What You Need to Do Right Now
To replace a lost Texas driver's license, you must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person with proof of identity and residency. You cannot renew or replace a license by mail or online in Texas. The process takes about 20 minutes at the office, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
You do not need to file a police report for a lost license, though you may want to do so if you suspect it was stolen. The DPS will not ask for one. If your license was stolen and you are concerned about identity theft, you can place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) separately.
Key Takeaways
- You must go to a DPS office in person with a valid ID document and proof of your current Texas address.
- The replacement fee is $16 for a standard license or $32 for a Real ID-compliant license, paid at the office.
- You will get a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies and digital images are not accepted.
- You can find your nearest DPS office and check wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go.
Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office
You need two types of documents: one for identity and one for Texas residency. For identity, bring your original Social Security card, certified birth certificate, passport, military ID, or another government-issued ID. Photocopies, digital photos, and notarized copies are not accepted — the document must be the original or a certified copy from the issuing agency.
For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 30 days showing your current Texas address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail (such as a tax return or court document). A cell phone bill does not count. If you have recently moved and do not yet have a document in your new name and address, bring your most recent residency document and explain the situation at the office — staff can sometimes work with you if you have a lease or other proof of the move.
If you have changed your name since your lost license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you do not have a certified copy, you can obtain one from the county clerk's office where the document was filed.
Where to Go and How to Prepare
Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website at dps.texas.gov. The site shows office locations, hours, and current wait times. Many offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but hours vary by location. Some offices have Saturday hours; check before you go.
Arrive early if possible. Wait times are typically shortest in the morning and on weekdays. The DPS does not take appointments for license replacement, so you will be served on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring all documents in originals or certified copies, and bring your Social Security number written down if you do not have your Social Security card with you.
If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must go with you. If you are over 18, you can go alone. Bring cash or a debit card — the DPS accepts both for the replacement fee.
The Replacement Fee and License Type
A standard Texas driver's license replacement costs $16. A Real ID-compliant license (marked with a gold star in the top right corner) costs $32. Real ID is required for federal purposes such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. If your lost license was a standard license, you can choose to replace it with either type. If it was a Real ID license, you can replace it with the same type or downgrade to standard.
The fee is paid at the DPS office when you submit your documents. You do not pay online or in advance. If you choose Real ID, the office will take a new photo and may ask additional identity questions, which adds a few minutes to the process.
Your Temporary License and Plastic Card Timeline
When you finish at the DPS office, you will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and can be used for driving, voting, and other purposes that require a driver's license. Keep it with you until your plastic card arrives.
Your plastic license card will be mailed to the Texas address you provided at the office. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you applied. If you do not receive it within 10 business days, contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to check the status. Do not discard your temporary license until the plastic card arrives.
If Your License Was Stolen or You Suspect Fraud
A lost license is different from a stolen one in terms of identity risk. If you believe your license was stolen or used fraudulently, you can file a report with local police, though it is not required to replace the license itself. The police report can be useful if someone uses your license information for fraud later.
You should also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place a fraud alert by contacting one bureau, and they will notify the other two. The alert lasts one year and is free.
If you are concerned about ongoing identity theft, you can also consider a credit freeze, which prevents creditors from accessing your credit report without your permission. A freeze costs nothing to place and lasts until you remove it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not bring photocopies or digital images of your documents. The DPS will reject them. Bring originals or certified copies only. If you do not have a certified copy, contact the issuing agency (such as the county clerk or vital records office) before you go to the DPS office — getting a certified copy can take a few days.
Do not assume your temporary license will work for all purposes. While it is valid for driving and voting, some businesses and agencies may not accept it. If you need your license for a specific purpose within the next 10 days, ask the DPS office staff whether the temporary license will work for that purpose.
Do not wait to replace your license if you need it for travel or a federal purpose. If you are flying domestically within the next two weeks, bring your temporary license and a backup ID (such as a passport) to the airport. TSA will accept a temporary license if it is clearly issued by the state and shows your name and photo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license online or by mail?
No. Texas does not offer online or mail replacement for lost licenses. You must visit a DPS office in person with original documents or certified copies. This is a state requirement and cannot be waived.
How long does the plastic card take to arrive?
Standard delivery is 7 to 10 business days from the date you explore at the DPS office. If it does not arrive within 10 business days, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to check the status. Your temporary paper license is valid during this time.
Do I need a police report to replace a lost license?
No. The DPS does not require a police report to replace a lost license. You can file one with local police if you suspect theft or fraud, but it is optional and does not affect the replacement process.
What if I do not have a certified copy of my birth certificate?
Contact the vital records office in the county or state where you were born. You can order a certified copy by mail, phone, or online. Processing times vary but typically take 1 to 3 weeks. If you need your license sooner, bring another government-issued ID (such as a passport or military ID) instead of a birth certificate.
Can I change my address at the same time I replace my license?
Yes. When you explore for replacement, you can update your address on the new license. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 30 days). The replacement fee covers both the lost license and the address change.