What to do when ready after losing your Texas driver's license

If you have lost your Texas driver's license, you can replace it in person at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. You do not need to file a police report first, though you may want to if you suspect the license was stolen rather than lost. The DPS will issue you a replacement license with the same number as your original — you are not getting a new license, just a duplicate of the one you already had.

You can also replace your license by mail if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired by more than two years, you must not have any traffic violations or suspensions on your record, and you must not have changed your address since the license was issued. If any of those do not explore to you, you must go in person.

The replacement fee in Texas is $11 for a regular driver's license or $16 for a commercial driver's license (CDL). You pay this fee whether you replace it in person or by mail. There is no additional charge for a replacement versus a renewal.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace a lost Texas driver's license in person at any DPS office, or by mail if your license expired fewer than two years ago and you have no active violations or suspensions.
  • The replacement fee is $11 for a standard license or $16 for a CDL, and you will receive a license with your original number within one to two weeks.
  • You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or a document showing it — the exact documents depend on whether you are a U.S. citizen.
  • If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the DPS office, valid for 45 days.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report, though it is not required to get a replacement.

Documents you need to bring to a DPS office

Texas requires different documents depending on your citizenship status. If you are a U.S. citizen, bring one document from the primary identity list and one from the residency list below. You will also need to provide your Social Security number or bring a document that shows it (such as a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099).

Primary identity documents (choose one): a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate issued by the state or county where you were born, a valid U.S. military ID, or a Certificate of Naturalization if you were not born in the U.S. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents from a secondary list: a Social Security card, a W-2 or 1099 tax form, a bank statement, a utility bill, a lease or mortgage, or a vehicle registration.

Residency documents (choose one): a utility bill, a lease or mortgage in your name, a bank statement, a vehicle registration, a property tax receipt, or a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy. The document must show your current Texas address and be dated within the last 90 days. A P.O. box does not count as proof of residency.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, the requirements are different. You will need to bring your passport, your visa or travel document, and proof of lawful presence in the U.S. (such as an Employment Authorization Document or a Permanent Resident Card). Contact the DPS directly or visit their website to confirm the exact documents for your immigration status, as the list varies.

Replacing your license in person at a DPS office

Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website. You can search by city or county, and the site shows hours, phone numbers, and whether the office requires an appointment. Many offices now use an online appointment system; some still accept walk-ins. Call ahead if you are unsure, because wait times vary widely and some offices are appointment-only during certain hours.

Bring your documents, your Social Security number, and the $11 or $16 fee. You can pay by cash, check, or card — accepted payment methods vary by office, so call first if you want to be certain. You will fill out an process form (DL-44 if you are a U.S. citizen, DL-43 if you are not), have your photo taken, and sign the license. The DPS will give you a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you.

Your replacement license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. If you do not receive it within three weeks, contact the DPS office where you applied. Keep your temporary paper license until the permanent one arrives — it is valid for driving and is your proof that you have a current license.

Replacing your license by mail

You can mail in a replacement request only if all of the following are true: your license expired fewer than two years ago, you have no active traffic violations or license suspensions, you have not changed your address since your license was issued, and you are a U.S. citizen. If any of these do not explore, you must go to a DPS office in person.

To replace by mail, read and print the DL-44 form from the Texas DPS website. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $11 (or $16 for a CDL) to the address shown on the form. Include a copy of your proof of identity and proof of residency — the same documents you would bring to an office. Do not send original documents; send copies only.

Mail your packet to the DPS address listed on the form. Processing by mail takes three to four weeks from the date the DPS receives your packet. You will not receive a temporary paper license when you mail in your request, so if you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you will have to go to a DPS office in person to get one.

Getting a temporary paper license while you wait

If you need to drive before your replacement license arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at any DPS office. This is a printed document, not a plastic card, and it is valid for 45 days. You do not pay an extra fee for it — it is included with your replacement. The DPS will give it to you on the spot when you explore for your replacement in person.

A temporary paper license is accepted as proof of a valid license by law enforcement and is recognized by most employers and insurance companies. Keep it in your wallet or vehicle until your permanent license arrives. If your permanent license does not arrive within 45 days, you can return to the DPS office and request another temporary license.

If your license was stolen instead of lost

You are not required to file a police report to replace a stolen license, but you may want to for your own records. If you believe your license was stolen and used fraudulently — for example, if someone used it to open an account or commit a crime — file a report with the local police department or the Texas Attorney General's Identity Theft Unit. This creates a record and may help if you later discover fraudulent activity in your name.

To replace a stolen license, follow the same steps as you would for a lost license. Bring your documents to a DPS office, pay the $11 or $16 fee, and you will receive a replacement with your original license number. If you are concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), though this is separate from replacing your license.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not assume you can replace your license online or through the mail if you have any traffic violations or suspensions — the DPS website will tell you if you are ineligible, but many people try anyway and waste time. If you have any doubt about your may be able to access for mail replacement, call the DPS office first rather than mailing in your documents.

Do not send original documents by mail — always send copies only. Original documents can be lost in the mail, and you may need them for other purposes. Do not forget to sign the DL-44 form; an unsigned form will be rejected and sent back to you, adding weeks to the process.

Do not wait until your temporary paper license expires to follow up if your permanent license has not arrived. Call the DPS office where you applied as soon as you hit the three-week mark, because delays do happen and you want time to request another temporary license if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a temporary paper license?

Yes. A temporary paper license is valid for driving and is recognized by law enforcement. It is valid for 45 days from the date you receive it. Keep it with you while driving, just as you would a plastic license.

What if I moved to a new address after I lost my license?

You cannot replace by mail if you have changed your address. You must go to a DPS office in person and bring proof of your new address. You will also need to update your address on your license at the same time, which is included in the replacement process.

How long does it take to get a replacement license in the mail?

If you explore in person, your permanent license arrives within one to two weeks. If you mail in your request, it takes three to four weeks from the date the DPS receives your packet. In both cases, you receive a temporary paper license when ready (or in the mail case, you do not, so plan accordingly).

Do I have to pay a fee to replace a lost license?

Yes. The fee is $11 for a standard driver's license or $16 for a commercial driver's license. This is the same fee whether you replace in person or by mail. There is no additional charge for a replacement versus a renewal.

What if I lost my license and my Social Security card at the same time?

You can still replace your license if you have other documents that show your identity and Social Security number, such as a W-2, 1099, or bank statement. Bring one primary identity document and one residency document, plus a document showing your Social Security number. You do not need the card itself.