Get a replacement license at your local Texas DPS office with proof of identity and residency

A lost Texas driver's license requires an in-person visit to a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. You cannot replace it by mail or online. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and pay a replacement fee. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you can drive home with a temporary paper license the same day while your plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Texas does not issue duplicate licenses — you get a new one with a new number. This matters if you use your license number for banking, insurance, or other accounts. You should update those records once your new card arrives.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office in person; there is no online or mail replacement for a lost license.
  • Bring a government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or state ID), proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number.
  • The replacement fee is $20 for a standard five-year license or $40 for an eight-year license, payable by cash, check, or card at the office.
  • You receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • Your new license will have a different number than your lost one, so update any accounts that use your old license number.

What documents to bring to the DPS office

You need three things: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. For identity, bring a current government-issued photo ID. A U.S. passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. If you do not have one of these, you can bring two documents from a secondary list — a birth certificate plus a Social Security card, or a birth certificate plus a school or work ID.

For residency, bring a document dated within the last 90 days showing your current Texas address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy all count. A government check or tax return also works. The name on the residency document should match the name on your identity document.

You do not need to bring your lost license itself. The DPS office will look up your record by your Social Security number and date of birth.

Finding the nearest DPS office and wait times

Use the DPS office locator at the Texas Department of Public Safety website to find the office closest to you. Search by city or zip code. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations offering Saturday hours. Call ahead or check the office's page for current hours, as some locations have reduced schedules.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Urban offices like those in Houston, Dallas, and Austin often have longer waits, especially on Thursdays and Fridays. If you can visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning, you will usually wait less than 30 minutes. Some offices use online appointment scheduling through the DPS website — check your local office's page to see if you can reserve a time slot.

The replacement fee and payment options

A standard five-year Texas driver's license costs $20 to replace. If you want an eight-year license instead, the fee is $40. You pay at the DPS office when you explore. The office accepts cash, checks, and debit or credit cards.

If you cannot afford the fee, contact your local DPS office to ask about fee waivers. Some offices have hardship programs, though these vary by location and are not may provide. Bring documentation of financial hardship if you plan to request a waiver.

Your temporary license and when your new card arrives

When you finish at the DPS office, you receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your plastic card. Keep it with you when you drive — it is your proof of a valid license.

Your new plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail delivery times can vary, so if you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the DPS office where you applied. They can check the status of your card and reissue it if there was a problem.

Updating your license number in your records

Your new license will have a different number than your lost one. This is important because some accounts and services use your license number as an identifier. Once your new card arrives, contact your insurance company, bank, employer, and any other organization that has your license number on file and update their records.

You do not need to update your address with the state if it has not changed — your new license will show the same address as your lost one. If you have moved since your last license was issued, you will need to change your address with DPS at the same time you replace your license, or do it separately at any DPS office.

What to do if you need to drive before getting your replacement

Your temporary paper license is valid when ready, so you can drive the same day you visit the DPS office. Keep the temporary license with you whenever you drive — it is your legal proof of licensure until your plastic card arrives.

If you need to fly or enter a federal building before your new license arrives, bring your temporary paper license plus a second form of ID, such as a passport or military ID. The temporary license may not be accepted for all purposes, so check with the specific agency or airline beforehand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. You must explore in person at a DPS office. However, once your license arrives by mail, someone else can pick it up from your mailbox or receive it on your behalf if you authorize them to do so.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You still must visit a Texas DPS office to replace it. If you are currently out of state, you can wait until you return to Texas, or you can visit any DPS office in Texas — you do not have to go to the office in your home county. Your temporary paper license will be mailed to your Texas address.

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

No, reporting to police is not required. However, if you are concerned someone might use your lost license for fraud or identity theft, you can file a report with local police for your records. This is optional and does not affect your replacement process.

How much does it cost to replace a lost license if I also need to change my address?

You pay one fee for the replacement. If your address has changed, tell the DPS office staff when you explore, and they will update your address at the same time. The fee remains $20 for a five-year license or $40 for an eight-year license.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

Bring a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS office will issue a new license with your current legal name. You may pay an additional fee for a name change — ask the office for the current cost when you call ahead.