What you need to do to replace a lost license in Texas

To replace a lost Texas driver's license, you'll visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and have your photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days in most cases, though it can take longer during high-volume periods.

You cannot replace your license online or by mail — Texas requires you to appear in person. You also cannot use a temporary paper license while you wait; you'll need to carry your replacement receipt as proof until the physical card arrives.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office in person with valid proof of identity and one document showing your current Texas address.
  • The replacement fee is $16 for a standard license, and you pay at the office before leaving.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days under normal conditions, and you should keep your receipt as proof of identity until it arrives.
  • If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request an expedited license at the office for an additional fee, though availability varies by location.
  • You do not need to retake the written or road test to replace a lost license — you're renewing the same license you already passed.

Documents to bring to the DPS office

Bring one form of primary identification and one document showing your current address. Primary ID options include a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or a certified birth certificate paired with a Social Security card. If you don't have any of these, a combination of secondary documents (school ID, employee badge, credit card) may work, but call your local DPS office first to confirm.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and current Texas address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you've recently moved and don't have a document with your new address yet, bring your old license and explain the situation — DPS may accept a signed statement of residency.

Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized. You'll need it to complete the process at the office.

Finding a DPS office and what to expect

Texas has over 130 DPS driver's license offices statewide. Use the office locator on the Texas DPS website to find the one nearest you, check its hours, and see current wait times. Some offices are busier than others; rural locations often have shorter waits than urban ones. Avoid Mondays and the first week of the month when traffic is heaviest.

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and take a number. You'll fill out form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License) while you wait. A DPS employee will call your number, verify your documents, take your photo, and process your payment. Bring cash or a debit card — not all offices accept credit cards.

The entire visit usually takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. If the office is very crowded, you can leave and come back later the same day or on another day; you don't lose your place.

The replacement fee and payment options

A standard five-year driver's license replacement costs $16. If you want an expedited license (usually ready in 2 to 3 business days instead of 7 to 10), the fee is $32 total — $16 for the replacement plus $16 for expedited processing. Not all offices offer expedited service, so ask when you arrive.

Pay at the office before you leave. Most locations accept cash and debit cards. Some accept credit cards, but this varies by location. If you're unsure, call ahead or check the DPS website for your specific office.

If you're over 85 years old, the replacement is free. If you're a military member on active duty, you may also may have access to for a fee waiver — ask the DPS employee when you arrive.

When your new license arrives and what to do until then

Your replacement license will be mailed to the address you provided at the DPS office. Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days, but during peak times (summer, holidays, after major storms) it can take up to three weeks. You'll receive a receipt at the office that shows your process was submitted; keep this receipt until your new license arrives.

Until your new license arrives, you can use your DPS receipt as proof that you've reported your license lost and are waiting for a replacement. This is not a valid ID for driving, but it may help if you're stopped by police. Carry it with you along with another form of ID if you have one. If you're asked to show a driver's license and you only have the receipt, explain that you're waiting for your replacement.

If your new license doesn't arrive within three weeks, contact the DPS by phone or visit the office again. Bring your receipt. Mail delays do happen, and DPS can investigate or reissue if needed.

Replacing a license that was stolen versus lost

The replacement process is the same whether your license was lost or stolen. You do not need a police report to replace it. However, if your license was stolen along with other documents or if you suspect identity theft, file a police report for your records. This creates a paper trail if fraudulent activity shows up later.

If you're concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) by contacting one of them; they will notify the others. This is separate from the DPS process but worth doing if your wallet or purse was stolen.

Special situations and exceptions

If your license was damaged (cracked, faded, unreadable) rather than lost, bring the damaged license to the DPS office along with your documents. The replacement fee is still $16. If you can't find your damaged license, the process is the same as a lost license.

If your name has changed since your license was issued (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring the document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order) along with your other documents. There is no additional fee, but the process may take slightly longer because DPS will update your name in the system.

If you're not a U.S. citizen, you can still replace your license if you have a valid visa or work permit. Bring your passport and visa or work authorization document along with proof of residency. The process and fee are the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online or by mail?

No. Texas requires you to appear in person at a DPS office. You cannot complete a replacement through the mail or online, even if you're out of state. If you're temporarily out of Texas, you'll need to return to replace your license or wait until you're back.

Do I have to retake the written or road test?

No. A replacement is not a renewal or retest. You're getting a new copy of the same license you already passed. You only retake tests if your license has expired or been suspended.

What if I don't have proof of residency?

Call your local DPS office and explain your situation. If you've just moved and don't have a utility bill or lease yet, DPS may accept a signed statement of residency or other documents. Each office has some flexibility, but you must ask before you visit.

Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my replacement?

Texas does not issue temporary paper licenses. Your DPS receipt is proof that you've applied, but it's not a valid ID for driving. Some offices offer expedited processing (2 to 3 business days) for an extra $16 if you need to drive sooner.

What if my replacement license arrives with an error?

Return to the DPS office with your new license and explain the error. DPS will correct it and reissue at no charge. Bring the same documents you brought for the replacement.