You can replace a lost Texas driver's license through the Texas Department of Public Safety website without visiting an office

Texas lets you order a replacement license online through the DPS website if your license was lost or stolen. You do not need to go to a driver's license office, take a new photo, or retake any tests. The replacement arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid payment method — the fee is $20.

The online replacement process works only if your current license is still valid (not expired) and you have not had any major changes since it was issued, like a legal name change or address change within the last 60 days. If either of those applies to you, you will need to visit a DPS office in person instead.

Key Takeaways

  • You can order a replacement license online at the Texas DPS website if your license is still valid and you have not changed your name or address in the last 60 days.
  • The online process takes about 7 to 10 business days from the time you order, and the replacement arrives by mail to your address on file.
  • You will pay $20 by credit card, debit card, or electronic check during the online order.
  • If your license is expired, you have had a recent name or address change, or you need to update your photo, you must visit a DPS office in person.

Step-by-step: Ordering your replacement online

Start at the Texas DPS website and look for the "Driver License" section. Select "Order a Replacement License" or "Replace a Lost or Stolen License" — the exact wording changes, but you are looking for the replacement option, not renewal. You will be taken to a form.

Fill in your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and show you the address where your replacement will be mailed. If that address is correct, you can proceed. If it is wrong, stop here — you cannot change your address online during a replacement order. You will need to visit a DPS office or update your address separately before ordering.

Review the information on screen to confirm your name, license number, and mailing address are all correct. Then choose your payment method: credit card, debit card, or electronic check. Pay the $20 fee. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Save this number — you can use it to track your order.

What happens after you order

Your replacement license is printed and mailed to the address on file with DPS. Standard mail delivery takes about 7 to 10 business days from the date you place the order, though it can take longer depending on mail service in your area. You do not need to do anything else — just wait for it to arrive.

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you have a few options. If you have a photo ID from another source (passport, state ID card, military ID), you can use that. Some employers and banks will also accept a printed confirmation of your online order as temporary proof while you wait. Call ahead to ask what they need.

When you cannot order online

The online replacement option is not available if your license has expired. If your license expired more than two years ago, you will need to retake the written test and vision test in person at a DPS office. If it expired less than two years ago, you may be able to renew it online instead, which is a different process from replacement.

You also cannot use the online replacement if you have changed your legal name in the last 60 days, changed your address in the last 60 days, or need to update your photo. In any of these cases, you must visit a DPS office in person and bring supporting documents (such as a marriage certificate for a name change, or a utility bill for an address change).

If you are not sure whether your situation qualifies for online replacement, call the DPS at 1-844-DPS-TXDL (1-844-377-8935) before you try to order. They can tell you in a few minutes whether you are may be able to access.

Tracking your replacement and what to do if it does not arrive

Use your confirmation number to check the status of your order on the DPS website. The tracking tool will tell you whether your license has been printed, mailed, or delivered. Check this tool after about 10 business days to see if your license has been marked as delivered.

If your replacement does not arrive within 14 business days, contact DPS. Bring your confirmation number and the date you placed the order. They can check whether the license was actually mailed and, if it was, file a claim with the postal service. If the license was lost in the mail, DPS can issue a replacement at no additional cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the online replacement if my address changed recently?

No, not if the change happened within the last 60 days. You must visit a DPS office in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease. If your address change was more than 60 days ago, you can order the replacement online and it will be mailed to your current address on file.

What if I lost my license and do not remember my license number?

You will need to visit a DPS office in person. The online system requires your license number to pull up your record. Bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, and proof of residency so staff can look up your information and issue a replacement.

Do I need to report my license as stolen to police before ordering online?

You do not have to, but you can. Reporting it to police creates a record in case someone tries to use your license fraudulently. Whether you report it or not, you can still order a replacement online through DPS. If you are concerned about identity theft, you may also want to place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus.

Will my replacement license have a new number?

No. Your replacement license will have the same number as your lost license. The only thing that changes is the physical card itself — it will have a new issue date and expiration date based on when you ordered it.

Can I order a replacement if my license is suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot order a replacement online or in person if your license is under suspension or revocation. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with DPS. Call 1-844-DPS-TXDL to find out what you need to do to clear the suspension.