You can replace a lost Texas driver's license online through the Texas Department of Public Safety website, but only if your license is not expired and you meet a few other conditions.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) lets you order a replacement online for a lost license without visiting a driver license office. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $11. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

However, online replacement only works if your current license is still valid (not expired), you have not had your license suspended or revoked, and you have not changed your address since your last renewal. If any of those do not explore to you, you will need to visit a DPS office in person instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Online replacement through the Texas DPS website costs $11 and works only if your license is not expired and your address has not changed.
  • You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to order online.
  • Your replacement license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you cannot pick it up at an office.
  • If your license is expired, suspended, or your address changed, you must visit a DPS office in person and bring documents to prove your identity and residency.
  • Texas DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, and wait times vary by location; you can check the office locator on the DPS website before you go.

How to order your replacement license online

Go to the Texas DPS website and select "Order a Replacement Driver License or ID Card." You will enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and confirm your current address.

Review the information on screen. If everything matches, you can proceed to payment. Texas DPS accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. After you pay the $11 fee, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Save this number in case you need to track your order or contact DPS later.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you have moved since your last license renewal and did not update your address with DPS, the online option will not work—you will see an error message telling you to visit an office instead.

When you must go to a DPS office in person

You cannot use the online replacement if your license is expired. You also cannot order online if your license has been suspended or revoked, or if you have an active warrant. In any of these cases, you must visit a DPS office and bring documents.

If your address has changed since your last renewal, you must go in person. Bring your current license (or a copy if you do not have it), proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and a document proving your identity and Social Security number (passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card).

You will also need to go in person if you want to change your name, correct information on your license, or add an organ donor designation. These changes cannot be made online.

Finding a DPS office and what to bring

Texas has driver license offices in most counties. Use the DPS office locator on their website to find the one nearest you and check their hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some have different schedules. A few offices offer Saturday hours.

Bring your Social Security number, date of birth, and proof of identity. Acceptable documents include a passport, birth certificate, military ID, or a document issued by a U.S. or foreign government with your photo and signature. If you do not have your current license, bring one of these documents instead.

If you have moved, also bring proof of your current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days will work. If you are homeless or do not have a document with your address, ask the office staff what alternatives they accept.

How long it takes and what it costs

Online replacement takes 7 to 10 business days for delivery by mail. You cannot track the package through the mail carrier, but you can use your confirmation number to check the status on the DPS website.

In-person replacement at a DPS office is faster. You will receive your new license on the spot, though wait times vary. Some offices have short lines in the morning; others may have a wait of 30 minutes to an hour during busy times. Arriving early in the week or early in the day often means a shorter wait.

The replacement fee is $11 whether you order online or in person. If you are replacing a lost license before it expires, you do not pay the full renewal fee—only the replacement fee. If your license is expired, you will pay the full renewal fee instead, which is $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license.

What to do if you need your license before it arrives

If you ordered online and need to drive before your replacement arrives, you have limited options. Texas does not issue temporary paper licenses. You can request an expedited replacement by visiting a DPS office in person and paying an additional fee, but this is only worth doing if you need your license within a few days.

If you are stopped by police before your replacement arrives, explain that you ordered a replacement online and show the confirmation email on your phone. Police can verify your information through their system. Carrying the confirmation email is not a legal substitute for your license, but it shows you are in the process of replacing it.

If you need to drive a rental car or cross into Mexico before your license arrives, contact the rental company or border crossing authority about what documents they will accept. Some will accept a copy of your confirmation email; others may not.

If your license was stolen or you suspect fraud

If someone stole your license or you think it has been used fraudulently, report it to DPS as soon as you can. Call the DPS Driver License Division at 1-888-589-6556 or visit a local office. Reporting it does not change the replacement process, but it creates a record in case the lost license is used for fraud.

If you notice fraudulent activity on your credit report or receive bills for accounts you did not open, contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and place a fraud alert on your credit file. You can also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order a replacement if I have a commercial driver's license?

No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cannot be replaced online. You must visit a DPS office in person and bring your CDL, proof of identity, and proof of address. The office will issue your replacement on the spot.

What if I ordered online but my address was wrong?

Contact DPS at 1-888-589-6556 before your license is mailed. If you call in time, they may be able to update your address and reroute the license. If it has already been mailed to the wrong address, you will need to order another replacement once you receive it or visit an office in person.

Do I need to report my lost license to police?

You do not have to, but you can. Reporting it creates an official record if someone uses your lost license for fraud or crime. Call your local police non-emergency line or file a report online through your city or county police website.

Can I get a replacement if I owe traffic fines or child support?

No. DPS will not issue a replacement if you have an outstanding warrant, unpaid child support, or certain other court-ordered debts. You must resolve these issues first. Contact the court or agency involved to find out what you owe and how to pay it.

How do I know if my license is suspended or revoked?

Check your status on the DPS website using your driver's license number and date of birth, or call 1-888-589-6556. If your license is suspended or revoked, the DPS staff can tell you why and what you need to do to restore it.