You can replace a lost Texas driver's license in person at a DPS office or by mail, and the process takes about two to three weeks by mail or same-day in person

A lost driver's license in Texas means you need to visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office or mail in a replacement request. You cannot renew or replace online. The fastest route is an in-person visit to any DPS driver license office, where you can walk out with a temporary paper license the same day and receive your plastic card by mail within two weeks. If you cannot visit an office, you can mail your request to DPS, though this takes longer and requires more documentation upfront.

You will need to prove your identity and residency, and you will pay a replacement fee. Texas does not charge extra for a lost license compared to a regular renewal — the fee is the same. Your old license number stays with you; Texas does not issue a new number when you replace a lost card.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit any DPS driver license office in person to get a temporary paper license same-day and your replacement card within two weeks.
  • If you mail your request, include a completed DL-44 form, proof of identity, proof of residency, and payment; processing takes four to six weeks.
  • You must bring original or certified documents — copies and digital images are not accepted for a lost license replacement.
  • Your license number does not change when you replace a lost card, so you can use your old number for insurance and registration until the new card arrives.
  • Texas charges the same fee for replacement as for renewal; the cost depends on your license type and how many years you are renewing for.

What documents you need to bring in person

For an in-person replacement at a DPS office, bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves your current Texas address. Identity documents include a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, or a previous Texas driver's license (even though it is lost, you can describe it or show a photo). Residency documents include a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement — all must show your current name and address and be dated within the last 90 days.

You will also need your Social Security number. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring your old license if you still have it, though it is not required. If you do not have your Social Security card, you can still explore; DPS will verify your number through the Social Security Administration.

Do not bring copies or photos of documents. DPS staff will examine originals or certified copies only. If a document is certified, it must be certified by the issuing agency or a notary public.

Replacing your license in person at a DPS office

Find your nearest DPS driver license office on the Texas DPS website. You do not need an appointment; most offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though some locations now offer online scheduling. Arrive during business hours with your identity and residency documents. Tell the staff member that you are replacing a lost license, not renewing.

The staff member will take your documents, verify your information, and take a new photo. You will sign a form confirming the license is lost. You will pay the replacement fee — the amount depends on your license type (Class C for regular drivers, Class M for motorcycle, etc.) and how many years you are renewing for. Most Class C licenses cost between $30 and $50 for a four-year or six-year renewal.

You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving and is recognized by law enforcement and insurance companies. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. The temporary license remains valid until your new card arrives.

Mailing in a replacement request

If you cannot visit a DPS office, you can mail your replacement request. read and complete form DL-44 from the Texas DPS website. Include the completed form, your original identity document, your original residency document, and a check or money order for the replacement fee made payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety."

Mail the package to the address listed on the DPS website for your region. Processing by mail takes four to six weeks, and you will not receive a temporary license. You cannot drive legally during this time unless you have another valid form of ID that shows you are licensed to drive — such as a military driver's license or an out-of-state license that is still valid.

If you mail your request and need to drive before your new license arrives, you have two options: visit a DPS office in person to get a temporary license, or contact DPS to ask whether they can issue a temporary license by mail in your situation (this is rare and depends on your circumstances).

What happens if you find your old license after you have reported it lost

If you find your lost license after you have already requested a replacement, you do not need to do anything. You cannot use the old license once you have reported it lost — it is no longer valid. Destroy it or return it to a DPS office. When your new license arrives, use that instead. There is no refund for the replacement fee.

If you find the license before you have reported it lost to DPS, you can continue using it. You do not have to report it lost or request a replacement.

Replacing your license if you are out of state

If you are living outside Texas when your license is lost, you can still mail in a replacement request. Follow the same process: complete form DL-44, include your identity and residency documents, and mail to the DPS address for your region. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide on the form — this can be an out-of-state address.

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives and you are out of state, you may be able to get a temporary license by visiting a DPS office in person if you return to Texas. Some states also recognize an out-of-state temporary license for a limited time, but this varies. Check the driving laws of the state where you are currently located.

Your license number and insurance

Your Texas driver's license number does not change when you replace a lost card. You can give your old license number to your insurance company, employer, or anyone else who needs it — it remains valid. When your new license arrives, the number on it will be the same. You do not need to notify your insurance company of the replacement unless your policy requires you to provide your new license number for their records.

If you are asked for your license number before your replacement arrives, use your old number. It is still yours and is still active in the Texas system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a temporary license if I lost my license out of state?

No, you must visit a DPS office in Texas to receive a temporary paper license in person. If you are out of state, you can mail your replacement request, but you will not receive a temporary license and cannot drive legally until your new card arrives. Consider returning to Texas briefly to visit a DPS office if you need to drive soon.

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

The cost is the same as renewing your license and depends on your license type and renewal period. A Class C license typically costs between $30 and $50 for a four-year or six-year renewal. Check the Texas DPS website for the exact fee for your license type, as fees can change.

What if I lost my license and my Social Security card at the same time?

You can still replace your license without your Social Security card. Bring your identity document (passport, birth certificate, or military ID) and your residency document. DPS will verify your Social Security number through the Social Security Administration. You will need to replace your Social Security card separately through the Social Security Administration.

Do I need to report my lost license to the police?

No, you do not need to report a lost license to police. You only need to report it to DPS by requesting a replacement. If you are concerned about identity theft because your license contained sensitive information, you can contact the police non-emergency line to file a report for your records, but it is not required to replace your license.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license from the DPS office?

No, you must pick up your temporary paper license yourself at the DPS office. Your permanent plastic license is mailed to the address you provide, so someone else can receive it in the mail if they live at that address, but you must be present to receive the temporary license in person.