What You Need to Do Right Now

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Texas driver's license, you have two paths: visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver license office in person, or request a replacement by mail if your license is not suspended and you meet specific conditions. The in-person route takes 20 to 30 minutes and you leave with a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. The mail route takes 7 to 10 business days for processing plus shipping time, but requires no office visit.

You cannot renew online or by phone. Texas does not offer online replacement for lost or damaged licenses. You must choose between the office or the mail option based on your situation and how quickly you need the license.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit a DPS driver license office with your Social Security number, proof of residency, and payment ($11 for a replacement license) to get a temporary paper license on the spot.
  • If you cannot go to an office, request a replacement by mail using Form DL-44 and a completed process, but only if your license is not suspended and you have not had more than two replacements in the past 12 months.
  • Bring an original or certified copy of a document proving your identity — a passport, birth certificate, or military ID — because a photocopy will not be accepted.
  • The temporary paper license you receive at the office is valid for 45 days; your plastic replacement card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was stolen, you do not have to file a police report to get a replacement, but DPS may ask you to sign a statement confirming the theft.

In-Person Replacement at a DPS Office

Walk into any Texas DPS driver license office with the documents listed below. You do not need an appointment. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies of identity documents will be rejected. The office staff will take your process, verify your information against DPS records, take a new photo, and issue you a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Your permanent plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Documents to bring:

  • Your Social Security number (memorized or on a card).
  • One original or certified copy of a document proving your identity: a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, or Certificate of Naturalization.
  • One document proving your current Texas address: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days. A phone bill or insurance document will not work.
  • Payment of $11 (cash, debit, or credit card — policies vary by office).

If you do not have an original identity document, you cannot complete the replacement in person that day. You will need to obtain a certified copy first, which typically takes one to two weeks from the issuing agency.

Replacement by Mail

You can request a replacement by mail only if your license is not suspended, you have not had more than two replacements in the past 12 months, and you are not required to take a new photo (which happens every eight years or when you renew). Mail replacement is slower but avoids a trip to the office.

read or request Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License) from the DPS website or call 1-844-DL-TEXAS (1-844-358-3927). Complete the form, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $11 payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety." Include a copy of your proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days). Do not send original documents.

Mail your packet to:

Texas Department of Public Safety Driver License Division P.O. Box 4087 Austin, TX 78773-0001

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after DPS receives your form. Shipping adds another 3 to 5 business days. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so plan accordingly if you need to drive before the card arrives.

What Happens If Your License Was Stolen

Theft does not require a police report to get a replacement. DPS will issue a new license based on your process alone. However, DPS may ask you to sign a statement confirming that your license was stolen rather than lost. This protects you if the old license is used fraudulently.

If you are concerned about identity theft beyond the license itself, you can place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them. This is separate from the license replacement and costs nothing.

Restrictions on Replacements

Texas limits you to two replacements in a 12-month period. If you have already had two replacements, you must renew your license instead, which requires a new photo and costs $16. Renewals can be done in person or by mail and take longer than replacements.

You cannot get a replacement by mail if your license is suspended for any reason — unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, or other violations. You must resolve the suspension first, then visit an office in person to complete the replacement.

Finding a DPS Driver License Office Near You

Texas has over 130 DPS driver license offices statewide. Use the office locator on the DPS website (dps.texas.gov) to find the nearest one, hours of operation, and whether it accepts walk-ins. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Call ahead if you are traveling more than 30 minutes — some offices have longer wait times during lunch hours or on Fridays.

If you live in a rural area far from an office, the mail route may be your only practical option. Some county tax assessor offices also offer limited DPS services, including replacements; check with your county to see if this is available in your area.

After You Receive Your Replacement License

Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days. Use it to drive, but keep it with you at all times — it is your only proof of a valid license until the plastic card arrives. If you lose the temporary license before the plastic card comes, you will need to get another replacement.

When your plastic license arrives, destroy the temporary paper license. Your new license will have the same number as your old one unless DPS issued you a new number due to a data correction or security issue — this is rare and DPS will notify you if it happens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license if my license is expired?

Yes. A replacement and a renewal are different transactions. Replacement covers lost, stolen, or damaged licenses regardless of expiration date. You can get a replacement for an expired license, but the new license will also expire on the same date as the original unless you renew at the same time.

What if I don't have proof of residency dated within 90 days?

You will need to obtain one. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, and bank statements all work if they show your current address and are dated within 90 days. If you just moved and have no document yet, ask your utility company for a letter confirming your service address, or use a recent bank statement if you updated your address there.

Do I need to bring my old license to get a replacement?

No. If your license is lost or stolen, you obviously cannot bring it. If it is damaged, you do not have to bring the damaged card — DPS can look up your record by your name and Social Security number. Bringing the damaged license can speed up the process, but it is not required.

How much does a replacement license cost?

A replacement license costs $11. This is different from a renewal, which costs $16. If you have had two replacements in the past 12 months and need another one, you must renew instead, which costs $16 and requires a new photo.

What if I moved out of Texas after getting my license?

You cannot get a Texas replacement if you no longer live in Texas. You will need to get a license from your new state. If you still have a Texas address on file and are temporarily out of state, you can request a replacement by mail using your last known Texas address.