You can replace a lost Texas driver's license online through the Texas Department of Public Safety website, but only if your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired by more than two years
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) lets you order a replacement license online without visiting a driver's license office. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $11, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You'll need your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid payment method — debit card, credit card, or electronic check.
The online replacement works only for lost or stolen licenses. If your license is damaged but still readable, you can use this method. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired for longer than two years, you cannot order online and must visit a DPS office in person instead.
Key Takeaways
- The online replacement costs $11 and takes 7 to 10 business days from the time you order, not from the time you receive it.
- You must have a valid Texas license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to start the online order.
- If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired longer than two years, the online system will reject your order and you must go to a DPS office.
- Your replacement license will have the same number and expiration date as your lost license, unless your license was already set to expire soon.
What you need before you start the online order
Gather these items before you go to the Texas DPS website. You will not be able to complete the order without them. Your Texas driver's license number is the most important — if you do not know it, you can look it up on your insurance card, vehicle registration, or any document you received when you first got your license.
You also need your Social Security number, date of birth, and a payment method. The DPS accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and electronic check payments. Have your debit or credit card ready, or your bank account and routing number if you plan to pay by check.
Step-by-step: ordering your replacement license online
Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Online Services" section. Click on "Order a Replacement License" or "Replace Lost/Stolen License." You will be taken to a form that asks for your license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. Enter these exactly as they appear on your lost license.
The system will pull up your license record and show you the current expiration date. Review this information carefully — your replacement license will expire on the same date unless your license was already within 90 days of expiring. If it was, DPS will issue you a new license with a fresh expiration date.
Next, you will enter your mailing address. Make sure this is correct — your new license will be sent here. If you have moved since your license was issued, update your address now. You can also request that the license be mailed to a different address if needed, though this may add processing time.
Review your order one final time, then enter your payment information. The $11 fee will be charged when ready. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Save this number in case you need to check on your order status later.
What happens after you order online
Your replacement license is printed and mailed within 7 to 10 business days. This timeline starts from the day you place your order, not from the day DPS receives it. You should receive your license within two weeks in most cases, though mail delivery times can vary depending on where you live.
You can check the status of your order on the Texas DPS website using your confirmation number. If more than two weeks pass and you have not received your license, contact the DPS by phone or visit a driver's license office in person with your confirmation number.
Your replacement license will look identical to your original license and will have the same license number. You do not need to take a new photo or pass a test. The only difference may be the expiration date if your original license was close to expiring.
When you cannot order online and must visit an office
The online system will reject your order if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired for more than two years. In these cases, you must visit a Texas DPS driver's license office in person. You will need to bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment for the replacement fee.
If your license was suspended or revoked, you may also need to complete additional steps before you can get a replacement. For example, if your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines, you will need to pay those fines first. Contact your local DPS office or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you may be required to take a written test and vision test at the office, depending on how long it has been expired. Call ahead to ask what to bring and what to expect.
Replacing your license if you do not know your license number
If you lost your license and do not have your license number written down anywhere, you have two options. First, check any documents you received when you got your license — your temporary license paper, your insurance card, or your vehicle registration may have your number on it. You can also call the Texas DPS at 1-888-589-6556 and provide your name, date of birth, and Social Security number; they can look up your license number for you.
Once you have your license number, you can go back to the online order form and complete your replacement. If you cannot find your number and cannot reach DPS by phone, you will need to visit a driver's license office in person to order your replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the online replacement if my license was suspended for unpaid child support?
No. The online system will reject your order if your license is suspended for any reason, including unpaid child support, unpaid traffic fines, or medical reasons. You must visit a DPS office in person. You may also need to resolve the reason for the suspension before you can get a new license.
What if my address has changed since I lost my license?
You can update your address during the online order process. Enter your current address in the mailing address field, and your replacement license will be sent there. Your new license will also show your updated address.
How long does it take to get my replacement license after I order online?
Your license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days of your order. Delivery time depends on your location and mail service, but you should receive it within two weeks in most cases. You can check your order status on the DPS website using your confirmation number.
Do I need to take a new photo for my replacement license?
No. Your replacement license will use the photo from your original license. You do not need to visit an office, take a new photo, or pass any tests when you order online.
What if I ordered online but my license never arrives?
Contact the Texas DPS with your confirmation number. If more than two weeks have passed, you can also visit a driver's license office in person and bring your confirmation number. They can look up your order and help you figure out what happened.