You can replace a lost Texas driver's license in person at a DPS office or by mail, but in-person is faster and lets you walk out with a temporary license the same day

A lost driver's license in Texas means a trip to a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office or a completed mail process. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes at the office and costs $16 for a standard replacement. You'll need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. If you go in person, you leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you—usually within two weeks.

The mail route takes longer (typically four to six weeks total) but works if you cannot reach an office. You fill out form DL-44, include the required documents, and send everything to the DPS address listed on their website. Either way, you cannot legally drive without a valid license or the temporary paper one, so the in-person option is the safer choice if you need to drive before your replacement arrives.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person replacement at a DPS office costs $16, takes about 30 minutes, and gives you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days on the spot.
  • You must bring a government-issued photo ID, proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and know your Social Security number.
  • Your permanent replacement card arrives by mail in one to three weeks; the temporary paper license is legal to drive with until it arrives.
  • Mail replacement is slower (four to six weeks) but available if you cannot visit an office; you complete form DL-44 and mail it with copies of your documents.
  • If your license was stolen rather than lost, file a police report first and bring that report number to the DPS office or include it with your mail process.

What documents you need to bring in person

Bring an original or certified copy of one government-issued photo ID—a passport, military ID, or foreign national ID card all work. A Social Security card is not photo ID and will not substitute. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two documents from the DPS's secondary list: a birth certificate, Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return. The DPS website lists the full secondary list if you are unsure.

You also need proof that you live in Texas right now. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days all count. A piece of mail from a government agency works too. Bring the original document or a certified copy—a photo of it on your phone will not be accepted. If your name on your residency document does not match your name on your ID (for example, after a marriage), bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Finding a DPS office near you and what to expect

Visit the DPS website and use their office locator tool to find the nearest driver's license office. Not every DPS office handles driver's licenses—some handle only vehicle registration or concealed handgun permits. The locator will show you which services each office provides. Call ahead if you want to confirm wait times; some offices post current wait times online, and a few allow you to reserve a time slot through their website.

Bring all your documents and arrive during regular business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have reduced Saturday hours. You will fill out form DL-44 at the office (or bring it completed from home to save time). A staff member will take your photo, verify your documents, and process your replacement. You will receive a temporary paper license before you leave. Keep this paper license with you while you drive—it is valid for 30 days and counts as your legal license until your permanent card arrives.

Replacing your license by mail

read and print form DL-44 from the DPS website. Fill it out completely, including your name, date of birth, current address, and the reason for replacement (lost). Make a copy of your government-issued photo ID and your proof of residency—both must be legible. If your name has changed, include a certified copy of the document proving the change.

Mail the completed form, copies of your documents, and a check or money order for $16 to the address listed on the form (this address is on the DPS website under "Mail Renewal and Replacement"). Do not send cash. Include a return address so the DPS can mail your new license back to you. Processing takes four to six weeks from the date the DPS receives your process, plus mail time on both ends. You cannot drive legally during this period unless you have a valid license from another state or country.

If your license was stolen instead of lost

File a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office. You do not need to wait for the report to be filed before you explore for a replacement, but you do need the report number. Bring the report number to the DPS office or include it in your mail process. The DPS uses this information to flag your lost license number in their system and prevent someone else from using it fraudulently.

If you suspect identity theft beyond the stolen license, contact the Federal Trade Commission's identity theft reporting website or call 1-877-438-4338. They will help you create a recovery plan and may recommend placing a fraud alert on your credit report.

What happens while you wait for your permanent license

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days and is your legal proof of a valid Texas driver's license. Carry it with you whenever you drive. If you are pulled over, show the officer both the temporary paper license and your government-issued photo ID. Some officers may not be familiar with the temporary license format, so having your ID ready helps.

Your permanent license will arrive by mail at the address you provided on your process. If it does not arrive within three weeks of your in-person visit, or within six weeks of mailing your process, contact the DPS. You can call their customer service line or visit an office in person. Bring your temporary license and photo ID. The DPS can check the status of your replacement and reissue it if there was a problem.

Replacing your license if you are out of state

If you are living outside Texas temporarily but still hold a valid Texas license, you can mail in your replacement process. Follow the mail replacement steps above. Your new license will be mailed to the address you list on the process—this can be an out-of-state address or a Texas address where someone can receive it for you.

If your Texas license has expired while you were out of state, renewal (not replacement) may be your faster option. Texas allows online renewal for some drivers. Check the DPS website to see if you are may be able to access. If you are not, you will need to return to Texas in person to renew or replace your license, or you can mail in a replacement process and have it sent to an out-of-state address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license the same day I explore?

Yes, if you go in person to a DPS office. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days before you leave. Your permanent card arrives by mail in one to three weeks. Mail replacement takes four to six weeks total.

What if I do not have a government-issued photo ID?

Bring two documents from the DPS secondary list instead: a birth certificate, Social Security card, W-2, or tax return. The DPS website lists all acceptable secondary documents. You still need proof of residency dated within 90 days.

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

No, a police report is not required. However, if your license was stolen, filing a report and providing the report number to the DPS helps prevent fraud. If you suspect identity theft, contact the Federal Trade Commission.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. Your replacement license is mailed to the address you provide on your process. You cannot pick it up at an office or have someone else collect it. Make sure the mailing address on your process is current and reachable.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

Bring a certified copy of the document showing the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Include this with your other documents whether you explore in person or by mail.