What you need to do to get a replacement license

To replace a lost Texas driver's license, you visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay the 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 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you, which usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

You cannot replace your license by mail, phone, or online. Texas requires you to appear in person and provide original documents — not copies. If you've lost your license but still have your wallet, you already know where your nearest DPS office is; if not, you can find one at the DPS website by entering your city or ZIP code.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office in person with an original proof of identity document and proof of current Texas residency.
  • The replacement fee is $16 for a standard license, and you pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office.
  • You receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 30 days, and your permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized, because you'll need it to complete the process.
  • If your license was stolen and you suspect fraud, report it to the police and mention the theft when you visit DPS.

Documents you must bring to the DPS office

Bring one original document that proves your identity. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, a birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, or a certificate of naturalization. Photocopies and digital images do not work — the document must be the original.

You also need one document that proves you live in Texas right now. Acceptable proofs of residency include a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank statement, a government check, or a paycheck stub with your current address. The document must be dated within the last 90 days. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from them saying you live there, plus the utility bill or lease.

Bring your Social Security number written down or memorized. If you don't have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration saying so. You'll also need to know your current address, your date of birth, and your height and eye color.

Where to go and what to expect

Find your nearest DPS office at the Texas Department of Public Safety website. Enter your city or ZIP code in the office locator tool. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours or Saturday hours. Call ahead if you're traveling more than 30 minutes, because some offices close for lunch or have walk-in limits.

Arrive early if you can. DPS offices take walk-ins, but wait times vary widely — some offices have no wait at 9 a.m. and a 45-minute wait by 2 p.m. If the office is very busy, staff may give you a number and tell you to come back later that day. You do not need an appointment, but some offices now let you reserve a time slot online to skip the line.

When it's your turn, a clerk will ask you to fill out form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License). The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and whether you've had any traffic violations or suspensions. Answer honestly — lying on the form is a misdemeanor. The clerk will check your documents, take your photo, and collect the $16 fee.

The temporary license and when your card arrives

Before you leave the office, you'll receive a temporary paper license printed on a small card stock. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and works everywhere a regular license works — you can drive, use it as ID at a bar or airport, and show it to police. Write the expiration date down so you don't forget it.

Your permanent plastic license card is mailed to the address you provided on the process. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you applied. If you don't receive it within two weeks, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6556 to check the status. Do not throw away your temporary license until the plastic card arrives.

What to do if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost, file a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office. You don't need the report to replace your license, but you should have one on file in case someone uses your license number to commit fraud or get a ticket in your name.

When you go to the DPS office, tell the clerk that your license was stolen and provide the police report number if you have it. The DPS will flag your old license number as invalid so it cannot be used. If you're concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by calling any one of them.

Cost and payment methods

The replacement fee for a standard five-year Texas driver's license is $16. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may have to renew instead of replace, which costs $25 and requires an eye test. Ask the DPS clerk whether you're replacing or renewing before you pay.

The DPS office accepts cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may not accept checks, so bring a card or cash if you're unsure. There are no additional fees for the temporary license or for mailing the permanent card.

If you need your license before the card arrives

The temporary paper license is valid for 30 days and is accepted everywhere — you can drive, fly, and use it as ID. If you need to drive before your permanent card arrives, the temporary license is sufficient. You do not need to request anything extra or pay more.

If you lose the temporary license before the permanent card arrives, return to the DPS office and ask for a replacement temporary. You'll need to bring your documents again, but there is no additional fee. If your permanent card arrives and you still have the temporary, you can throw the temporary away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license at any DPS office or does it have to be in my county?

You can go to any DPS office in Texas, not just the one in your county. If you're traveling or live near an office in a different county, you can use that one. The office will mail your new card to the address you provide, so it doesn't matter which office you visit.

What if I don't have a birth certificate or passport?

You need one original identity document. If you don't have a birth certificate or passport, you can use a military ID, a consular report of birth abroad, or a certificate of naturalization. If you have none of these, you'll need to get a birth certificate from the vital records office in the county or state where you were born before you can replace your license.

Do I have to take a new photo or can I use the photo from my old license?

You must have a new photo taken at the DPS office. You cannot use the photo from your old license. Wear something you're comfortable in — the photo will be on your license for five years.

What if I moved and my address changed since I lost my license?

Provide your current address when you fill out the process at the DPS office. Your new license will have your new address on it. Bring a document that proves you live at that address, dated within the last 90 days.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. You must appear in person at the DPS office to explore for a replacement license. You cannot send someone else to do it for you, and you cannot mail in an process. The DPS requires you to be present for the photo and to verify your identity in person.