What to Do If You Lost Your Texas Driver's License

Report the Loss and Get a Replacement

If you lost your Texas driver's license, you need to report it to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and request a replacement. You can do this in person at any DPS driver license office, by mail, or online through the DPS website. The fastest route is online or in person — by mail takes 7 to 10 business days after DPS receives your request.

You do not need to file a police report unless you suspect the license was stolen rather than lost. If you believe someone may use it fraudulently, you can file a report with local police for your records, but DPS does not require it to issue a replacement.

The replacement license will have a new number and expiration date. Your old license becomes invalid the moment DPS processes your replacement request, so you do not need to do anything else to deactivate it.

Key Takeaways

Report your lost license to DPS online, by mail, or in person at a driver license office — online and in-person are fastest.
You will pay a replacement fee (currently $11 for a standard replacement) and provide proof of identity and residency.
A replacement license takes 7 to 10 business days by mail, same-day or next-day in person depending on office location and wait times.
Your old license is automatically invalid once DPS processes the replacement, so you do not need to cancel it separately.
If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request an interim license (a paper temporary) at the DPS office.

Documents You Need to Bring

DPS requires proof of identity and proof of residency to issue a replacement. Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or certified birth certificate. If you do not have one of these, you can use a combination of documents — DPS publishes a full list on its website, but the safest approach is to call your local DPS office and ask what they will accept before you go.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Texas address. The document must be dated within the last 90 days. A government-issued ID with your current address also works.

Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). If you are a non-citizen, bring your immigration documents — a valid passport, visa, or employment authorization document.

How to Replace Your License Online

Go to the DPS website and select "Online Services" or "Replace a Lost License." You will need to create an account or log in if you already have one. You will answer questions about your license number (if you remember it), date of birth, and the reason for replacement. Upload a photo of your identity document and proof of residency.

DPS will review your request and send you a confirmation email. Your replacement license will be mailed to the address on file. This process takes 7 to 10 business days after approval. You will not receive an interim license through the online process, so if you need to drive before it arrives, you must go to a DPS office in person.

Getting a Replacement in Person

Visit any DPS driver license office with your identity and residency documents. Bring your Social Security number and immigration documents if you are not a U.S. citizen. You will fill out an process for a Texas Driver License (Form DL-43) and pay the replacement fee.

At the office, you will have your photo taken and your fingerprints recorded. If the office is not busy, you may receive your license the same day or within a few days. If it is busy, DPS will mail it to you within 7 to 10 business days. Ask the clerk whether same-day service is available that day before you complete your process.

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, ask for an interim license at the time you explore. This is a paper temporary that is valid for 45 days and lets you drive while you wait for the permanent card.

Replacement Fees and Payment

A standard replacement license costs $11. If your license expired more than two years ago, you may need to renew rather than replace — renewal costs vary depending on the type of license and how long you want it valid. Ask the DPS office or check the website to confirm which process applies to you.

DPS accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at offices. Online, you can pay by debit or credit card. By mail, include a check or money order payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

What to Do If Your License Was Stolen

If you believe your license was stolen rather than lost, you can file a report with your local police department. This creates a record in case the license is used fraudulently. You do not need the police report to get a replacement from DPS, but it is useful if someone uses your license number for identity theft.

After you file a police report, follow the same replacement process as above. Tell the DPS clerk that the license was stolen, not lost — this does not change the fee or timeline, but it documents the reason in your DPS record.

If you discover fraudulent activity using your license number, contact the Texas Attorney General's Identity Theft Enforcement and Protection Division or the Federal Trade Commission. Both can help you document the fraud and take steps to protect your credit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive without a license while I wait for my replacement?

No, you cannot legally drive without a valid license. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, request an interim license (paper temporary) at the DPS office when you explore. It is valid for 45 days and serves as proof you have a valid license on file.

What if I do not remember my license number?

You do not need your license number to request a replacement. DPS can look it up using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. If you are explore online, leave the license number field blank and DPS will find your record.

How long does a replacement license stay valid?

Your replacement license will have the same expiration date as your original license had. If your original license was set to expire in 2027, your replacement will also expire in 2027. You do not get a new expiration date just because you replaced it.

Can I get a replacement if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. You will need a valid passport, visa, employment authorization document, or other immigration document along with proof of residency. DPS issues licenses to non-citizens and legal residents. Bring your immigration documents to the office or upload them if you explore online.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still request a replacement from Texas DPS even if you lost it outside Texas. explore online, by mail, or visit a DPS office when you return to Texas. If you need to drive before you get back to Texas, some states will issue a temporary permit if you show proof that your Texas license is valid — call the DPS office in the state where you are to ask.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.