How to Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Texas Driver License

What You Need to Do to Replace Your Texas License

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Texas driver license, you must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person with proof of identity and residency. Texas does not allow online or mail-in replacement for lost or stolen licenses. The process takes about 20 minutes at the office, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your permanent card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license is damaged but still readable, you may be able to renew it early without the in-person visit requirement that applies to lost or stolen licenses. However, if the damage makes it unreadable or unusable, you must treat it as a lost license and go through the full replacement process.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a DPS office in person with a valid ID and proof of Texas residency to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license.
Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, because DPS will verify your identity against state records before issuing a replacement.
The replacement fee is $16 for a standard license, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready and a permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 days.
If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report first, though it is not required to get a replacement.
Damaged licenses that are still readable may may have access to for early renewal instead of replacement, which could save you a trip if your license is not expiring soon.

Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office

Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves your current Texas residency. For identity, DPS accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or a certified birth certificate. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a combination of documents — for example, a Social Security card plus a school ID or employee badge.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name with your current address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. A bank statement or credit card statement also works. If you have moved recently and do not have a utility bill yet, a lease signed within the last 60 days is acceptable.

You will also need to know your Social Security number. If you do not have it memorized, bring your Social Security card or a tax return showing it. DPS will not issue a replacement without verifying your Social Security number against state records.

Steps to Replace Your License at a DPS Office

First, locate the DPS office nearest you. Go to the Texas DPS website and use the office locator tool, or call 1-844-DPS-5555 to find hours and check wait times. Some offices take appointments through the website; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Calling ahead or checking online before you go saves time.

Arrive with your identity document, proof of residency, and Social Security number. Tell the clerk at the window that you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license. The clerk will verify your information against DPS records, take a new photo, and collect the $16 replacement fee. You can pay by cash, check, or card at most offices.

You will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and works for driving and identification until your permanent card arrives. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you move before it arrives, you can update your address online through the DPS website or at another DPS office.

What Happens If Your License Was Stolen

If your license was stolen, you should report it to local police and get a report number. While not required to get a replacement, a police report protects you if someone tries to use your license number for fraud. Keep the report number for your records.

When you go to the DPS office, mention that the license was stolen. The clerk will note this in your file. You do not need to bring the police report to the DPS office, but having the report number on hand is helpful if questions come up later.

If you are concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by calling one of them. They will notify the others. This is a free service and does not require a police report, though having one strengthens your case if fraudulent accounts are opened in your name.

Damaged Licenses and Early Renewal Options

If your license is damaged but still readable — for example, a cracked card or faded photo — you may be able to renew it early without visiting an office. Texas allows early renewal if your license is damaged or defaced. You can renew online through the DPS website if your license is not expiring within the next 60 days and you have not renewed online in the past 12 months.

To renew online, go to the Texas DPS website, select "Renew Your License," and follow the steps. You will need your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The online renewal fee is $16, and your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your current damaged license for driving until the new one arrives.

If your license is so damaged that it is unreadable or you cannot use it for identification, you must go to a DPS office in person and treat it as a lost license replacement, not a renewal. The process and fee are the same, but you will need to bring proof of identity and residency.

Temporary License and Mailing Timeline

The temporary paper license you receive at the DPS office is valid for 45 days from the date it is issued. It serves as both a driving permit and proof of identity during that time. You can use it to drive, board a plane, or show as ID at banks and other businesses. Keep it in a safe place because you will need it if you are pulled over before your permanent card arrives.

Your permanent plastic license is mailed to the address on file at DPS. Standard mailing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you visit the office. If you do not receive it within 14 days, call the DPS at 1-844-DPS-5555 to check the status. If your address has changed since you applied, update it online or at a DPS office so the card is sent to the correct location.

Once your permanent license arrives, destroy the temporary paper license. You do not need to return it to DPS. If your permanent license arrives damaged or with errors, you can exchange it at any DPS office at no additional charge.

DPS Office Locations and Hours

Texas has DPS offices in every major city and many smaller towns. The office locator on the Texas DPS website shows addresses, phone numbers, and hours for each location. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations offering Saturday hours. A few offices in large cities stay open until 6 p.m. on weekdays.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices in rural areas usually have shorter waits than those in Houston, Dallas, Austin, or San Antonio. Early morning visits, typically before 10 a.m., tend to have shorter lines. If your local office offers appointments, book one online to avoid waiting.

If you cannot visit an office during regular hours, some DPS offices in major cities offer extended hours or Saturday service. Check the office locator or call ahead to confirm hours before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license by mail or online if it was lost or stolen?

No. Texas requires an in-person visit to a DPS office for lost or stolen licenses. You must bring proof of identity and residency so DPS can verify your information before issuing a replacement. Online renewal is only available for damaged licenses that are still readable and meet other conditions.

What if I do not have a Social Security number or cannot find my card?

You must provide your Social Security number to get a replacement license. If you do not have it memorized, bring your Social Security card or a tax return showing it. If you have lost your Social Security card, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration, but that takes time. Call the DPS office before you visit to ask if they can look up your number using other documents.

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

The replacement fee is $16. You can pay by cash, check, or card at most DPS offices. If you renew online for a damaged license, the fee is also $16. There are no additional fees for the temporary paper license.

What if my permanent license arrives with the wrong information or is damaged?

Contact the DPS office where you applied and explain the error or damage. You can exchange it at any DPS office at no charge. Bring your temporary paper license or the damaged permanent license as proof. The replacement will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Do I need a police report to replace a stolen license?

No. A police report is not required to get a replacement from DPS. However, filing a report protects you if someone tries to use your license number for fraud. If you file a report, keep the report number for your records and mention the theft when you visit the DPS office.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.