What you need to do right now

Go to your nearest Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You can walk in without an appointment, though wait times vary by location. Bring your original documents or certified copies — a passport, birth certificate, or military ID works for identity; a recent utility bill or lease works for residency. The replacement license costs $16 and takes about 15 minutes to process. You'll leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you, which typically arrives within two weeks.

Your temporary paper license is valid for driving, showing to police, and using as ID at banks or other businesses when ready after you receive it. You do not need to do anything else while you wait for your permanent card to arrive by mail — just keep the temporary license with you while driving.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas DPS offices accept walk-ins for license replacement and do not require an appointment, though you should bring original documents or certified copies.
  • The $16 replacement fee covers a new license mailed to your address; you receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 30 days.
  • You must show proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, military ID), proof of residency (utility bill, lease, bank statement), and provide your Social Security number.
  • If your license was suspended or revoked, you must resolve that with DPS before you can replace it; check your status on the DPS website or call 1-844-DPS-TXDL.
  • Your temporary paper license is valid for driving, insurance purposes, and most ID checks while you wait for the mailed card, which typically arrives within 7 to 14 days.

Finding a DPS office near you

The Texas DPS website has a location finder that shows every office in the state, their hours, and current wait times. Search by city or zip code. Many offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening hours or Saturday appointments. Smaller towns may have limited hours, so check before you go.

If you live far from an office, you can call ahead to confirm they have the documents you plan to bring. The main DPS phone line is 1-844-DPS-TXDL (1-844-377-8935). Staff can tell you whether your specific documents will work and whether you need anything else.

Documents to bring and what counts

You need three things: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. For identity, bring one original document or a certified copy. A U.S. passport, birth certificate issued by the state or county, military ID, or certificate of naturalization all work. A school ID or expired license does not.

For residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your current Texas address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail all count. A credit card statement does not. If you recently moved and have not received mail at your new address yet, ask the DPS office what alternatives they accept — some will take a signed affidavit or a letter from your landlord.

Bring your Social Security number on paper or memorized. You do not need to bring a card, but you must know the number. If you do not have a Social Security number, tell the DPS office — they have a separate process for people without one.

What happens during your visit

Walk up to the counter and tell the clerk you need to replace a lost license. They will ask for your documents, check them against the DPS system, and ask you to confirm your address and any other information on file. You will have your photo taken — wear what you would normally wear, as this photo will be on your new license. The whole process takes about 15 minutes unless the office is very busy.

You will pay $16 by cash, debit card, or credit card. Some offices accept checks, but call ahead if you plan to pay that way. Once payment is complete, you will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving, showing to police, and using as ID at banks or other businesses. It expires 30 days after it is issued.

Your new plastic license will be mailed to the address you provide. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 14 days, though it can take up to 21 days in rare cases. You do not need to do anything else — just wait for it to arrive.

If your license was suspended or revoked

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward replace it. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with DPS. Common reasons include unpaid traffic tickets, failure to pay child support, or a DUI conviction. The DPS website shows your license status if you log in with your driver's license number and date of birth.

Contact the DPS or the agency that suspended your license to find out what you owe or what steps you need to take. Once the suspension is lifted, you can then replace your lost license. If you are unsure why your license was suspended, call 1-844-DPS-TXDL and ask — they can look it up by your name and date of birth.

Replacing a license if you cannot visit an office

Texas does not allow you to replace a lost license by mail. You must visit a DPS office in person. However, if you have a valid reason you cannot travel — such as a medical condition or disability — you can ask the DPS about alternatives. Call 1-844-DPS-TXDL and explain your situation. They may be able to arrange a mobile unit visit or direct you to a closer office.

If you are out of state temporarily, you can wait until you return to Texas to replace your license. Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days, which gives you time to plan a visit to a DPS office. If you have moved out of Texas permanently, you will need to get a license from your new state instead.

What to do about insurance while you wait

Your temporary paper license is valid for insurance purposes. When you get your replacement license, your insurance company does not need to do anything — your policy continues without interruption. If your insurance company asks for a copy of your new license once it arrives, you can send a photo or scan of it, or straightforward provide your new license number over the phone.

If you were in an accident or pulled over while using your temporary license, show the officer or other party the temporary license along with your insurance card. Both are valid proof that you are licensed to drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online?

No. Texas requires you to visit a DPS office in person to replace a lost license. You cannot do this by mail, phone, or online. However, if your license is not lost but straightforward expired, you may be able to renew it online or by mail depending on your age and when it expires.

How long is the temporary paper license good for?

The temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. After 30 days, you must have your new plastic license in hand or you are driving without a valid license. If your plastic license has not arrived after 30 days, return to the DPS office and ask them to reissue a temporary license or check on the status of your card.

What if I move before my new license arrives?

Contact the DPS before you move and provide your new address. You can do this by phone at 1-844-DPS-TXDL or by visiting a DPS office. Your new license will be mailed to the updated address. If you move without updating your address, the license will be mailed to your old address and you may not receive it.

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

You do not have to report it to police, but you may want to if you suspect it was stolen rather than straightforward lost. A police report can help protect you if someone uses your license number for fraud. You can file a report online through your local police department's website or by visiting a police station in person.

What if my documents are not originals?

Certified copies work just as well as originals for both identity and residency documents. A certified copy is a photocopy stamped and signed by the issuing agency or a notary public. If you have a certified copy of your birth certificate or other identity document, bring that. If you only have a photocopy that is not certified, call the DPS office ahead of time to ask whether they will accept it.