You can replace a lost Texas driver's license in person at a DPS office or by mail, but in-person is faster

To replace a lost driver's license in Texas, you visit a Driver License Division office run by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and have your photo taken. The whole visit takes 15 to 30 minutes. If you cannot go in person, you can request a replacement by mail, though it takes longer and has stricter document rules. You do not need to retake the written or vision test unless your license has been expired for more than two years.

Texas does not issue temporary paper licenses while you wait for your replacement, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your new card arrives. If your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to report it to the police first — this creates a record in case someone tries to use it fraudulently, though it is not required to get a replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person replacement at any DPS Driver License Division office takes 15 to 30 minutes and costs a flat fee that varies slightly by office but is typically under $30.
  • You must bring an original or certified copy of a document proving your identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID) and one document proving your current Texas address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement).
  • Mail-in replacement is slower and requires certified copies of documents rather than originals, so in-person is usually the better choice unless you live far from an office.
  • If your license expired more than two years ago, you will need to retake the written test and vision screening, even though you are only replacing a lost card.
  • Texas does not issue temporary licenses, so you cannot legally drive until your replacement arrives, which takes 7 to 10 business days by mail or same-day in person.

What documents you need to bring in person

Bring one primary identity document — an original, not a photocopy. Acceptable documents are a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, or Certificate of Naturalization. A school ID, work badge, or expired driver's license does not count as primary identity. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two secondary documents instead, such as a Social Security card and a bank statement with your name on it, but this route is slower and the office staff will need to verify them.

You also need one document proving your current Texas address. This must show your name and address and be dated within the last 90 days. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A piece of mail from the state or federal government also works. Your address on the document must match the address you want on your new license. If you recently moved and your documents still show an old address, bring a second document with your new address, or bring a lease or utility bill that shows the move happened recently.

Bring your Social Security number or a Social Security card. You do not need to bring the physical card, but you must know your number. If you do not have a Social Security number, tell the DPS office staff when you arrive — they have a process for that, but it takes longer.

In-person replacement at a DPS Driver License Division office

Find your nearest Driver License Division office on the Texas DPS website. Not all DPS offices handle driver's licenses — you need a location that specifically lists "Driver License Division" or "Driver License Services." Enter your city or zip code, and the website will show you the nearest office, hours, and whether you can walk in or need an appointment. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to book a time slot online. Check before you go.

Arrive with your documents, your Social Security number, and payment. The fee for a replacement license is typically $16 to $25, depending on how long you want the license to be valid (five years or eight years). You can pay by cash, card, or check. The staff will take your photo, verify your documents, and print your new license on the spot. You drive away with it the same day.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you will also need to pass the vision screening (read a chart from a certain distance) and the written test (15 questions on traffic laws). The vision screening takes two minutes. The written test takes 10 to 15 minutes. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost, but you will need to study the Texas Driver Handbook first — the office will not let you retake it when ready.

Mail-in replacement if you cannot visit an office

You can request a replacement by mail by filling out Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License), which you can read from the Texas DPS website or pick up at any DPS office. You must send the form along with certified copies of your identity and address documents — not originals. A certified copy means a photocopy that has been stamped and signed by the issuing agency or a notary public. Getting certified copies takes extra time and may cost $1 to $5 per document.

Mail your completed form and certified documents to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for the replacement fee (cash cannot be mailed). Do not send your old license. The DPS will process your request and mail your new license to the address on your process. This takes 7 to 10 business days from the date they receive your envelope, plus mail time on both ends, so plan for two to three weeks total.

Mail-in replacement does not include a photo taken at an office. The DPS will use the photo from your old license on your new one. If you want a new photo, you must go in person or wait until your license is due for renewal.

What happens if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost, you can still follow the same replacement steps. However, you may want to file a police report first. A police report creates an official record that your license was stolen, which protects you if someone tries to use it to open accounts or commit fraud in your name. You do not need the police report to get a replacement license, but it is useful to have if problems come up later.

When you go to the DPS office or fill out your mail-in form, you can mention that the license was stolen. The staff will note it in the system. If you have a police report number, bring it or include it with your mail-in process.

Temporary driving while you wait for your replacement

Texas does not issue temporary paper licenses or temporary digital licenses. Once your original license is lost, you cannot legally drive until your replacement arrives. If you need to drive before your new license is ready, your only option is to have someone else drive you, or to wait until your replacement arrives.

This is why in-person replacement is usually the better choice — you get your new license the same day and can drive when ready. If you choose mail-in replacement, plan for two to three weeks without a valid license to drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to retake the written test if I am just replacing a lost license?

Only if your license expired more than two years ago. If your license was still valid when you lost it, you just pay the fee and get a new card with the same information and photo. If it expired more than two years ago, you must pass the vision screening and written test, even though you are replacing a lost card rather than renewing.

Can I get a replacement license if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?

Yes. If you do not have a primary identity document, bring two secondary documents instead, such as a Social Security card, bank statement, and work ID. The office staff will verify them, which takes longer, but you can still get a replacement. Call your local DPS office ahead of time to ask what secondary documents they accept, since rules can vary slightly by location.

What if I lost my license out of state and I am not in Texas right now?

You must replace it in person at a Texas DPS office or by mail. You cannot replace a Texas license at a DPS office in another state. If you are out of state, mail-in replacement is your only option. Mail your Form DL-44 and certified documents to the address on the form, and your new license will be mailed to your Texas address.

How much does it cost to replace a lost driver's license in Texas?

The fee is typically $16 to $25, depending on whether you choose a five-year or eight-year license. Fees may vary slightly by office. You pay at the time of replacement, whether in person or by mail. There are no additional fees for a lost license replacement compared to a regular renewal.

Can I change my address on my license when I replace it?

Yes. When you go in person or fill out your mail-in form, you can provide a new address. Just make sure you bring a document proving that new address, dated within the last 90 days. The new address will appear on your replacement license.