What you need to do to replace a lost license in Texas

To replace a lost Texas driver's license, you'll 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 whole process takes about 30 minutes. You'll walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your plastic card is mailed to you — usually within 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer during busy periods.

You cannot replace a lost license by mail, phone, or online. Texas requires you to appear in person at a DPS driver's license office. The good news is that you don't need to retake any tests; you're straightforward getting a duplicate of your existing license with the same expiration date.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Texas DPS driver's license office in person with valid proof of identity and one document showing your current address.
  • The replacement fee is $11 for a standard license and $16 for a Real ID-compliant license, paid at the time of your visit.
  • You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready that's valid for 45 days while your plastic license is mailed to your address on file.
  • Your mailed license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days, but processing times vary depending on the DPS office location and current volume.
  • If your license was stolen, you can report it to DPS at the same time you explore for the replacement.

Documents you need to bring

Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves your current address. For identity, the DPS accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or a certified birth certificate. If you don't have any of those, you can use a Social Security card plus one additional document from the identity list — but this combination takes longer to process.

For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name. The document must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you've recently moved and don't have a document yet, you can use a signed affidavit of residency, which you can get from the DPS office itself.

Bring your Social Security number or card. You'll also need to know your Texas driver's license number if you remember it — if not, the DPS can look it up using your name and date of birth.

Where to go and what to expect

Find your nearest DPS driver's license office on the Texas DPS website. You can search by city or county. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. A few offices close for lunch between noon and 1 p.m., so check your local office's hours before you go.

You do not need an appointment at most DPS offices, but some locations now offer online scheduling. Check your local office's page to see if you can reserve a time slot — this can save you from waiting in line. Walk-ins are still accepted, but wait times vary widely depending on the time of day and day of the week. Early morning on a Tuesday or Wednesday is usually faster than late afternoon on a Friday.

Bring all your documents, your fee payment (cash, check, or debit card — not all offices accept credit cards), and be prepared to have your photo taken. The photo will be the same one used on your replacement license, so dress as you normally would.

The fee and payment options

A standard Texas driver's license replacement costs $11. If you want a Real ID-compliant license — which is required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings starting May 7, 2025 — the fee is $16. Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and require one additional document proving citizenship or legal residency, such as a U.S. passport or birth certificate.

Most DPS offices accept cash, checks, and debit cards. Some accept credit cards, but this varies by location. Call ahead or check the office's website if you want to confirm payment methods. If you pay by check, write it to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Your temporary license and when your new card arrives

When you finish at the DPS office, you'll receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and works for driving, voting, and most other purposes where you'd normally show your license. Keep it with you until your plastic card arrives.

Your new plastic license will be mailed to the address on file with the DPS — the same address you provided when you applied. Standard mail delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you applied, but during high-volume periods it can take up to three weeks. If you move before your license arrives, you'll need to update your address with the DPS or the card will go to your old address.

If your license doesn't arrive within three weeks, contact the DPS to check the status. You can call the DPS Driver's License Division or visit a local office. Your temporary license remains valid during this time, so you can continue driving legally.

If your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, you can report it to the DPS at the same time you explore for the replacement. Tell the DPS staff that your license was stolen, and they'll flag it in the system. This prevents someone else from using your license number fraudulently.

You don't need a police report to replace a stolen license, though filing one is a good idea if you're concerned about identity theft. If you want to file a police report, you can do that separately through your local police department or online if your city offers it.

What to do if you can't visit an office in person

Texas does not allow mail-in replacements for lost licenses. You must appear in person at a DPS office. If you're temporarily out of state or unable to visit for a medical reason, you have limited options. Some DPS offices may be able to work with you if you call ahead and explain your situation, but there is no may provide.

If you're out of state, you can visit any DPS office when you return to Texas. Your temporary license remains valid for 45 days, which gives you time to get back and complete the replacement in person. If your temporary license expires before you can visit an office, you'll need to explore for a new one when you do visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online or by mail?

No. Texas requires you to appear in person at a DPS driver's license office. You cannot replace a lost license by mail, phone, or through the DPS website. You must bring your documents and have your photo taken at an office.

How long is my temporary paper license good for?

Your temporary license is valid for 45 days from the date you receive it. This gives you time to drive legally while you wait for your plastic license to arrive by mail. If it expires before your new card arrives, contact the DPS to request an extension or explore for another temporary license.

What if I don't have proof of my current address?

If you don't have a recent utility bill or lease, you can use a signed affidavit of residency, which the DPS office will provide. You'll sign it in front of a DPS employee, and it counts as proof of address. Bring your identity documents and be prepared to explain your address situation.

Do I need to retake the written or driving test to replace a lost license?

No. A replacement license is a duplicate of your existing license with the same expiration date and restrictions. You only retake tests if your license has expired or been suspended, or if you're renewing after a long period without driving.

What happens if my license arrives at my old address after I move?

Update your address with the DPS as soon as you move. You can do this online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. If your license is already in the mail to your old address, contact the DPS to see if they can intercept it or remail it to your new address.