What you need to do right now

To replace a lost driver's license in Texas, you will go to your local 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 whole process takes about 30 minutes. You will walk out with a temporary paper license that day, and your plastic card will arrive by mail in about two weeks.

You do not need to retake the written or road test — a replacement license is not a new license, just a duplicate of the one you already earned. The DPS will reissue your license with the same number and expiration date as the one you lost.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office in person; you cannot replace a lost license online or by mail in Texas.
  • Bring a government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or state ID) plus one document showing your current address, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • The replacement fee is $11 for a standard license, and you pay in cash or card at the office.
  • You receive a temporary paper license when ready and the plastic card arrives by mail within two weeks.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report first, though it is not required to get a replacement.

Finding the DPS office nearest you

Texas has DPS driver license offices in most cities and many towns. The fastest way to find the one closest to you is to visit the DPS website and use their office locator tool, or call 1-844-DPS-TXDL (1-844-377-8935). You can also search "DPS driver license office near me" and add your city name.

Some offices are busier than others. If you can, go early in the morning or on a weekday rather than Friday or Saturday. Many offices do not take appointments, so you will be served on a first-come, first-served basis. A few larger cities do offer online scheduling — the DPS website will tell you if yours does.

Documents to bring to the DPS office

You will need two things: proof of identity and proof of your current address. The DPS is strict about what counts, so bring originals, not copies.

For proof of identity, bring one of these:

  • A valid U.S. passport
  • A military ID card (active duty, reserve, or retired)
  • A Texas state ID card
  • A certified birth certificate (original or certified copy)
  • A Social Security card

For proof of current address, bring one of these dated within the last 90 days:

  • A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet)
  • A lease or rental agreement
  • A mortgage statement
  • A bank or credit card statement
  • A government document (tax return, voter registration card, or vehicle registration)

If you do not have a document with your current address, you can bring an affidavit of residence signed by someone else who lives at your address and bring their ID. This is less common but works if you are in a bind.

The cost and what you pay for

The replacement fee for a standard driver's license in Texas is $11. If your license was damaged rather than lost or stolen, the fee is the same. You pay at the DPS office when you explore — they take cash, debit, or credit card.

This fee covers only the replacement license itself. If you need to change your name, address, or other information on the license, that may involve additional fees or steps. For a straightforward replacement of a lost license with no changes, $11 is all you pay.

What happens at the DPS office

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and tell the staff member you are replacing a lost license. They will give you a number or ask you to wait. When your number is called, you will go to a window where a DPS employee will ask you questions about your identity and take a new photo for your license.

The photo will be taken on the spot — you cannot bring your own. Wear something you are comfortable with, but avoid hats, sunglasses, or anything that covers your face. The photo rules are the same as for a new license: you need a clear, straight-on shot of your face.

Once the photo is taken and your information is confirmed, you will pay the $11 fee. The DPS will print a temporary paper license on the spot and hand it to you. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready and lasts until your plastic card arrives.

When your new license arrives

Your plastic driver's license will be mailed to the address you provided at the DPS office. Standard mail delivery takes about two weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods or if there are postal delays. You do not need to do anything while you wait — just keep the temporary paper license with you while you drive.

If more than three weeks pass and your license has not arrived, contact the DPS at 1-844-377-8935 to check the status. They can tell you if it has been mailed and help you track it down if there is a problem.

If your license was stolen

If someone stole your license rather than you straightforward losing it, you may want to file a police report. This is not required to get a replacement, but it creates a record in case the license is used fraudulently. You can file a report online through your local police department's website or by calling the non-emergency number for your city.

A police report does not speed up the replacement process, but it protects you if someone tries to use your license for identity theft. Keep a copy of the report for your records. When you go to the DPS office, you do not need to bring the report — the replacement process is the same whether your license was lost or stolen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with the temporary paper license?

Yes. The temporary paper license the DPS gives you that day is a valid license for driving. You can use it when ready and do not need to wait for the plastic card. Keep it with you whenever you drive, just as you would the plastic card.

What if I do not have a document showing my current address?

You can bring an affidavit of residence — a signed statement from someone else who lives at your address. That person must bring their ID as well. Some DPS offices have the affidavit form on hand; others may ask you to bring one. Call ahead to ask what your local office prefers.

Do I have to retake the written or road test?

No. A replacement license is not a new license. You already passed those tests when you first earned your license, so you do not take them again. The DPS straightforward reissues your license with the same number and expiration date.

What if my address has changed since I lost my license?

You can update your address at the DPS office when you replace your license. Bring a document showing your new address (dated within the last 90 days) along with your proof of identity. There is no extra fee for an address change during a replacement.

How long does the temporary paper license last?

The temporary paper license is valid until your plastic card arrives, which is usually about two weeks. Once your plastic card comes in the mail, the paper license expires and you should use the card instead. You do not need to do anything to set up the plastic card — it is ready to use as soon as you receive it.