What you need to do right now
If your Texas driver's license is lost or stolen, you can replace it in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office or through the mail. The in-person route takes about 20 minutes and costs $16 for a standard replacement; the mail route takes 7 to 10 business days and costs $11 but requires you to send in a completed form and proof of identity. You do not need to pass a driving test or vision exam for a replacement — DPS treats this as a document reissue, not a new license.
If your license was stolen, you should also report it to local police and consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) in case someone tries to use your identity. This step is separate from replacing the license itself but protects you while you wait for the new one to arrive.
Key Takeaways
- You can replace a lost or stolen Texas license in person at any DPS office for $16, or by mail for $11 if you have a valid passport or other federal ID.
- In-person replacement takes about 20 minutes; mail replacement takes 7 to 10 business days plus mailing time.
- You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and a completed DL-43 form (in-person) or DL-44 form (by mail).
- If your license was stolen, file a police report and contact the credit bureaus to protect against identity theft.
- Your new license will have the same number as your lost one unless you request a new number at the DPS office.
In-person replacement at a DPS office
Walk into any Texas DPS Driver License office with your documents and you can leave with a temporary paper license the same day. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, proof of Texas residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and your current vehicle registration or insurance card. You do not need to bring the DL-43 form — DPS staff will hand you one to fill out at the office.
The fee is $16 for a standard replacement. DPS will take a new photo and issue a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to your address on file. The plastic card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you need to change your address, you can do that during this visit at no extra cost.
Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website under "Driver License Offices." Some offices take walk-ins only; others use an online appointment system. Call ahead or check the office hours before you go — wait times vary widely by location and time of day.
By-mail replacement if you have federal ID
If you have a valid U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID, you can mail in your replacement request instead of visiting an office. The fee is $11. read and complete the DL-44 form from the Texas DPS website, sign it, and mail it along with a photocopy of your federal ID to the address listed on the form.
Include a letter stating that your license was lost or stolen. DPS will mail your new license to the address on your current record. The whole process takes 7 to 10 business days from the time DPS receives your packet, plus mailing time in both directions — typically 2 to 3 weeks total. You will not have a temporary license during this period, so plan accordingly if you need to drive.
Do not send original documents — send photocopies only. Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records. If your address has changed since your last license, include a proof of residency document (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days) with your mailed packet.
Documents you need for either method
| Document Type | In-Person | By Mail | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proof of identity | Social Security card or document with SSN | Federal ID (passport, passport card, or military ID) | Original for in-person; photocopy for mail |
| Proof of residency | Utility bill, lease, or bank statement (within 90 days) | Same, only if address changed | Must show your name and current address |
| Form | DL-43 (provided at office) | DL-44 (read from DPS website) | Must be signed |
| Fee | $16 | $11 | Cash, check, or card accepted in-person; check or money order by mail |
What to do if your license was stolen
File a police report with the local police department or sheriff's office in the city or county where the theft occurred. You do not need the report to replace your license, but you will want it for your records and for fraud protection. When you file, mention that your driver's license was stolen and provide the license number if you remember it.
Contact the three major credit reporting bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — and ask them to place a fraud alert on your file. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You only need to call one bureau; by law, that bureau must notify the other two. The alert lasts one year and is free.
Monitor your credit report for suspicious activity. You can view your credit report for free once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If you see accounts you did not open or charges you did not make, contact the creditor and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at identitytheft.gov.
If you need a new license number
Your replacement license will normally carry the same number as your lost one. If you want a new number — for example, because you are concerned about identity theft — you can request one at a DPS office. There is no extra fee, but you must do this in person; the mail-in process does not allow number changes.
Ask the DPS staff member to note on your DL-43 form that you want a new license number. The new number will appear on your plastic card when it arrives. Keep in mind that changing your number means updating your number with your employer, insurance company, and any other organization that has it on file.
Temporary license while you wait
If you replace your license in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary is a legal driving document in Texas and is accepted by law enforcement. You can use it to drive, but some businesses (like banks or the TSA at airports) may not accept it as proof of identity — they typically want the plastic card.
If you replace by mail, you will not have a temporary license. Your old license is gone, and your new one is in the mail. If you need to drive during this period, you have no legal driving document. Plan your mail replacement for a time when you can avoid driving for 2 to 3 weeks, or choose the in-person route instead.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not send original documents by mail — send photocopies only. Original documents can be lost in the mail, and DPS does not return them. If you send originals and they are lost, you will have to replace those documents as well.
Do not assume your address is current. If you have moved since your last license renewal, bring proof of your new address to an in-person visit or include it with a mail packet. DPS will mail your new license to the address on file, and if that address is wrong, your new license will go to the old address.
Do not wait to report a stolen license. The sooner you report it and place a fraud alert, the sooner you protect yourself against someone using your identity. DPS does not automatically flag stolen licenses, so the burden is on you to report the theft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a temporary paper license?
Yes. A temporary paper license issued by DPS is a legal driving document in Texas and is valid for 30 days. Law enforcement will accept it. However, banks, the TSA, and other businesses may not accept it as proof of identity — they typically require the plastic card.
What if I do not have a Social Security card?
You can bring any document that shows your Social Security number, such as a tax return, W-2 form, or bank statement. If you do not have your Social Security number, you will need to contact the Social Security Administration to get it before you can replace your license.
How long does it take to get my new license by mail?
DPS processes mail requests in 7 to 10 business days from the time they receive your packet. Add 3 to 5 days for mailing time in each direction, so expect 2 to 3 weeks total. If you need your license sooner, replace it in person instead.
Will my new license have the same number as my old one?
Yes, unless you request a new number in person at a DPS office. If you want a new number for identity theft protection, ask the staff member to note it on your DL-43 form. The mail-in process does not allow number changes.
Do I have to take a new photo for a replacement?
Yes, if you replace in person. DPS will take a new photo at the office. If you replace by mail, DPS will use the photo from your current license record, so you will not need a new one.