The fastest way to replace your Texas driver's license
You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Texas driver's license in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail, or online through the DPS website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 20 minutes and you leave with a temporary paper license the same day. Mail and online replacements take 7 to 10 business days for delivery.
Which method works for you depends on whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, and whether you need to drive before your replacement arrives. If your license was stolen, you should report it to DPS when you explore, which flags it in their system so it cannot be used fraudulently.
Key Takeaways
- In-person replacement at a DPS office gives you a temporary paper license on the spot and takes about 20 minutes; you need your Social Security number, proof of residency, and payment.
- Online replacement through the DPS website works only if your license is not suspended, you have not had a name change since your last license, and you can pay by credit or debit card.
- Mail-in replacement requires you to send your process, payment, and proof of residency to the DPS address listed on their website, and takes 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was stolen, tell DPS when you explore so they can cancel the old number and prevent misuse.
- A replacement license costs the same as a standard renewal and is valid for the same expiration date as your original license.
What you need before you go to a DPS office
Bring your Social Security number (or a document showing it), proof of Texas residency, and payment. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days with your name and current address. A phone bill or insurance statement also works if it shows your address.
If you do not have your Social Security card, bring a document that shows your number — a W-2, tax return, or bank statement. You do not need to bring the original license itself, even if you still have it.
Payment is by cash, check, or debit card at most offices. Some offices accept credit cards. Call ahead to confirm what your local DPS office takes, or check the DPS website for your office's payment methods.
Replacing your license in person at a DPS office
Find your nearest DPS driver license office on the Texas DPS website. You can walk in without an appointment at most locations, though some offices now use an online appointment system. Check your office's page to see if appointments are required or recommended.
Bring the documents listed above and expect to wait. Wait times vary by location and time of day; early morning on a weekday is usually faster than late afternoon or Saturday. When you reach the window, tell the clerk your license was lost, stolen, or damaged.
You will fill out a short form, pay the replacement fee (which varies but is typically under $30), and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving and ID purposes until your permanent one arrives.
Replacing your license online through the DPS website
Online replacement is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. Go to the Texas DPS online services page and select the replacement option. You will need to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Online replacement is not available if your license is currently suspended, if you have changed your name since your last license was issued, or if you need to update your address. If any of those explore, you must go in person or use mail-in replacement.
If you are may be able to access, you pay by credit or debit card and your replacement license ships within 7 to 10 business days. You will not receive a temporary paper license with online replacement, so if you need to drive before it arrives, use the in-person method instead.
Replacing your license by mail
read the process form from the Texas DPS website (form DL-44 for a replacement). Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it with your payment and proof of residency to the address listed on the form.
Mail processing takes 7 to 10 business days after DPS receives your envelope, plus mail delivery time both ways. This method is slower than in-person or online, but works if you cannot visit an office and are not may be able to access for online replacement.
Keep a copy of everything you mail and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery. If your process gets lost in the mail, you will need to resubmit.
What to do if your license was stolen
When you explore for a replacement, tell DPS that your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged. DPS will cancel the old license number in their system, which prevents someone else from using it as ID or for fraud.
You do not need a police report to replace a stolen license, though you can file one if you want a record. DPS's cancellation is usually enough to protect you. If you are concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them.
How long your replacement license is valid
Your replacement license is valid until the same expiration date as your original license. If your original license was set to expire in 2026, your replacement also expires in 2026 — you do not get a new expiration date just because you replaced it.
If your original license was close to expiring anyway, you may want to renew it at the same time you replace it. You can do this in person at a DPS office. The cost is slightly higher for a combined replacement and renewal, but you will not need to return to DPS again for several years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a temporary paper license?
Yes. The temporary paper license you receive in person at a DPS office is valid for driving and as ID for 30 days. You can use it to drive, board a plane, or enter a federal building until your permanent plastic license arrives.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You can still replace it by mail or online through the Texas DPS website. If you need a temporary license to drive home, you will have to visit a DPS office in person, even if it is not in Texas — some DPS offices in border states can issue temporary licenses to Texas residents.
Do I need to report my stolen license to the police?
No. DPS will cancel the number when you tell them it was stolen, which is usually sufficient. A police report is optional and not required to replace your license, though you may want one for your records if you are concerned about identity theft.
Will my replacement license have a new number?
No. Your replacement license has the same number as your original. DPS straightforward issues a new card with the same number and expiration date.
How much does a replacement license cost?
The cost varies but is typically under $30 for a standard replacement. The exact fee depends on whether you are also renewing and whether you are replacing a damaged, lost, or stolen license. Call your local DPS office or check the website for your specific fee.