What you need to do to replace a lost Texas driver's license

To replace a lost Texas driver's license, you must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person with proof of identity and residency. You'll pay a replacement fee (currently $11 for a standard license), take a new photo, and receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You cannot replace a lost license by mail or online — DPS requires you to appear in person so they can verify your identity and take a new photograph.

The process is straightforward if you have the right documents, but missing documents can add steps and delay. Most people complete the transaction in under 30 minutes at a DPS office.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office in person with a government-issued ID and proof of your current Texas address to replace a lost license.
  • The replacement fee is $11, and you receive a temporary paper license when ready and a permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If you don't have proof of residency, you can use a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • You can check wait times and book an appointment online at the DPS website before you go, which often saves 30 minutes or more.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police first, though it's not required to replace it.

Documents you must bring to a DPS office

Bring an original or certified copy of one of these government-issued IDs: a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID from another state. A photo is required, so DPS will take one at the office — you don't need to bring one. If you have your Social Security number memorized, bring it; if not, bring your Social Security card or a document that shows it (like a tax return or W-2).

For proof of your current Texas address, bring one document dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank or credit card statement. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of Texas residency. If you've recently moved and don't have a 60-day-old document yet, bring what you have and explain the situation — DPS staff can sometimes work with you, but it depends on the office.

How to find a DPS office and book an appointment

Visit the Texas DPS website and use the office locator tool to find the DPS office nearest you. The site shows hours, phone numbers, and current wait times for many locations. You can book an appointment online through the same system, which reserves a time slot and usually cuts your wait time significantly. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are faster, especially in urban areas.

If you cannot book online or need help, call the DPS office directly. The phone number is listed on the office locator page. Some offices are busier than others — if your nearest location shows a long wait, check whether a DPS office 20 or 30 minutes away has shorter times. Rural offices often move faster than urban ones.

What happens at the DPS office

When you arrive, a staff member will verify your identity documents and proof of residency. They'll ask you to confirm your address and any other information on file. You'll then sit for a new photo — wear something you're comfortable in, as you'll be looking at this photo for the next few years. The photo is taken against a plain background, and you cannot wear hats, sunglasses, or heavy makeup that obscures your face.

After your photo, you'll pay the $11 replacement fee by cash, debit card, or credit card (accepted at most offices, but call ahead to confirm). The staff member will print a temporary paper license on the spot — this is valid when ready and looks like a small white card. Your permanent plastic license is mailed to the address you provided and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Keep the temporary license until the permanent one arrives.

If you don't have all your documents

If you don't have a Social Security card or number, you can bring a tax return, W-2, or 1099 form instead. If you don't have proof of residency dated within 60 days, bring the closest thing you have — a utility bill from 90 days ago, for example — and explain your situation. DPS staff have some flexibility, especially if you've recently moved or are in a temporary living situation.

If you don't have a government-issued photo ID from another state or country, the process becomes more complex. You'll need to bring additional documents to prove your identity, such as a birth certificate, passport, or military discharge papers. Call your local DPS office before you go to confirm what they'll accept, because requirements can vary slightly between offices.

If your license was stolen

Reporting a stolen license to local police is optional but recommended. A police report creates a record that can help if someone tries to use your license fraudulently. You don't need the police report to replace your license at DPS — the replacement process is the same whether your license was lost or stolen. However, if you're concerned about identity theft, a police report gives you documentation for your records and for credit monitoring services.

To file a report, contact your local police department's non-emergency line or file a report online if your city offers that option. You'll need to describe when and where you last saw the license. Keep a copy of the report number for your records.

Timeline and what to expect after you leave the office

You walk out with a temporary paper license valid when ready. This temporary license works for driving, voting, and most other purposes that require ID. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days under normal circumstances. If you don't receive it after 12 business days, call DPS to check the status — delays occasionally happen, especially during high-volume periods.

Once your permanent license arrives, destroy the temporary paper license. You don't need to return it to DPS. If your permanent license arrives damaged or with an error, you can return to a DPS office for a free replacement — bring the damaged license and your temporary license as proof.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online or by mail?

No. Texas requires you to appear in person at a DPS office so they can verify your identity and take a new photograph. There is no online or mail-in replacement option for a lost license.

How much does it cost to replace a lost license?

The replacement fee is $11. This is the standard fee for a regular driver's license. If you're replacing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher — call DPS to confirm the exact amount.

What if I move before my replacement license arrives?

Contact DPS with your new address before the license ships, and they can update it. Call the DPS office where you applied or use the DPS website to update your address. If the license arrives at your old address, you can pick it up from the new resident or contact DPS for a remail.

Can I get a replacement license the same day?

You receive a temporary paper license the same day you visit the DPS office, which is valid when ready for driving and ID purposes. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. There is no option to receive the permanent license the same day.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

Bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. DPS will update your name in the system and issue a license with your current legal name. This doesn't change the replacement fee or process.