You can replace a lost Texas driver's license in person at a DPS office or by mail, and the process takes about two weeks either way

A lost driver's license in Texas means a trip to a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office or a mail-in request to the DPS Driver License Division. You'll need to prove your identity and Texas residency, pay a replacement fee (currently $11 for a standard license), and either wait in line or send documents by mail. The in-person route is faster if you need the license quickly; the mail route works if you can wait and prefer not to visit an office.

Your old license number stays the same, so you don't have to update it with employers, banks, or other places that have it on file. Texas will mail your new license to the address on file, usually within 7 to 10 business days after approval.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office in person or mail a completed DL-44 form with identity and residency documents to replace a lost license.
  • The replacement fee is $11 for a standard driver's license, and you must bring or mail proof of identity and proof of Texas residency.
  • In-person replacement at a DPS office usually takes one to two hours and your license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • Mail-in replacement takes longer overall but requires no office visit; send your documents to the DPS Driver License Division in Austin.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report first, though it is not required to get a replacement.

In-person replacement at a DPS office

Walk into any Texas DPS office with your documents and the $11 fee, and you can start the replacement process the same day. Bring a government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or state ID card work), proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. You do not need to bring your old license—in fact, you cannot, since it is lost.

Fill out form DL-44 at the office or bring it completed from home. The DPS website has a printable version. A DPS employee will verify your identity and residency, take a new photo if your current one is more than five years old, and process your replacement. The whole visit usually takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on how busy the office is.

You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed. Your new license arrives at the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before then, the temporary license is valid for all purposes.

Mail-in replacement through the DPS

If you cannot visit an office, mail your documents and fee to the DPS Driver License Division, P.O. Box 15999, Austin, TX 78761-5999. Include a completed DL-44 form, a copy of your government-issued photo ID, a copy of proof of Texas residency, and a check or money order for $11 made out to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Do not send cash. Include a note with your name, date of birth, and driver's license number if you remember it. The DPS processes mail-in requests in the order they arrive, which usually takes two to three weeks from the time they receive your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file once it is printed.

Mail-in replacement is slower than in-person, but it works well if you live far from a DPS office, have a schedule that does not allow office visits, or prefer to handle it by post. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so if you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, an in-person visit is your only option.

Documents you need for either method

Texas requires two things: proof of identity and proof of residency. For identity, bring an original or certified copy of a government-issued photo ID—a U.S. passport, military ID, state ID card, or passport card all work. A birth certificate alone is not enough.

For residency, bring an original document dated within the last 90 days showing your current Texas address. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, insurance documents, and property tax statements all count. A piece of mail from a government agency with your name and address also works. If you have recently moved and your ID shows an old address, bring both your ID and a current residency document.

If you are replacing a license that was stolen, you may want to file a police report first. It is not required to get a replacement, but a report creates a record and may help if the stolen license is used fraudulently. Bring the police report number to your DPS office if you have one.

DPS office locations and wait times

Texas has DPS offices in most cities and many towns. Find the office nearest you on the Texas DPS website by entering your city or zip code. Some offices take walk-ins only; others use an online appointment system. Check your local office's page before you go—some offices have long waits during certain hours, and booking an appointment can save you time.

Offices are usually less crowded early in the morning on weekdays and more crowded on Fridays and around the middle of the month. If your office offers appointments, book one online rather than waiting in line. If it does not, arrive early or call ahead to ask about current wait times.

What happens if you need to drive before your license arrives

If you replaced your license in person, you received a temporary paper license good for 45 days. Use that to drive legally while you wait for your permanent license. If you chose mail-in replacement and now need to drive before your new license arrives, you have two options: visit a DPS office in person to get a temporary license, or wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.

Driving without a valid license or temporary proof is illegal in Texas, even if you have applied for a replacement. If you are stopped by police and cannot show your temporary license or permanent license, you can be cited. If your replacement is taking longer than expected, contact the DPS Driver License Division at 1-888-589-6789 to check the status.

Fees and what they cover

The replacement fee for a standard driver's license is $11. This covers the cost of printing and mailing your new license. If your license is damaged rather than lost, the fee is the same. If you are replacing a license that expired more than two years ago, you may need to renew it instead of straightforward replacing it, which costs more and requires a new written test in some cases—contact your local DPS office to confirm.

Payment methods vary by office. In-person offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. For mail-in replacement, send a check or money order only; do not send cash through the mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license if my address has changed?

Yes. Bring your old ID (or a copy if it is lost) and a current residency document showing your new address. Your new license will be printed with the updated address. If you have not updated your address with DPS yet, do that at the same time.

What if I lost my license and my Social Security card at the same time?

You can still replace your driver's license. Bring your government-issued photo ID and proof of residency. You do not need your Social Security card in hand, but you will need to know your number. If you do not remember it, contact the Social Security Administration before you visit DPS.

How long does a replacement license stay valid?

Your replacement license is valid for the same length of time as your original license was. If your old license expired in 2028, your replacement also expires in 2028. You do not get extra time because you had to replace it.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. Your license is mailed to the address on file with DPS. You cannot have it sent to someone else's address or have someone else collect it. If you have moved and your mail is forwarded, your license will follow the forwarding address.

What if my replacement license arrives damaged or with the wrong information?

Contact the DPS Driver License Division at 1-888-589-6789 or visit your local DPS office. Bring your damaged license and proof of identity. DPS will issue a corrected replacement at no additional charge if the error was made by DPS.