Get a replacement license by visiting a Texas DPS office with proof of identity and residency
A lost Texas driver's license can be replaced in person at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. 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 your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot renew or replace a license online or by mail in Texas.
If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the DPS office. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for the permanent card.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS office in person with valid proof of identity and proof of Texas residency to replace a lost license.
- The replacement fee is $16 for a standard license, and you will receive your new card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- A temporary paper license issued at the office is valid for 45 days and lets you drive legally while waiting for your permanent replacement.
- Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not be accepted as proof of identity or residency.
Documents you need to bring to the DPS office
Texas DPS requires one document from the identity category and one from the residency category. For identity, you can bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a military ID, a certificate of naturalization, or a permanent resident card. A photocopy of any of these will not work.
For residency, bring an original utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement showing your current Texas address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. If you live with someone else and do not have a utility bill in your name, a notarized affidavit from the person whose name is on the bill can work instead.
Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card or tax return. You will also need to know your Texas driver's license number if you remember it, though it is not required.
Where to find a DPS office and what to expect
Texas has DPS offices in most cities and many smaller towns. You can find the office nearest you on the Texas DPS website by entering your city or ZIP code. Walk-in service is available at all offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less busy early in the morning on weekdays.
You do not need an appointment, but some offices allow you to reserve a time slot online to reduce your wait. Check your local office's page to see if this option is available. When you arrive, bring all your documents and be ready to answer questions about your address and driving history.
The office staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and collect the $16 replacement fee. You can pay by cash, check, or debit card at most offices, but call ahead to confirm payment methods at your location.
Getting a temporary license to drive while you wait
At the DPS office, ask for a temporary paper license before you leave. This temporary license is printed on the spot and is valid for 45 days. It allows you to drive legally in Texas and out of state during this time. You do not pay extra for the temporary license — it is included with your replacement.
Keep the temporary license with you whenever you drive. Police will accept it as valid proof of licensure. Once your permanent license arrives by mail, the temporary license is no longer valid and should be discarded.
Timeline and what happens after you leave the office
Your new driver's license will be mailed to the address you provided at the DPS office within 7 to 10 business days. Mail delivery times vary, so allow up to two weeks to receive it. If you do not receive your license within 14 days, contact the DPS to check the status.
Your new license will have a new number and the same expiration date as your original license would have had. If your original license was set to expire soon, you may want to renew it at the same time you replace it, though this requires an additional fee and separate transaction.
Replacing a license if you cannot visit an office in person
Texas does not allow remote replacement by mail or online. If you are unable to visit a DPS office, you have limited options. If you are temporarily out of state, you can visit a DPS office in another state that participates in the Interstate Compact, though this is not a replacement — it is a temporary measure and you will still need to replace your Texas license in person eventually.
If you have a medical condition or disability that prevents you from visiting an office, contact your local DPS office to ask about accommodations. Some offices can arrange for staff to information you or may be able to discuss alternatives, though a replacement still requires an in-person visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if I do not have a birth certificate?
Yes. You can bring a U.S. passport, military ID, certificate of naturalization, or permanent resident card instead. Any one of these counts as proof of identity. The document must be an original or certified copy, not a photocopy.
What if my address has changed since my original license was issued?
Bring proof of your current address dated within the last 30 days, such as a utility bill or lease. The DPS will update your address during the replacement process, and your new license will show your current address.
How much does a replacement license cost?
The replacement fee is $16. This covers the new license card and the temporary paper license. You can pay by cash, check, or debit card at most offices, though you should call ahead to confirm payment methods at your specific location.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. Your replacement license is mailed directly to the address you provide at the DPS office. You cannot have someone else collect it in person. The mail delivery goes to your residential address only.
What if I find my original license after I have already replaced it?
Destroy the original license by cutting it in half or shredding it. Do not attempt to use both licenses or return the original to DPS. Using an expired or replaced license as a form of ID can cause confusion with law enforcement or other agencies.