How to Replace a Lost Driver's License in Texas

What to do when ready after losing your Texas driver's license

If you have lost your Texas driver's license, you can replace it by visiting a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, by mail, or through a third-party license service. The fastest route is an in-person visit to your nearest DPS driver license office, where you can walk out with a replacement the same day. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and pay a replacement fee — currently $16 for a standard license.

You do not need to file a police report for a lost license unless you suspect identity theft. However, if your license was lost along with other documents or you are concerned about fraud, contact the Texas Attorney General's Identity Theft Hotline at 1-888-742-8060 to report it and get a case number for your records.

If you are driving before you replace your license, you are technically driving without a valid license. Texas law allows you to carry a temporary paper license from DPS for up to 60 days while your replacement is being processed by mail, but you cannot drive on an expired or lost license itself. The safest approach is to get your replacement in person on the day you discover the loss.

Key Takeaways

You can replace a lost Texas driver's license in person at any DPS office the same day, by mail in 7 to 10 business days, or through an approved third-party service in your area.
You will need a valid form of ID (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof you live in Texas (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and $16 for the replacement fee.
Driving without a valid license in Texas is illegal, so do not drive until you have your replacement or a temporary paper license from DPS.
If you suspect your lost license was stolen or used fraudulently, contact the Texas Attorney General's Identity Theft Hotline to create a record of the loss.

Replacing your license in person at a DPS office

Walking into a DPS driver license office is the fastest way to get a replacement. You will need to bring your proof of identity (a valid passport, certified birth certificate, or state ID card), proof of residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days), and your Social Security number. Bring the originals — photocopies are not accepted for proof of residency.

When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. Tell the clerk you need to replace a lost license. They will take your photo, verify your information against DPS records, and process the replacement on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 60 days while your physical card is mailed to your address on file. The replacement fee is $16 and can be paid by cash, check, or card at most offices.

DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with some locations open Saturday mornings. You can find your nearest office and check wait times on the DPS website at dps.texas.gov. Going early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits than afternoons or Fridays.

Replacing your license by mail

If you cannot visit an office in person, you can mail in a replacement request. read the DL-44 form (process for Texas Driver License) from the DPS website, fill it out completely, and mail it along with copies of your proof of identity and proof of residency to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $16 made payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Processing by mail takes 7 to 10 business days from the date DPS receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with DPS. During this time, you do not have a valid license to drive. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you will need to visit a DPS office in person to get a temporary paper license, which defeats the purpose of mailing in your request.

Mail your request to the address on the DL-44 form. Do not send cash — use a check or money order only. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records in case the envelope is lost in transit.

Using a third-party license service

Texas allows certain private businesses to process driver license renewals and replacements on behalf of DPS. These are called License Service Centers and are located throughout the state. You can find one near you by searching "Texas License Service Center" online or checking the DPS website for a list of approved vendors.

Third-party services charge a fee on top of the $16 DPS replacement fee — typically $10 to $25 depending on the vendor. The advantage is convenience: many are open longer hours than DPS offices and may have shorter wait times. The disadvantage is the extra cost and the fact that you still receive a temporary paper license, not a physical card on the spot.

Bring the same documents you would bring to a DPS office: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The service center will submit your request to DPS, and your new license will be mailed to you in 7 to 10 business days.

What documents count as proof of identity and residency

For proof of identity, DPS accepts a valid U.S. passport, a certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid state ID card from another state, a military ID, or a tribal ID. The document must not be expired and must show your name and date of birth. A Social Security card alone does not count as proof of identity.

For proof of residency, bring an original document dated within the last 90 days showing your name and current Texas address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, or a vehicle registration. A driver's license or ID card does not count as proof of residency even if it shows your address.

If you do not have a document in your name, you may bring a document in a spouse's or parent's name along with a marriage certificate or birth certificate proving the relationship. Call your local DPS office before you visit to confirm what documents they will accept in your specific situation.

Replacing a license if you have changed your name

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, court order, or other legal means — you will need to bring proof of the name change along with your other documents. Acceptable proof includes a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or a certified name change document from the state.

Bring the original or a certified copy. A photocopy of a marriage certificate or divorce decree will not be accepted. If you have already updated your name with Social Security, bring your Social Security card as well. DPS will update your name in their system and issue a new license with the correct name.

What happens if your license was stolen or used fraudulently

If you believe your lost license was stolen or used to commit fraud, contact the Texas Attorney General's Identity Theft Hotline at 1-888-742-8060. They will help you file an identity theft report and give you a case number. This creates an official record that can help you if someone uses your license information to open accounts or commit crimes in your name.

You should also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can also place a credit freeze, which blocks creditors from accessing your credit report entirely until you lift it.

Keep the case number from the Attorney General's office and any documentation of fraudulent use. If someone is caught using your license, you may need this information for police reports or court proceedings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while I wait for my replacement license?

Only if you have a temporary paper license from DPS, which is valid for 60 days. If you replace your license in person at a DPS office, you receive the temporary license when ready and can drive. If you mail in your request or use a third-party service, you do not get a temporary license unless you visit a DPS office in person first.

How much does it cost to replace a lost license in Texas?

The DPS replacement fee is $16. If you use a third-party License Service Center, you will pay an additional fee of $10 to $25 depending on the vendor. Mailing in your request costs only the $16 DPS fee plus postage.

What if I lost my license and moved to a new address?

You can update your address at the same time you replace your license. Bring proof of your new residency (a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days) along with your other documents. DPS will issue a new license with your updated address.

How long does it take to get a replacement license by mail?

DPS processes mail requests in 7 to 10 business days from the date they receive your envelope. Add time for mail delivery both ways. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you will need to visit a DPS office in person to get a temporary paper license.

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

No police report is required unless you suspect your license was stolen or used fraudulently. If you are concerned about identity theft, contact the Texas Attorney General's Identity Theft Hotline at 1-888-742-8060 instead.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.