You can replace a lost Texas driver's license in person at a DPS office or by mail, and you'll need to pay a replacement fee and bring proof of identity

A lost license in Texas means you need to visit a Driver License Division office run by the Department of Public Safety (DPS), or use the mail option if you meet certain conditions. The process is straightforward: you'll pay a fee (currently $11 for a standard replacement), show proof of identity and residency, and either walk out with a temporary paper license the same day or receive your new card by mail within one to two weeks. You cannot renew online or by phone if your license is lost — the state requires an in-person identity check or a mailed process with certified documents.

The fastest route is an in-person visit to your nearest DPS office. You'll complete a form, show your documents, pay the fee, and leave with a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you. If you cannot get to an office, you can mail an process with certified copies of your documents, though this takes longer and requires more paperwork upfront.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person replacement at a DPS Driver License Division office takes about 30 minutes and costs $11, and you receive a temporary paper license the same day.
  • You must bring an original or certified copy of proof of identity (such as a passport, birth certificate, or state ID) and proof of current Texas residency (such as a utility bill or lease).
  • By-mail replacement requires certified copies of your documents and takes two to four weeks, but works if you cannot reach an office.
  • Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days; your new plastic card arrives by mail and is valid for the remainder of your original license term.

In-Person Replacement at a DPS Office

Walk into any DPS Driver License Division office during business hours with your documents and fee. You'll fill out Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License) or a shorter replacement form, show your identity and residency documents to a clerk, and pay $11 by cash, check, or card. The clerk will take your photo and fingerprints, then hand you a temporary paper license on the spot.

That paper license is valid for 45 days and works anywhere a real license does — you can drive, board a plane, or use it as ID. Your new plastic card is printed at a central facility and mailed to your address on file, arriving in seven to ten business days in most cases. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day; early morning or midweek visits are usually faster.

Find your nearest office on the DPS website (dps.texas.gov) under "Driver License Offices." The site shows hours, location, and whether that office handles license replacements (most do, but a few handle only renewals).

Documents You Need to Bring

You must bring one original document proving your identity and one proving your current Texas address. For identity, the DPS accepts a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, state ID card, military ID, or permanent resident card. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address — it must be dated within the last 60 days.

If your documents are in a different name than your current legal name (for example, after marriage or divorce), bring the original document showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree. If you do not have an original document, you can bring a certified copy from the issuing agency — the DPS will not accept a photocopy or a notarized copy unless it is certified by the government office that issued it.

Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card or tax return. If you have lost your Social Security card, a W-2 or 1099 form works. You do not need to bring your old license if it is lost, but if you have it, bring it anyway — the clerk can note it in the system.

By-Mail Replacement

You can mail an process if you cannot visit an office in person. read Form DL-44 from the DPS website, fill it out completely, and mail it with certified copies of your identity and residency documents, a check or money order for $11, and a photocopy of your Social Security card or tax document. Mail everything to the address listed on the form (currently the DPS Driver License Division in Austin, but confirm on the website before sending).

Processing takes two to four weeks from the date the DPS receives your envelope. You will not receive a temporary paper license by mail — your new plastic card is the only document you get back. This means you cannot drive legally during the waiting period unless you have another valid form of ID. For this reason, by-mail replacement works best if you have a second ID (such as a passport) or if you do not need to drive while your replacement is being processed.

Certified copies must come from the government office that issued the original document. For a birth certificate, order a certified copy from the Texas Vital Statistics office or the state where you were born. For a lease or utility bill, some landlords and utility companies will certify a copy for free; call and ask. Do not use a notary — the DPS specifically requires government certification, not notarization.

What Happens to Your License Number and Expiration Date

Your new license will have the same number as your lost license. The expiration date stays the same too — if your original license was set to expire in 2027, your replacement expires in 2027. You are not renewing; you are replacing, so you do not pay a renewal fee or extend the term.

If your lost license was already expired, you cannot straightforward replace it. You must renew it instead, which costs more and requires a new process. Check your license expiration date before you go to the office. If it has passed, ask the clerk whether you should complete a renewal form instead of a replacement form.

If Your License Was Stolen or Damaged

A stolen license follows the same replacement process as a lost one — bring your documents, pay $11, and get a temporary paper license. You do not need a police report, though if you want one for your records, you can file it with your local police department separately. The DPS does not require it.

A damaged license (torn, faded, or unreadable) also uses the same process. Bring the damaged card with you if you have it; the clerk will note that it was damaged and destroy it. If the damage is minor and the card is still readable, some offices may refuse to replace it and ask you to wait until your renewal date, so call ahead if you are unsure.

Temporary Paper License and Driving During Replacement

Your temporary paper license is a small card printed on the spot and is legally valid for 45 days. Use it to drive, board a plane, or show as ID. It has your photo, signature, license number, and expiration date. Keep it in your wallet; if you lose the temporary too, you will need to return to the office and pay another $11 for a second temporary.

If you are replacing by mail and do not have a temporary, you cannot drive legally until your new card arrives. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, visit an office in person instead — that is the only way to get a temporary license while your replacement is being processed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to replace a lost license in Texas?

The replacement fee is $11. You pay it at the office when you explore in person, or by check or money order if you mail your process. There are no additional fees for a lost or stolen license.

Can I use my temporary paper license to drive out of state?

Yes. Your temporary Texas license is valid for driving and identification anywhere in the United States. It is not valid for international travel — you would need a passport for that.

What if I move before my new license arrives?

Contact the DPS Driver License Division and give them your new address before your card is mailed. If your card arrives at your old address, the post office will not forward it. You can update your address online at dps.texas.gov or by calling the DPS at 1-888-589-6900.

Do I need to report my lost license to the police?

No. The DPS does not require a police report to replace a lost license. If you want a report for your own records (for example, if you are concerned about identity theft), you can file one with your local police department, but it is not necessary for the replacement process.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. Your new license is mailed to your address on file; you do not pick it up at the office. If you need to change the mailing address before it ships, contact the DPS as soon as possible.