What to do if your Texas driver's license is lost

If your Texas driver's license is lost, you can replace it by visiting a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person. You do not need to take a written test or road test — DPS will issue a duplicate of your current license with the same expiration date. The process takes about 20 minutes, and you can drive legally while you wait for the replacement to be mailed to you.

The cost is $11 for a standard replacement. You must bring proof of identity and proof of residency, and you should report the loss to DPS as soon as possible so the lost license cannot be used by someone else.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace a lost Texas driver's license at any DPS office without retaking any tests.
  • Bring a valid form of ID (passport, birth certificate, or another government-issued ID) and proof that you live in Texas (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).
  • The replacement fee is $11, and your new license will have the same expiration date as the one you lost.
  • Your replacement license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can drive legally during this time.
  • If you suspect your lost license was stolen or used fraudulently, report it to DPS and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus.

Documents you need to bring to DPS

Texas DPS requires two types of documents: one form of primary identification and one form of proof of residency. Primary ID can be a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a passport card. If you do not have any of these, you can use a combination of secondary documents — such as a school ID, a work ID, or a Social Security card — but you will need more of them.

Proof of residency must show your current Texas address and be dated within 90 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, or a vehicle registration. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you have recently moved and your documents do not yet show your new address, bring a lease or utility bill in your name plus a document showing your old address.

How to visit a DPS office and what to expect

Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website by entering your city or zip code. You can visit any DPS office in Texas — you do not have to go to the one in your county. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many now use an online appointment system. Check the office's page before you go to see whether you need to book a time slot.

When you arrive, bring your documents and the $11 fee (cash, check, or card — accepted methods vary by office). A DPS employee will take a new photo, verify your information, and print a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive while your permanent replacement is mailed to you. Your new plastic license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

If you cannot visit an office in person

Texas does not currently allow you to replace a lost license by mail or online. You must appear in person at a DPS office. If you are unable to travel — for example, if you are homebound or live far from an office — you may be able to request a home visit in some cases, but this is rare and requires contacting DPS directly to explain your situation.

If you are out of state temporarily, you can wait until you return to Texas to replace your license. Your lost license is no longer valid for driving, so you should not drive in another state without a valid license. If you need to drive before you can visit DPS, consider asking a friend or family member for a ride, or use a ride-sharing service.

What happens if your license was stolen or used fraudulently

If you believe your lost license was stolen or has been used by someone else, report it to the DPS office when you explore for the replacement. DPS can flag the lost license in their system so it cannot be used to obtain other documents or services. You should also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — by contacting one of them and asking them to notify the others.

A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. It is free and lasts for one year. If you are concerned about identity theft, you can also request a free credit report from annualcreditreport.com to check for accounts you did not open. Keep a record of the date you reported the loss and any confirmation numbers DPS provides.

Replacing a license that is damaged or unreadable

If your license is still in your possession but is damaged, worn, or unreadable, you can replace it the same way as a lost license — by visiting a DPS office with proof of identity and residency and paying the $11 fee. You do not need to bring the damaged license itself, though you can if you want to. DPS will issue a duplicate with the same expiration date.

If your license is damaged because it was in a fire, flood, or other disaster, DPS may waive the fee in some cases. Bring documentation of the disaster (such as a photo or a disaster declaration) when you visit the office, and ask whether a fee waiver applies to your situation.

Your license expiration date and renewal

When you replace a lost license, your new license will expire on the same date as the one you lost. You do not get extra time. For example, if your original license was set to expire in 2026, your replacement will also expire in 2026. This means you may need to renew your license sooner than you would if you had not lost it.

When your license is close to expiring, you can renew it at the same time you replace it if you visit a DPS office. Bring the documents for both the replacement and the renewal, and pay both fees ($11 for replacement, plus the renewal fee, which depends on your license type and how many years you are renewing for). Alternatively, you can replace your lost license now and renew it later when the expiration date approaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. DPS gives you a temporary paper license at the office that is valid for 45 days. You can drive legally with this temporary license while your permanent replacement is mailed to you. Keep the temporary license with you while driving.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You must visit a Texas DPS office to replace it. If you are out of state, you can wait until you return to Texas. Do not drive without a valid license. If you need to drive before you can visit DPS, ask someone else to drive or use a ride-sharing service.

How long does it take to get a replacement license in the mail?

Your replacement license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. DPS mails it to the address on your process. If you move before it arrives, you can update your address with DPS online or at an office, and they can remail it to your new address.

Do I have to take a test to replace a lost license?

No. You do not take a written test or road test. DPS straightforward issues a duplicate of your current license. The only exception is if your license was suspended or revoked — in that case, you must resolve the suspension or revocation before DPS will issue a replacement.

What if my name has changed since my license was issued?

Bring a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. DPS can update your name on your replacement license at the same time. You may pay an additional fee for the name change; ask at the office.