Get a replacement license at your local Texas DPS office with your ID and a completed form

To replace a lost driver license in Texas, you need to visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, bring proof of identity, and fill out form DL-43. The office will take a new photo, charge you a replacement fee (currently $11 for a standard license), and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

You cannot replace a lost license by mail or online in Texas. Every replacement requires an in-person visit to a DPS office. If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, the temporary paper license is valid when ready and works for all driving purposes.

Key Takeaways

  • You must go to a Texas DPS office in person with a valid ID document and form DL-43 to replace a lost license.
  • The replacement fee is $11, and you receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for driving right away.
  • Your permanent license is mailed to the address on file and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your address has changed, update it during the replacement process so your new license goes to the correct location.
  • Bring an original or certified copy of proof of identity — a passport, birth certificate, or state ID all work.

What documents you need to bring

Texas requires one original or certified copy of a proof of identity document. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, state ID card, military ID, or permanent resident card. A photocopy of any of these does not work — it must be the original or an official certified copy.

You also need to bring the completed form DL-43, which is the process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card. You can read and print it from the Texas DPS website before you go, or you can fill it out at the office. Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) — you will need it to complete the form.

If your current address is different from the one on your lost license, bring a document that shows your new address. Acceptable address proof includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. This ensures your replacement license is mailed to the right place.

Finding a DPS office near you and what to expect

Texas has DPS offices in most counties. Use the DPS office locator on the Texas DPS website to find the office closest to you, its hours, and whether it requires an appointment. Many offices now use an online appointment system; some still operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Calling ahead to confirm hours and appointment availability saves a wasted trip.

Bring your documents, arrive early if you do not have an appointment, and expect to wait. Processing time at the office is usually 15 to 30 minutes once you are called. The DPS officer will verify your identity, take a new photo, collect the $11 fee, and hand you a temporary paper license before you leave. Write down the temporary license number in case you need it for insurance or other purposes.

When your permanent license arrives and what to do if it does not

Your permanent license is printed and mailed to the address you provided at the DPS office. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you applied. If you live outside Texas or have a P.O. box, mail delivery may take slightly longer. The license is sent via regular U.S. mail, not tracked delivery.

If your permanent license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Texas DPS by phone or visit the office where you applied. Have your temporary license number and the date you applied ready. The DPS can check the status of your license and reissue it if there was a mailing error. Do not assume it is lost — mail delays happen, especially during high-volume periods.

Replacing your license if you cannot visit an office in person

Texas does not allow mail-in or online replacement for a lost license. You must appear in person at a DPS office. If you are temporarily out of state or unable to travel, you have two options: wait until you can visit an office, or ask someone you trust to explore on your behalf using a power of attorney.

A power of attorney is a legal document that authorizes another person to act for you. If you choose this route, you and the other person must both appear at the DPS office together with your original identity document, a completed power of attorney form, and form DL-43. The DPS office can provide the power of attorney form. This process is more complex than going yourself and takes longer, so it is best used only if travel is truly impossible.

How a lost license affects your insurance and driving record

A lost license does not automatically affect your insurance rates or your driving record. Your driving history and license status are separate from the physical card. Your insurance company can still see that your license is valid and active in the Texas system, even while you are waiting for the replacement to arrive.

However, if you are pulled over while driving, you must show proof of a valid license. Your temporary paper license counts as proof. If you cannot produce either the temporary or a valid license, you can be cited for driving without a license, which does affect your record and insurance. Keep your temporary license with you at all times until your permanent license arrives.

Replacing a license that is also stolen or damaged

If your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, the process is the same: visit a DPS office with your identity document and form DL-43. You do not need to file a police report first, though you may want to for your own records if theft occurred. If your license was damaged — torn, faded, or warped — bring the damaged card with you to the office. The DPS will take it and issue a replacement.

If you suspect your license was stolen and used fraudulently, contact the Texas DPS and your local police department. Fraudulent use is rare, but reporting it creates an official record. You can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to monitor for identity theft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with just the temporary paper license?

Yes. The temporary paper license is valid for all driving purposes when ready after you receive it at the DPS office. Law enforcement recognizes it as proof of a valid license. Keep it with you whenever you drive until your permanent license arrives.

What if I moved and my address changed since I got my lost license?

Update your address during the replacement process at the DPS office. Bring a document showing your new address dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill or lease. Your replacement license will be mailed to the new address you provide.

Do I have to pay the replacement fee if my license was stolen?

Yes. Texas charges the same $11 replacement fee whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. There is no waiver for theft. A police report does not reduce or eliminate the fee.

How long does the temporary paper license last?

The temporary paper license is valid until your permanent license arrives, which is typically 7 to 10 business days. Once your permanent license arrives, the temporary is no longer needed. If your permanent license is delayed beyond two weeks, contact the DPS to check the status.

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

No. You must pick up your temporary license in person at the office where you applied. Your permanent license is mailed to the address you provided, so no pickup is required for that.