What to do when ready after losing your license
If your Texas driver license is lost, you do not need to wait or file a police report before replacing it. You can request a replacement the same day you discover it is missing. Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles all driver license replacements, and the process is straightforward: you visit a DPS office in person, pay a fee, and leave with a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your plastic card is mailed to you.
The fastest way to replace a lost license is to go to your nearest DPS Driver License office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours. You can find your local office and check its hours on the DPS website before you go.
Bring your Social Security number and one form of identification with your current address — a utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement works. If your address has changed since your last license, bring proof of your new address. You will also need to pay the replacement fee, which is currently $25 for a standard five-year license.
Key Takeaways
- You can replace a lost Texas driver license at any DPS Driver License office without a police report, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days on the same day.
- Bring your Social Security number, one form of ID with your current address, and $25 to complete the replacement in person.
- Your new plastic license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days in most cases.
- If you cannot visit an office in person, you can request a duplicate by mail, though this takes longer and requires additional steps.
- Report your lost license to your insurance company so they know you no longer have the original, which can matter if you are in an accident.
Finding your nearest DPS Driver License office
Texas has DPS Driver License offices in most cities and many smaller towns. The DPS office locator on their website lets you search by city or ZIP code and shows you the exact address, phone number, and hours for each location. Some offices are busier than others — offices in larger cities often have longer wait times, especially on Fridays and at the end of the month.
If you live in a rural area far from a DPS office, you may be able to use a mobile DPS unit that visits certain towns on a rotating schedule. Check the DPS website for the mobile unit schedule in your region. Mobile units offer the same services as permanent offices but operate on limited days.
You can also call your local DPS office ahead of time to ask about wait times. Some offices allow you to take a number online before you arrive, which can save you time on the day you go in.
What happens during your replacement visit
When you arrive at the DPS office, you will check in and take a number. A staff member will verify your identity using the documents you brought, confirm your Social Security number, and ask you to sign a form confirming the license is lost. They will take a new photo for your replacement license — you cannot use your old photo — and process your payment.
Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and works anywhere a regular driver license is accepted, including for driving, traffic stops, and age verification. Keep it in a safe place because you will need it if you are stopped by police before your plastic card arrives.
Your new plastic license will be mailed to the address on file with DPS. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer during busy periods. You do not need to do anything else — just wait for it to arrive in the mail.
Replacing your license by mail if you cannot visit an office
If you cannot visit a DPS office in person, you can request a duplicate license by mail. This process takes longer and has more steps, but it is an option if you live out of state or have a schedule that does not allow an office visit.
To replace by mail, you will need to read and complete the process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-43) from the DPS website. You will also need to include a copy of one form of ID and proof of your current address, along with a check or money order for $25 payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Mail the completed form and documents to the DPS address listed on the form.
Processing a replacement by mail typically takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date DPS receives your process. You will not receive a temporary license with this method, so you cannot drive legally during the waiting period. For this reason, the in-person replacement at a DPS office is almost always faster and more practical.
What to do if your license was stolen
If your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, the replacement process is the same — you still go to a DPS office, bring your ID and proof of address, and pay $25. However, you may want to take one additional step: contact your local police department and file a report about the theft. A police report creates an official record and can protect you if someone tries to use your stolen license to commit fraud.
You do not need a police report to replace your license with DPS, but having one on file can be useful if your identity is misused later. When you file the report, ask for a copy or report number so you have documentation. Some police departments allow you to file a report online, while others require you to visit in person.
Notifying your insurance company and other agencies
After you have replaced your license, contact your auto insurance company and let them know your original license was lost. Insurance companies keep records of your license number, and they need to know it is no longer valid. This protects you in case you are in an accident — the insurer will know the license number on your claim matches your current license, not an old lost one.
If your license was stolen, you may also want to monitor your credit report for a few months to make sure no one is using your information fraudulently. You can check your credit report for free once per year at annualcreditreport.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with the temporary paper license while I wait for my plastic card?
Yes. The temporary paper license DPS gives you on the day of your replacement is valid for 45 days and works for all driving and identification purposes. Keep it with you whenever you drive. If it is damaged or lost before your plastic card arrives, you can get another temporary license by returning to a DPS office.
What if I move before my new license arrives in the mail?
Contact DPS with your new address before your license is mailed, and they will send it to the correct location. You can update your address online through the DPS website or by calling your local DPS office. If your license is already mailed to your old address, you can pick it up there or contact DPS to have it reissued to your new address.
How much does it cost to replace a lost license in Texas?
The replacement fee is $25 for a standard five-year license. If you want a Real ID-compliant license instead, the fee is $27. You pay at the DPS office when you submit your replacement request.
Do I need to retake the written or driving test to replace a lost license?
No. A replacement license is an exact duplicate of your original — you do not retake any tests. DPS will take a new photo, but your driving record and license class remain the same.
What if my address on my DPS record is outdated?
Bring proof of your current address to the DPS office, and they will update your record during the replacement process. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days and showing your name and current address.