What you need to do right now
If your Texas driver's license is lost, you can replace it by visiting a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, bringing proof of identity and residency, and paying a replacement fee. The process takes about 30 minutes, and you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to retake the written or road test — a replacement is straightforward a new copy of your existing license.
The fastest way forward is to find your nearest DPS office location, gather the documents listed below, and go during a time when the office is less busy (typically mid-morning on a weekday). If you cannot visit in person, Texas also offers a limited mail-in option for certain situations, though it takes longer.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS office in person to replace a lost license, unless you meet specific conditions that allow mail-in replacement.
- Bring one form of primary ID (passport, birth certificate, or military ID) and one form of proof of current Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).
- The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready and a plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- You can check DPS office wait times and hours online before you go, and scheduling an appointment through the DPS website can reduce your time in the office.
Documents you must bring to the DPS office
Texas requires two categories of documents: one form of primary identification and one form of proof of current residency. Your primary ID must be an original document (not a photocopy) and can be a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, or permanent resident card. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a combination of secondary documents — such as a Social Security card plus a school or work ID — but this route is slower and may require additional steps.
For proof of residency, bring an original document dated within the last 90 days showing your current Texas address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail. A utility bill or lease is the fastest option because DPS staff see them constantly and process them without question. If you have moved recently and your documents do not yet reflect your new address, bring a lease or utility bill in your name at the new address plus a piece of mail from a government agency showing your old address — this combination usually works.
Do not bring photocopies or digital images on your phone. DPS requires original documents or certified copies. If you have lost your birth certificate as well, you can order a certified copy from the Texas Vital Statistics Unit online or by mail, though this adds 1 to 2 weeks to your timeline.
How to find a DPS office and schedule your visit
The Texas DPS website has a driver's license office locator tool where you can enter your city or zip code and see all nearby locations, their hours, and current wait times. Some offices are busier than others — rural offices often have shorter waits than those in major cities. You can also see which offices accept appointments and which operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
If your nearest office takes appointments, book one through the DPS website. An appointment typically reduces your wait time from 30 to 60 minutes down to 10 to 20 minutes. If appointments are not available or your office does not offer them, arrive early in the day — most DPS offices see the longest lines between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get separated in the crowd.
Some DPS offices are located inside a larger government building or shared facility. If you are unsure whether you are at the right place, call ahead using the phone number on the DPS website. Staff can confirm your documents are correct before you make the trip.
What happens during your visit and what you receive
When you arrive at the DPS office, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. A staff member will call your number, verify your documents, take a new photo (unless you request to use your previous photo), and process your replacement order. The entire interaction usually takes 10 to 15 minutes once you reach the counter. You will be asked to sign a form confirming your information and authorizing the replacement.
Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready and remains valid for 45 days while your plastic card is being produced and mailed. The plastic card will arrive at your mailing address within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the DPS by phone or through their website to check the status.
Keep your temporary paper license in your wallet or car until the plastic card arrives. It is a legal form of identification and satisfies any requirement to show your license to a police officer or at a business. Do not laminate it or write on it.
The replacement fee and payment methods
The fee to replace a lost Texas driver's license is $20. DPS offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may also accept checks, but calling ahead to confirm is safer than assuming. If you are replacing a license that was damaged rather than lost, the fee is the same.
If you are a Texas resident over 85 years old, the replacement is free. If you are a military member on active duty, you may be may be able to access for a fee waiver — ask the DPS staff member when you arrive, and bring your military ID.
Mail-in replacement: when it is an option
Texas allows mail-in replacement only in specific situations: if you are unable to visit a DPS office due to a medical condition, disability, or military deployment, or if you live more than 100 miles from the nearest DPS office. To request mail-in replacement, you must first contact the DPS by phone or mail to explain your situation and receive approval. This process takes 2 to 4 weeks before you even mail in your documents, so it is much slower than an in-person visit.
If you are approved for mail-in replacement, DPS will send you a form and instructions. You will mail in your documents, a completed process, and a check or money order for $20. Your temporary paper license will be mailed to you, followed by your plastic card. The entire process from approval to receiving your plastic card typically takes 4 to 6 weeks.
For most people, an in-person visit to a DPS office is faster and simpler than pursuing mail-in replacement. Only choose mail-in if you genuinely cannot visit an office in person.
What to do if your license was stolen, not just lost
If your license was stolen rather than lost, the replacement process is the same — you still visit a DPS office with your documents and pay $20. However, you should also consider reporting the theft to local police and placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). A stolen license can be used to commit identity theft or fraud, so monitoring your credit and financial accounts for suspicious activity is wise.
You do not need a police report to replace your license, but having one on file can help if someone uses your stolen license fraudulently. If you notice fraudulent charges or accounts opened in your name, you can reference the police report when disputing them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license online?
No. Texas does not offer online replacement for lost licenses. You must visit a DPS office in person or, in rare cases, use mail-in replacement if you meet specific conditions. The in-person process is the standard route for most people.
What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?
You can bring a combination of secondary documents instead, such as a Social Security card, school ID, work ID, or military ID. DPS staff will review what you have and may ask for additional documents. Bringing a certified copy of your birth certificate (ordered from the Texas Vital Statistics Unit) is the safest option if you have time.
How long is the temporary paper license valid?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days from the date it is issued. Your plastic card should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so the temporary license covers you during that wait. If your plastic card does not arrive within two weeks, contact DPS to check on it.
Do I need to retake the written or road test to replace a lost license?
No. Replacing a lost license is straightforward getting a new copy of your existing license. You do not retake any tests. Tests are only required if your license has expired, been suspended, or been revoked.
Can I change my address at the same time I replace my license?
Yes. When you visit the DPS office to replace your lost license, you can also update your address on your license at no additional cost. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days) along with your other documents. The DPS staff member will update your information during the same visit.