Report the loss to Texas DPS and request a replacement
When you lose your driver's license in Texas, you need to report it to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and request a replacement document. You can do this in person at any DPS driver license office, by mail, or online through the DPS website. The fastest route is usually online or in person, since mail processing takes longer.
If you believe your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, you should also file a report with local police. This creates a record in case someone tries to use your license fraudulently. You do not need the police report to get a replacement, but it protects you if identity theft occurs.
Texas does not charge a fee to replace a lost license if you are renewing it at the same time or if your license is still valid. However, if your license has expired, you will pay the standard renewal fee along with any applicable endorsement fees. The replacement itself has no separate cost.
Key Takeaways
- You can report a lost license and request a replacement online, by mail, or in person at any Texas DPS driver license office.
- There is no fee for a replacement if your current license is still valid; you only pay if your license has also expired.
- In-person replacement usually takes a few minutes and you receive a temporary paper license on the spot; the plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was stolen, file a police report as well to protect yourself against fraudulent use, though this is not required for the replacement process.
- You will need proof of identity and proof of Texas residency to complete the replacement, whether you explore in person or online.
explore in person at a DPS driver license office
Walking into a DPS office is the fastest way to get a replacement license. Bring your proof of identity (such as a passport, birth certificate, or state ID) and proof of current Texas residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days). If you do not have these documents, the DPS website lists all acceptable forms of identification and residency proof.
Tell the clerk that you lost your license and need a replacement. You will fill out form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License). The clerk will take your photograph and fingerprints on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready, valid for 45 days while your permanent plastic license is printed and mailed to you.
Processing time at the office itself is usually 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the location is. Your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Check the DPS website for office hours and locations near you, as some offices have limited hours or are closed on certain days.
explore online through the DPS website
Texas allows you to report a lost license and request a replacement online if your license is still valid and you have not had more than one replacement in the past year. Go to the DPS website, select "Report Lost/Stolen License," and follow the prompts. You will need to provide your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Online replacement costs the same as in-person replacement (free if your license is valid). However, you will not receive a temporary paper license. Your permanent replacement license will be mailed to the address on file, arriving in 7 to 10 business days. During that time, you have no physical proof of a valid license if you are stopped by police.
The online option works well if you do not need to drive before your replacement arrives, or if the nearest DPS office is far away. If you need to drive when ready, explore in person instead so you can get the temporary paper license.
explore by mail if you cannot visit an office
You can request a replacement by mail by sending a letter to the Texas DPS with your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and current mailing address. Include a copy of your proof of identity and proof of residency. Mail your request to the address listed on the DPS website under "Mailing Address for Driver License Inquiries."
Mail processing takes significantly longer than in-person or online requests — typically 3 to 4 weeks or more, depending on mail delivery time and DPS processing volume. You will not receive a temporary license by mail. This option is best only if you have no other choice and can wait several weeks for your replacement.
Keep a copy of everything you mail, and consider using certified mail with return receipt so you have proof the DPS received your request. If your replacement does not arrive within 4 weeks, contact the DPS to confirm they received your process.
What to do if your license has also expired
If your lost license has expired, you cannot straightforward request a replacement — you must renew it at the same time. The process is the same (in person, online, or by mail), but you will pay the renewal fee in addition to any endorsement fees. Texas renewal fees vary based on your license type and how many years you are renewing for (typically 4 or 6 years).
When you explore in person, bring the same proof of identity and residency as you would for a replacement. The clerk will process both the loss report and the renewal on form DL-43. You will still receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days, and your permanent license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you may need to pass a vision test or written knowledge test before renewal is approved. Check the DPS website or call your local office to confirm what is required for your specific situation.
Protect yourself if your license was stolen
If you believe your license was stolen rather than lost, file a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office. Provide them with your license number, date of birth, and any details about where or when you last had it. The police report creates an official record that can help if someone uses your license fraudulently.
After filing the police report, follow the same replacement process with DPS. You do not need to bring the police report to the DPS office, but keep a copy for your records. If fraudulent activity does occur (such as traffic tickets issued under your license number), you can use the police report to prove you reported the theft.
Consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) if you are concerned about identity theft. A fraud alert makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name, though it does not prevent all fraud. You can place a fraud alert for free by contacting any one of the three bureaus.
What documents you need for each replacement method
| Replacement Method | Documents Needed | Processing Time | Temporary License |
|---|---|---|---|
| In person at DPS office | Proof of identity, proof of Texas residency | 15–30 minutes at office; 7–10 days for permanent license | Yes, paper license valid 45 days |
| Online through DPS website | Driver's license number, date of birth, last 4 SSN digits | 7–10 business days | No |
| By mail | Letter with name, DOB, license number, address; copies of proof of identity and residency | 3–4 weeks or longer | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive before my replacement license arrives?
If you applied in person, yes — you receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. If you applied online or by mail, no — you have no valid proof of license until the permanent card arrives. If you need to drive when ready, explore in person at a DPS office.
What if I lost my license outside of Texas?
You still report the loss to Texas DPS and request a replacement using the same methods. If you are out of state and cannot visit a DPS office, explore online or by mail. Your replacement will be mailed to your Texas address on file.
Do I need to take a new photo for the replacement?
If you explore in person, yes — the DPS will take a new photograph. If you explore online or by mail, the DPS will use your existing photo from your current license file unless your license is very old or the photo is unusable.
How much does a replacement license cost?
There is no fee if your license is still valid. If your license has expired, you pay the standard renewal fee (which varies by license type and renewal period). Check the DPS website for current fee amounts, as they change periodically.
What if someone finds my lost license and tries to use it?
Once you report it lost to DPS, that license number is flagged in the system and will not be accepted as valid identification. If fraudulent activity occurs, the police report you filed protects you by creating an official record that you reported the loss before the fraud happened.