Get a replacement at any Texas DPS office with an ID and a police report
A stolen driver's license is treated the same as a lost one by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). You do not need a police report to replace it, though filing one protects you against identity theft. The fastest path is to visit a DPS office in person with proof of identity and pay the replacement fee, which is $16 for a standard license or $32 for a Real ID-compliant license.
You can also renew by mail or online if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes since it was issued. The mail option takes two to three weeks; online renewal is faster but only works if you meet specific conditions. If your license is expired or you need it urgently, the in-person route is your only choice.
Key Takeaways
- Visit any Texas DPS office with a valid ID (passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card work) and $16 to $32 to replace a stolen license the same day.
- File a police report if you are concerned about identity theft, though it is not required to get a replacement license.
- Online renewal works only if your license is not expired, you have not moved, and you have not had a name change since your last license was issued.
- Mail-in replacement takes two to three weeks and requires the same documents as an in-person visit.
- Real ID-compliant licenses cost $16 more than standard licenses and require proof of citizenship or lawful presence in addition to identity documents.
What documents you need to bring to a DPS office
Texas DPS requires proof of identity and proof of Social Security number. For identity, bring one of these: a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a state ID card, a military ID, or a tribal ID. If you bring a birth certificate, it must be a certified copy with a raised seal, not a photocopy.
For Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a bank statement or a utility bill with your name and address on it. You will also need to bring the $16 or $32 fee in cash or card.
If you are replacing a Real ID-compliant license, you also need proof of citizenship or lawful presence. This means a U.S. passport, a birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, or a Permanent Resident Card. A standard license does not require this extra step.
Replacing your license in person at a DPS office
Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website and check the office hours before you go. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have limited Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment; DPS operates on a first-come, first-served basis, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Bring all your documents and the fee. The staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your replacement license on the spot. You will leave with a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you. The plastic card typically arrives within two weeks.
If you are replacing a Real ID license, the process is the same, but the office will verify your citizenship or lawful presence documents before issuing the card. This does not add time to the visit.
Renewing online or by mail if your license is current
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website works only if your license has not expired, you have not changed your address, you have not changed your name, and you have not had any violations or suspensions since your last license was issued. The fee is $16 for a standard license or $32 for Real ID. You will receive your new license by mail in seven to ten business days.
Mail-in renewal uses the same may be able to access rules as online renewal. You fill out Form DL-44, include a check or money order for the fee, and mail it to the DPS address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your envelope. This option is slower than in-person replacement but does not require you to visit an office.
Neither online nor mail-in renewal works if your license is expired. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must explore for a new license in person, not a replacement.
File a police report if you are concerned about identity theft
A police report is not required to replace your stolen license, but it creates a record that protects you if someone tries to use your license number for fraud. File the report with the police department in the city or county where the theft occurred. You can file in person, by phone, or online depending on the department.
When you file, provide the license number, the date you discovered it was stolen, and where you last had it. Keep a copy of the report number for your records. If you later discover fraudulent charges or accounts opened in your name, you can reference this report when disputing them with creditors or credit bureaus.
You do not need to wait for a police report to be filed before you replace your license. Replace the license first, then file the report if you want the extra protection.
What to do if your license was stolen out of state
If you lost or had your Texas license stolen while traveling, you can still replace it by mail or online if it meets the may be able to access rules listed above. Mail your documents and fee to the DPS address on Form DL-44. Processing takes the same two to three weeks.
If you need a license urgently and you are out of state, you have two options: return to Texas to visit a DPS office in person, or contact the DPS by phone at 1-888-589-6556 to ask about expedited processing. Expedited processing is not may provide and depends on your situation, but it is worth asking about if you are stranded without a valid ID.
Real ID versus standard license: which one to replace
A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal identification standards for air travel and federal building access. A standard license does not have the star and cannot be used for these purposes after May 7, 2025. If your stolen license was a standard license and you travel by air or need to enter federal buildings, you should replace it with a Real ID instead.
The difference is $16 for a standard license versus $32 for Real ID. Real ID requires proof of citizenship or lawful presence, which adds one document to your list but does not add time to the replacement process. If you are unsure which type you had, check your old license or any documents you received when you got it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my replacement?
Yes. When you replace your license in person at a DPS office, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license can be used for most purposes while your plastic card is mailed to you. If you replace by mail or online, you do not receive a temporary license, so in-person replacement is better if you need to use your license right away.
What if someone uses my stolen license to get a ticket or commit a crime?
File a police report with the department in the city where the theft occurred. Provide the license number and the date you discovered it was stolen. If you later learn that the license was used fraudulently, contact that same police department and provide them with the details. Keep your police report number for your records when disputing any charges or violations.
Do I have to replace my license in the county where I live?
No. You can visit any Texas DPS office in any county and replace your license there. The office will mail your new license to the address on file with DPS, which is usually your home address. If you want it mailed somewhere else, ask the staff at the office whether they can update your address during the replacement process.
How long does a replacement license take if I go in person?
You receive a temporary paper license the same day you visit a DPS office. Your plastic license card is mailed to you and typically arrives within two weeks. The temporary license is valid for 30 days, so you have time to receive the permanent card before the temporary one expires.
What if my identity documents are also stolen?
Contact the issuing agency for each document. If your passport is stolen, contact the U.S. State Department. If your birth certificate is stolen, contact the vital records office in the state where you were born. Once you have replacement documents, you can use them to replace your driver's license at any DPS office.