How to Get a Replacement Texas Driver's License When Yours Is Lost

What You Need to Do Right Now

If your Texas driver's license is lost, you will need to visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person to request a replacement. Texas does not allow online or mail-in replacement for a lost license — you must appear at a DPS driver license office with the required documents and pay the replacement fee. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card is mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days.

You cannot drive legally without a valid license or the temporary paper document the DPS issues. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, the temporary license serves as proof of your valid driving privilege and is recognized by law enforcement.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a DPS driver license office in person with a valid form of identification and proof of residency; online or mail-in replacement is not an option for a lost license.
The replacement fee is $16 for a standard five-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, and you must pay at the office.
You will receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for driving until your plastic replacement card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Bring one primary ID document (passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate) and one proof of current Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).
DPS offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no appointment system, so arriving early in the morning or on weekdays typically means shorter wait times.

Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office

The DPS requires one primary form of identification and one proof of current Texas residency. Your primary ID must be an original document — a photocopy will not be accepted. Acceptable primary IDs include a valid U.S. passport, a military ID card, a certified copy of your birth certificate (with the raised seal), a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Permanent Resident Card (green card).

For proof of residency, bring an original document dated within the last 90 days that shows your current name and Texas address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government-issued mail all work. A driver's license or ID card cannot be used as proof of residency, even if it shows your current address.

If your name has changed since your original license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the legal document proving the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS will not issue a replacement under a different name without this documentation.

The Replacement Fee and License Validity Period

A standard five-year Texas driver's license costs $16 to replace. If you choose an eight-year license instead, the fee is $32. You pay at the DPS office when you submit your request — cash, debit card, and credit card are all accepted. The DPS does not process refunds if you change your mind after paying.

Your replacement license will have the same expiration date as your original lost license. If your original license expired or is about to expire within the next 60 days, the DPS will issue you a new license with a fresh validity period instead of a replacement. In that case, you will pay the standard renewal fee rather than the replacement fee, which may be different depending on your age and the license type you choose.

Finding a DPS Office and Managing Wait Times

Texas has over 130 DPS driver license offices statewide. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the DPS website at dps.texas.gov. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with limited Saturday hours at some locations. A few offices in major cities stay open until 7 p.m. on weekdays.

DPS offices do not take appointments for license replacement — all customers are served on a first-come, first-served basis. Arriving before 9 a.m. on a weekday typically results in a wait of 15 to 30 minutes. Mid-morning and afternoon visits often mean 45 minutes to over an hour of waiting. Saturday visits and visits after 4 p.m. on weekdays tend to be busier. If you have flexibility, a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday morning visit will usually be faster than other times.

What Happens at the DPS Office

When you arrive, take a number from the ticket dispenser near the entrance. You will wait until your number is called. When you reach the counter, tell the DPS employee that you are requesting a replacement license for a lost document. Hand over your primary ID and proof of residency, and answer questions about your current address, any name changes, and whether your vision or medical status has changed since your original license was issued.

The employee will take a new photograph for your replacement license unless you request to use the photo from your original license (this option is available if your original license photo is less than five years old). You will then sign a form confirming the information on your new license. After payment, the DPS will issue you a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving and is recognized by law enforcement. Keep it with you until your plastic card arrives.

Your Temporary License and Plastic Card Arrival

The temporary paper license issued at the DPS office is a valid driving document and satisfies the legal requirement to carry your license while driving. It will remain valid until your plastic replacement card arrives or until the expiration date printed on it, whichever comes first. Do not lose the temporary license — if you do, you will need to return to a DPS office and request another one.

Your plastic replacement card will be mailed to the address you provided at the DPS office within 7 to 10 business days. Mail delivery times vary depending on your location and postal service delays, so allow up to two weeks before contacting the DPS if your card has not arrived. The DPS does not track individual cards in the mail, so if your card does not arrive after two weeks, contact the DPS to request a replacement card or to verify that your address was recorded correctly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Bringing a photocopy of your primary ID instead of the original is the most common reason for rejection at the DPS office. The DPS will not accept copies, faxes, or digital images of your identification documents — originals only. If you do not have an original primary ID, you will need to obtain one before you can get your replacement license.

Bringing a utility bill or bank statement dated more than 90 days ago will also result in rejection. The DPS strictly enforces the 90-day window for proof of residency. If your documents are older, bring a more recent statement or bill, or contact your utility company or bank to request a current statement before visiting the DPS office.

Assuming you can renew your license at the same time you replace it is another mistake. Replacement and renewal are separate transactions with different fees and processes. If your license is expired or expiring soon, ask the DPS employee at the counter whether you should replace or renew — they will determine which process applies based on your license's current expiration date.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. A military ID card, Permanent Resident Card, or Certificate of Naturalization all work as primary ID. If you do not have any of these, you can obtain a certified copy of your birth certificate from the vital records office in the Texas county where you were born, or from the state where you were born if you were born outside Texas. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $15 to $30.

What if my temporary paper license gets lost or damaged before my plastic card arrives?

Return to any DPS driver license office with your primary ID and proof of residency, and request a replacement temporary license. The DPS will issue another one on the spot at no additional charge. You do not need to wait for your plastic card to arrive before doing this.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. You must appear in person at the DPS office to request your replacement license. The DPS does not allow a family member or representative to request a replacement on your behalf, even with written permission.

Will my replacement license have a new number, or will it keep my original number?

Your replacement license will have the same license number as your original lost license. The DPS does not issue new numbers for replacements — only for new licenses issued to first-time drivers or when a license is not renewed and expires.

What if I find my original license after I have already requested a replacement?

You can still keep and use your replacement license. If you prefer to use your original license instead, you do not need to do anything — straightforward do not use the replacement card when it arrives. The DPS will not cancel the replacement or refund your fee.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.