How to Replace a Lost Texas Driver's License

Report Your Lost License and Start the Replacement Process

If your Texas driver's license is lost, you must report it to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and request a replacement. You can do this online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS driver license office. The online method is fastest — you can complete the report and pay the replacement fee without leaving home, and your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Before you start, have your Social Security number, date of birth, and current mailing address ready. You will also need a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to pay the replacement fee, which is $16 for a standard five-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. If your license was lost more than two years ago, you may need to renew rather than replace it, which involves additional steps.

Key Takeaways

You can report a lost Texas license and pay for a replacement online at the DPS website without visiting an office.
The replacement fee is $16 for a five-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, paid by debit or credit card.
Your replacement license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you cannot pick it up in person.
If your license was lost more than two years ago, you must renew instead of replace, which requires proof of identity and residency documents.
You should report the loss to DPS even if you do not plan to replace it when ready, to prevent someone else from using your license number.

Online Replacement Through the DPS Website

Go to the Texas DPS website and select "Replace a Lost or Stolen Driver License" from the driver license services menu. You will be directed to create or log into your DPS online account. If you do not have an account, you can create one using your email address and a password you choose.

Once logged in, enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current license record. Confirm that the name, address, and other information are correct. If your address has changed since your license was issued, update it now — your replacement license will be mailed to the address you provide.

Select the license type you want (five-year or eight-year) and review the fee. Pay by debit or credit card. You will receive a confirmation number and an email receipt. Keep the confirmation number — you can use it to track your replacement license on the DPS website.

What Happens After You Order Online

DPS will mail your replacement license to the address you provided. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you order. You do not need to do anything else while you wait — the license will arrive without additional action on your part.

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you have two options. First, you can request a temporary paper license at a DPS office in person; bring your confirmation number from your online order and a document that proves your identity (such as a passport or state ID card). Second, you can use your confirmation email as proof that you have reported the loss and ordered a replacement, though not all law enforcement officers will accept this.

If your replacement license does not arrive within 12 business days, contact the DPS by phone or visit a driver license office with your confirmation number. DPS can investigate whether the mail was delayed or lost and reissue if necessary.

In-Person Replacement at a DPS Office

If you prefer not to order online, you can replace your lost license in person at any Texas DPS driver license office. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, a document proving your identity (passport, military ID, or state ID card), and a document proving your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).

You do not need to bring the lost license itself — DPS has your record. Tell the staff member that you are replacing a lost license. They will verify your information, take a new photo, and process the replacement. You will pay the same fee as online ($16 or $32 depending on license length) by cash, check, or card.

Your replacement license will still be mailed to you; you cannot pick it up at the office. The timeline is the same as online — 7 to 10 business days. In-person replacement is useful if you need a temporary paper license when ready or if you have questions about your record that require staff information.

Replacement by Mail

You can also request a replacement by mail. read the DL-43 form (process for Texas Driver License) from the DPS website, fill it out completely, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for the replacement fee and copies of your identity and residency documents.

Mail-in replacement takes longer than online or in-person — typically 4 to 6 weeks from the date DPS receives your form. DPS will not begin processing until your documents arrive, so delays in mail delivery add to the timeline. Use this method only if you cannot access the online system or visit an office.

When You Need to Renew Instead of Replace

If your lost license expired more than two years ago, or if it will expire within 60 days, you cannot straightforward replace it — you must renew. Renewal requires the same identity and residency documents as replacement, but the process is different and the fee is higher ($33 for a five-year license or $58 for an eight-year license).

You can renew online through the DPS website if your license expired fewer than two years ago and you have not had more than one license suspension or denial in the past five years. If you do not meet these conditions, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your expired license (or your confirmation number if it is lost), proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.

Preventing Fraud After Your License Is Lost

Reporting your lost license to DPS prevents someone else from using your license number to obtain services or commit fraud in your name. When you report the loss online or in person, DPS flags your license number as lost or stolen in their system. If someone tries to use it, the flag will alert staff.

You should also consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) if you are concerned about identity theft. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts. A credit freeze prevents creditors from accessing your credit report without your permission. Both are free and can be requested online.

Keep your confirmation number and email receipt from your DPS order in case you need to prove you reported the loss later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while waiting for my replacement license to arrive?

You can request a temporary paper license at a DPS office if you need to drive when ready. Bring your confirmation number from your online order and a document proving your identity. The temporary license is valid for 45 days. You can also use your confirmation email as proof of the report, though this is not may provide to be accepted by law enforcement.

What if I lost my license and my wallet was stolen?

Report both the lost license and the theft to DPS and to your local police department. Keep the police report number. When you replace your license, you may need to show the police report as proof of the theft. If your Social Security card was also stolen, contact the Social Security Administration to report it.

Do I have to replace my license if I lost it but do not drive anymore?

You are not required to replace it, but you should still report the loss to DPS to prevent someone else from using your license number. You can report it online without ordering a replacement by contacting DPS directly by phone or visiting an office.

How much does it cost to replace a lost Texas driver's license?

The replacement fee is $16 for a five-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. This is the same fee whether you order online, by mail, or in person. If your license has expired and you need to renew instead, the fee is higher: $33 for five years or $58 for eight years.

What if my replacement license arrives damaged or with the wrong information?

Contact DPS with your confirmation number and explain the problem. DPS can reissue the license at no additional cost if the error was made by DPS. If the license was damaged in the mail, DPS may ask you to return it before issuing a replacement.

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.