You can order a replacement Texas driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office

The fastest way to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Texas driver's license is through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website. You can request a replacement online without visiting an office, and the new license will arrive by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. If you need it faster or prefer to handle it in person, you can also visit a DPS driver license office, where you'll walk out with a temporary paper license the same day.

Your choice depends on how quickly you need the license and whether you want to go to an office. The online route works if you have a few days to wait. The in-person route works if you need to drive when ready or want to resolve it face-to-face.

Key Takeaways

  • You can order a replacement license online through the DPS website without visiting an office, and it will arrive in 7 to 10 business days.
  • Visiting a DPS driver license office in person gives you a temporary paper license on the same day while your permanent card is mailed to you.
  • You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and the driver's license number you're replacing, or you can use your Texas ID number.
  • The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license, and you can pay by credit card, debit card, or check depending on your method.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to the police first so you have a report number for your records.

Ordering online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and select the option to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license. You'll be asked to enter your driver's license number or Texas ID number, your date of birth, and your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity using information already on file with the state.

Once your identity is confirmed, you'll pay the $20 replacement fee by credit card or debit card. You can then choose your mailing address — this is where your new license will be sent. The new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer during busy periods.

You won't receive a temporary license through the online process, so if you need to drive before the new card arrives, you'll need to visit an office in person instead.

Getting a replacement license at a DPS office

Find your nearest DPS driver license office on the Texas DPS website. You can search by city or zip code. Many offices allow you to check wait times online before you go, which helps you pick a less busy time to visit.

Bring your Social Security number, date of birth, and any form of identification you have — a passport, state ID, or even a utility bill with your name and address can work. Tell the staff member that you're replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license. They'll verify your information, take a new photo, and collect the $20 fee. You can pay by cash, check, or debit card at most offices.

Before you leave, you'll receive a temporary paper license that's valid for 45 days. This lets you drive legally while your permanent card is being mailed to you. Your new plastic license will arrive in about 7 to 10 business days at the address you provide.

What to bring and what information you'll need

For either the online or in-person process, have your Social Security number and date of birth ready. You'll also need your current or expired driver's license number, or your Texas ID number if you have one. If you don't remember your license number, the DPS system can sometimes look it up using your name and date of birth.

If you're going in person, bring at least one form of identification. A passport, state ID card, military ID, or even a recent utility bill works. You don't need to bring the original lost or stolen license — in fact, you won't have it if it was lost or stolen.

If your license was stolen, consider bringing a police report number if you filed one. It's not required, but it documents the theft in case questions come up later.

The $20 replacement fee and payment methods

Texas charges $20 to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged driver's license. This is a flat fee regardless of which method you use — online, by mail, or in person.

Online, you can pay by credit card or debit card. At a DPS office, you can usually pay by cash, check, or debit card. Some offices may accept credit cards, but call ahead if you want to confirm. If you're mailing in a replacement request (which is less common), you can include a check.

Mailing in a replacement request

You can also request a replacement by mail, though this is slower than the online or in-person options. read the DL-44 form from the Texas DPS website, fill it out, and mail it along with a check for $20 to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your identification if possible.

Processing by mail typically takes 4 to 6 weeks, longer than the 7 to 10 days for online or in-person requests. For this reason, most people choose the online or office route instead.

What happens if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged, you may want to file a police report. This creates a record that the license was taken without your permission, which can protect you if someone tries to use it. You don't need the police report to order a replacement, but having the report number is helpful to keep on file.

Some people also contact their bank or credit card company to let them know their ID was stolen, especially if they're concerned about identity theft. Your driver's license number alone is not enough for someone to open a credit account, but it's one piece of information that could be combined with other data.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Online and in-person requests typically arrive in 7 to 10 business days. If you go to a DPS office, you get a temporary paper license the same day that's valid for 45 days. Mailing in a request takes 4 to 6 weeks, so it's the slowest option.

Can I drive while I'm waiting for my replacement license?

Yes, if you visit a DPS office in person. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. If you order online, you won't have a temporary license, so you shouldn't drive until the new card arrives.

What if I don't remember my driver's license number?

The DPS system can look up your license number using your name and date of birth. If you're ordering online and the system can't find it, you can visit an office in person and staff will help you locate it in their records.

Do I need a police report to order a replacement if my license was stolen?

No, a police report is not required to order a replacement. However, filing one creates a record of the theft and is worth doing if you're concerned about identity theft or misuse of your license.

Can I change my address when I order a replacement license?

Yes. When you order online or in person, you can provide the address where you want your new license mailed. If you've moved recently, this is a good time to update your address with the state.