Get a replacement license at your local DPS office with your ID and fee
To replace a lost Texas driver's license, you need to visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, bring an acceptable form of ID, and pay the replacement fee. You cannot renew or replace a license by mail or online in Texas. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
Texas does not charge extra for a replacement due to loss — you pay the standard renewal fee, which is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. If your license is also expired or expiring within 60 days, you can renew it at the same time for no additional fee.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS office in person with a valid ID and payment; there is no online or mail option for replacements.
- Bring one primary ID (passport, birth certificate, or military ID) plus one secondary ID (utility bill, bank statement, or insurance card) to prove identity and residency.
- The replacement fee is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, payable by cash, check, or card at most offices.
- You receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license is expired or expiring within 60 days, renew it at the same time without paying an extra fee.
What ID documents you need to bring
Texas requires you to prove both your identity and your current address. Bring one document from the primary list and one from the secondary list. Primary documents include a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, or permanent resident card. Secondary documents include a utility bill, bank or credit card statement, insurance policy, lease agreement, or mortgage statement — all dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address.
If you do not have a secondary document with your current address, you can bring two primary documents instead. The DPS office staff will tell you on the spot if your documents are acceptable; if they are not, you will need to go home and return with different ones.
Finding your nearest DPS office and checking wait times
Use the DPS office locator at dps.texas.gov to find the office closest to you and see its hours. Many offices operate Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some have different schedules or Saturday hours. Call ahead or check the website to confirm hours before you go, because some offices close for lunch or have limited hours on certain days.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices in smaller towns often have shorter waits than those in major cities. Going early in the morning or mid-week typically means a shorter wait. Some DPS offices now show estimated wait times on their websites or allow you to check in online before you arrive, so look for that option when you find your office.
What happens at the DPS office
When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and take a number. A staff member will call you to a window, verify your documents, take your photo, and collect your fee. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will sign a form confirming the information on your new license, and the staff member will print a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 45 days.
Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address on your process. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days, but delivery times can vary depending on your location. Do not rely on the temporary license for air travel or other situations that require a physical ID card — use your passport or other primary ID instead.
If your license was lost outside Texas
If you lost your Texas license while traveling or living out of state, you still must visit a DPS office in Texas to replace it. You cannot replace it at a Texas DPS office in another state or through a consulate. If you are temporarily out of state, you can wait until you return to Texas, or you can travel back to your home county's DPS office to complete the replacement.
If you have moved out of Texas permanently and no longer have a Texas address, you cannot replace a Texas license. You will need to obtain a license from your new state of residence instead.
Replacing your license if you also need to update your address
If you have moved since your license was issued, bring documents showing your new address (see the section on required documents above). The DPS office will update your address at the same time they issue your replacement license at no extra cost. Your new license will show your current address.
If you moved but have not yet updated your address with DPS, do it now while you are replacing your lost license. You will need to provide proof of your new address, so have that document ready before you go to the office.
What to do if you cannot find your documents
If you do not have the required primary and secondary documents, you have a few options. You can order a certified birth certificate from the Texas Vital Statistics office or the state where you were born — this usually takes 1 to 2 weeks by mail. You can also request a duplicate military ID from your branch of service, or order a replacement passport from the U.S. State Department.
For a secondary document, you can request a new utility bill or bank statement from your provider, or ask your landlord or mortgage lender for a letter on letterhead confirming your address. Some DPS offices will accept a notarized affidavit of residency if you have no other way to prove your address, but call your local office first to ask whether they accept this option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if it is also suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot replace a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with DPS or the court. Contact the DPS Driver License Division at 512-424-2000 to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to clear it.
What if I lost my license and my wallet was stolen?
Bring your passport, birth certificate, or military ID instead. If your wallet contained your only form of ID, order a certified birth certificate or passport before you visit the DPS office. You will need at least one primary document to prove your identity.
Do I need to report my lost license to police?
No, you do not need to file a police report just because your license is lost. However, if your wallet or purse was stolen, you may want to file a report for insurance purposes or to document the theft. A police report is not required to replace your license at DPS.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. You must be present at the DPS office to have your photo taken and to sign the process. Your replacement license cannot be picked up by someone else or mailed to a different person.
What if my replacement license arrives damaged or with wrong information?
Contact the DPS Driver License Division at 512-424-2000 or visit your local DPS office with the damaged card. They will issue a replacement at no charge if the error was made by DPS or if the card arrived damaged through no fault of your own.