Getting a replacement license in Texas

To replace a lost driver's license in Texas, you'll need to 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. The DPS will issue you a new license with a new number on the same day you explore, though the physical card may take one to two weeks to arrive by mail.

The process is straightforward if you have the right documents, but it does require a trip to a DPS office during their business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, though some locations offer limited Saturday hours. You do not need to report the loss to police unless you suspect identity theft or fraud.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office in person with a valid form of ID and proof of your current Texas address to get a replacement license.
  • The DPS will issue you a temporary paper license the same day you explore, valid for 45 days while you wait for your permanent card.
  • A replacement license costs $16 if you're under 85 years old, or $13 if you're 85 or older.
  • Your new license will have a different number than your lost one, so update your address with your insurance company, employer, and bank once you receive it.
  • If you suspect someone is using your lost license fraudulently, contact the DPS and file a police report to protect yourself.

What documents you need to bring

The DPS requires one document proving your identity and one proving your current Texas address. For identity, bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, passport, military ID, or a certified copy of your divorce decree or name change order if your name has changed since your last license.

For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or a letter from a government agency dated within the last 30 days. A bank statement or insurance policy usually works as well. If you don't have a document in your name, you can bring a document showing your spouse's or parent's name along with a marriage certificate or birth certificate linking you to that person.

Bring your Social Security number written down if you don't have your card. You'll also need to know your current address and any previous Texas addresses from the past five years.

Finding a DPS office and what to expect

Use the DPS office locator on the Texas Department of Public Safety website to find the nearest location to you. Enter your city or zip code to see hours, phone numbers, and whether that office requires an appointment. Some offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, while others use an online appointment system.

Arrive early if you don't have an appointment, as wait times can run 30 minutes to two hours depending on the location and time of day. Bring all your documents and be ready to answer questions about your address history and whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. The staff will take a new photo and fingerprints, then issue you a temporary paper license valid for 45 days.

Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address you provide. Standard delivery takes one to two weeks. If you need your license sooner, some DPS offices offer expedited service for an additional fee, though this is not available at all locations.

The cost and payment methods

A replacement license costs $16 if you're under 85 years old, or $13 if you're 85 or older. The DPS accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most offices. Some locations may accept checks, but call ahead to confirm.

If you're replacing a license that was damaged or defective (not lost), the replacement is free. If you're replacing a license because it was stolen and you have a police report, the replacement is also free. Bring the police report number or a copy of the report to take advantage of this.

Using your temporary license while you wait

The paper temporary license the DPS gives you is valid for 45 days and works for driving, voting, and most identification purposes. You can use it at banks, airports, and other places that normally accept a driver's license, though some businesses may be hesitant to accept a paper document. Keep it in a safe place and bring it with you when you drive.

If your permanent license doesn't arrive within two weeks, contact the DPS to check the status. Provide your driver's license number (which will be on your temporary license) and the mailing address where it was sent. If the card is lost in the mail, the DPS can reissue it.

Updating your information after you receive your new license

Your replacement license will have a different number than your lost license. Once you receive it, update your driver's license number with your auto insurance company, employer, bank, and any other organization that has it on file. This prevents confusion if someone tries to use your old license number fraudulently.

If you've moved since your last license, your new license will show your current address. If you move again before your replacement arrives, you can update your address at any DPS office or online through the Texas DPS website, though you'll need to do this in person if you want a new card with the updated address.

What to do if you suspect fraud or identity theft

If you believe someone is using your lost license or if you lost it under suspicious circumstances, file a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office. Provide them with your license number, the date you lost it, and where you lost it. Keep the police report number for your records.

Contact the DPS directly at 1-888-589-6556 to report the license as lost or stolen. This adds a flag to your record that may help prevent someone from using it fraudulently. You can also file a report of identity theft with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov, which creates an official record and may help you if fraudulent charges appear later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license the same day?

Yes. The DPS will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 45 days on the day you explore. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail in one to two weeks. If you need the permanent card faster, ask about expedited service when you visit, though this is not available at all offices and costs extra.

What if I don't have proof of my current address?

You can bring a document showing someone else's name (like a spouse or parent) along with a marriage certificate or birth certificate proving you live at that address. If you have no documents at all, contact your local DPS office to ask about alternative options, as they may accept a notarized statement of residence in limited cases.

Do I need to report my lost license to the police?

No, unless you suspect fraud or identity theft. A lost license is a civil matter, not a criminal one. However, filing a police report creates a record that can help protect you if someone uses your license fraudulently, and it may lower your cost if you're replacing a stolen license.

What happens if my replacement license is lost in the mail?

Contact the DPS with your driver's license number and the address where it was mailed. They can check the status and reissue the card if it's confirmed lost. You'll receive a new card at no additional charge, though it may take another one to two weeks to arrive.

Can I change my address at the same time I replace my license?

Yes. When you visit the DPS office, tell the staff you've moved and provide your new address. Your replacement license will show your current address. If you move again before your card arrives, you can update your address online or at another DPS office, though you'll need to visit in person if you want a new card with the updated address.