What you need to do to replace a lost Texas driver's license

To replace a lost Texas driver's license, you must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and have your photo taken. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes at the office. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days in most cases, though expedited options exist if you need it faster.

You cannot replace a lost license online or by mail — Texas requires you to appear in person. However, you can check office wait times before you go and schedule an appointment at some locations to avoid long lines.

Key Takeaways

  • You must go to a DPS office in person with proof of identity and one document showing your current Texas address.
  • The replacement fee is $16 for a standard license and $32 for a REAL ID-compliant license, and you must pay at the office.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, or you can pay extra for expedited delivery to get it in 2 to 3 business days.
  • You can schedule an appointment at many DPS offices online to reduce wait time, though walk-ins are also accepted.
  • If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the DPS office.

Documents you must bring to the DPS office

Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves your current address in Texas. For identity, the DPS accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, certified birth certificate, or a previous Texas driver's license or ID card. If your lost license is still valid, you do not need to bring it — the DPS has a record of it.

For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or insurance policy in your name with your current Texas address. The document must be dated within the last 90 days. A bank statement or credit card statement also works if it shows your name and address.

If you do not have a document with your current address, you can bring an affidavit of residency signed by someone else who lives at your address and can prove their own identity. This is less common but available if you have just moved and have not received bills yet.

Fees and payment options at the DPS office

A standard Texas driver's license replacement costs $16. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license — which you will need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025 — the cost is $32. You must pay in cash, debit card, or credit card at the office; the DPS does not accept checks or payment by mail.

If you want your license faster than the standard 7 to 10 business days, you can pay $11 extra for expedited mail delivery, which takes 2 to 3 business days. This option is available at the DPS office when you explore. Some offices also offer same-day or next-day pickup for an additional fee, though this varies by location.

How to find a DPS office and schedule an appointment

Visit the Texas DPS website and use the office locator tool to find the nearest location. Enter your city or zip code, and the tool will show you all nearby offices, their hours, and current wait times. Many offices update wait times throughout the day, so you can check before you leave home.

Most DPS offices allow you to schedule an appointment online through the same website. Appointments typically reduce your wait time to 15 minutes or less. If an office does not offer online scheduling, you can call the office directly or straightforward walk in during business hours. Walk-ins are accepted everywhere, but you may wait longer during peak times like lunch hours or late afternoon.

Getting a temporary license while you wait for your replacement

If you need to drive before your new license arrives, ask the DPS officer at the office for a temporary paper license. This is a printed document that serves as a valid license for up to 45 days while you wait for your permanent card. You do not pay extra for it — it is included with your replacement.

The temporary license has the same restrictions and endorsements as your permanent license. You must carry it with you when you drive, and it is valid in all 50 states. Once your permanent license arrives in the mail, the temporary one is no longer valid.

What to do if your license was stolen or used fraudulently

If your lost license was stolen and you suspect someone may use it fraudulently, you can file a report with the Texas DPS or your local police department. This does not change the replacement process, but it creates a record in case the license is used for identity theft. You can file the report online through the DPS website or in person at any DPS office.

If you discover that your stolen license was used to get credit, open accounts, or commit fraud, contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit report. You can also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov. These steps are separate from replacing your license but important if you believe your identity has been compromised.

Replacing a license if you have moved out of state or changed your name

If you have moved out of Texas, you cannot replace your Texas license through the DPS. You must instead get a driver's license in your new state. However, if you still live in Texas and your address on your lost license is outdated, you can update your address when you explore for the replacement at the DPS office — bring your proof of current address as described above.

If you have changed your name since your license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS will issue a new license with your current legal name at no extra cost beyond the standard replacement fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my lost license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a document from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) instead. The DPS will process your replacement using that number. You still need proof of identity and address as described above.

What if I lost my license while traveling outside Texas?

You must return to Texas to replace it in person at a DPS office. If you are stranded without a license, you can request a temporary paper license by mail in some cases — contact the DPS directly to ask. For when ready travel, a U.S. passport or passport card works as a valid form of ID for driving in the United States.

How long does it take to get a replacement if I pay for expedited delivery?

Expedited mail delivery takes 2 to 3 business days after the DPS processes your process. The DPS processes applications the same day you explore, so your expedited license should arrive within 3 to 4 calendar days. Some offices offer same-day or next-day pickup for an additional fee if you need it even faster.

Do I have to replace my license in the county where I live?

No. You can go to any DPS office in Texas, regardless of which county you live in. If you are closer to an office in a neighboring county, you can use that one instead. Bring the same documents — proof of identity and proof of your current Texas address — and the process is identical.

What if my replacement license arrives damaged or with an error?

Contact the DPS office where you applied and explain the problem. You can request a replacement for a damaged license at no extra cost. If there is an error on the license (wrong name, wrong address, wrong endorsements), the DPS will correct it and reissue the license for free. Bring the damaged or incorrect license with you if you return to the office.