
  • Your replacement license will have the same number as your stolen one unless you request a new number, which costs extra and takes longer.
  • Bring originals or certified copies of documents — photocopies are not accepted for proof of citizenship or residency.

What documents you need to bring or mail

For an in-person replacement, bring three things: proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and proof of citizenship or legal presence (U.S. birth certificate, passport, permanent resident card, or visa). If your name has changed since your last license, bring the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Photocopies do not work for citizenship or residency documents. Bring originals or certified copies. Your Social Security card can be a photocopy. If you do not have a physical Social Security card, a W-2 or tax return showing your full number works.

If you are mailing your request, you will also need a check or money order. The replacement fee is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. Mail the completed DL-44 form (available on the DPS website) along with copies of your documents and payment to the DPS regional office that serves your county.

In-person replacement at a DPS office

Find your nearest DPS office using the office locator on the Texas DPS website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location. Some offices have extended hours on certain days. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but calling ahead to confirm hours and current wait times is worth doing.

Bring your documents and be ready to pay the fee in cash, check, or card — payment methods vary by office, so call first if you want to know which ones they accept. You will fill out a DL-44 form at the office (staff can help), have your photo taken, and receive a temporary paper license on the spot. That paper license is valid for 45 days. Your plastic replacement card will arrive by mail in one to two weeks.

Mailing your replacement request

read and print the DL-44 form from the DPS website. Fill it out completely, including your driver's license number if you remember it (if not, leave it blank and the DPS will look it up). Make photocopies of your proof of Social Security number, residency, and citizenship. Do not send originals — send copies only, except for certified documents, which should be certified copies.

Write a check or money order for the replacement fee ($16 or $32 depending on the license length you want). Include a brief note explaining that your license was stolen. Mail everything to the DPS regional office for your county. You can find the correct mailing address on the DPS website by entering your county. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your packet.

Protecting yourself from identity theft after a stolen license

A stolen driver's license does not automatically alert credit bureaus or trigger fraud monitoring. If you are concerned about identity theft, place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place one for free by contacting any one of the three bureaus; they will notify the other two.

You can also freeze your credit, which is stronger protection than a fraud alert. A credit freeze prevents anyone, including you, from opening new accounts until you unfreeze it. Freezes are free in Texas and take effect within one business day. You will need to unfreeze your credit when you want to explore for a loan or credit card yourself.

Monitor your credit report for unauthorized accounts or inquiries. You can get a free copy of your credit report from each bureau once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If you spot fraud, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at reportidentitytheft.ftc.gov and keep a copy for your records.

If you need a new license number instead of a replacement

Your replacement license will have the same number as your stolen one. If you want a new number for security reasons, you can request it, but it costs more and takes longer. At a DPS office, ask about a "new number replacement" — the fee is higher than a standard replacement, and processing takes three to four weeks instead of one to two. By mail, note on your DL-44 form that you are requesting a new number and include the higher fee.

A new number is optional and most people do not need one. The DPS can reissue your old number safely because the stolen card will no longer be valid once your replacement arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to report the theft to police before getting a replacement?

No. The DPS will replace your license without a police report. However, if your wallet or purse was stolen and contained other items, filing a police report may be useful for insurance purposes or if you suspect identity theft.

Can I use my temporary paper license to drive right away?

Yes. The temporary paper license is valid for 45 days and works for driving, voting, and most identification purposes. Keep it with you until your plastic card arrives.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?

You will need one of the accepted citizenship documents to get a replacement. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order one from the Texas Vital Statistics office or the state where you were born. A passport can be obtained through the U.S. State Department. Both take time, so plan ahead.

How long does a replacement license stay valid?

A four-year license expires four years from the issue date; an eight-year license expires eight years from the issue date. Your replacement will have a new issue date, so it will be valid for the full term from that date forward.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license if I cannot?

No. You must pick up your temporary paper license in person at the DPS office. Your plastic card is mailed to your address on file, so you do not need to pick that up.