Get a replacement license by visiting a Texas DPS office in person 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 an original or certified copy of a document proving your identity (such as a birth certificate, passport, or consulate ID) and a document showing your current Texas address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). The replacement fee is $16 for a standard license.
The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes at the office, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you. The plastic license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer during high-volume periods.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS office in person with an original identity document and proof of your current Texas address to replace a lost license.
- The replacement fee is $16, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed.
- Your plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days in most cases, though delays can occur.
- You can find your nearest DPS office and check wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go.
What documents you need to bring
Bring one original or certified copy of a document that proves your identity. The Texas DPS accepts a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, consulate ID, military ID, or a previous Texas driver's license or ID card. If your document is not in English, bring the original plus an official English translation.
You also need proof that you live in Texas right now. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail showing your current address works. The document must be dated within the last 90 days. If you recently moved and do not have a document in your new address yet, bring two documents from your old address plus a signed statement explaining the move, or bring a lease or mortgage for your new place even if it is not yet dated.
Finding a DPS office and checking wait times
The Texas DPS operates driver's license offices across the state. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the official Texas DPS website at dps.texas.gov. The site shows you the address, hours, and a live wait-time estimate for each location. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. A few high-traffic locations stay open until 6 p.m. on weekdays.
Going early in the morning or on a Tuesday or Wednesday typically means shorter waits than Friday afternoons or the first week of the month. If your local office has a long wait, you can visit a different DPS office in your region instead — you do not have to go to the one closest to your home.
What happens at the office
When you arrive, you will check in and take a number. A DPS employee will review your identity and residency documents, take a new photo, and ask you to confirm your address and any other information on file. You will sign the process form. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, though it can be longer if the office is busy.
Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and has the same legal weight as your plastic card — you can use it to drive, board a plane, or prove your identity. Keep it safe because you will need it if you are stopped by police before your permanent card arrives.
When your replacement license arrives by mail
The Texas DPS mails your plastic driver's license to the address you provided at the office. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer during busy periods or if there are mail delays. You do not need to do anything while you wait — just watch for the envelope in your mailbox.
If your license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DPS to check the status. You can call the DPS Customer Service line or visit a DPS office in person. If your license is lost in the mail, the DPS can issue a replacement, though you may have to pay another fee depending on the circumstances.
Replacing a license if you have an outstanding ticket or child support issue
Texas will not issue a replacement license if you have an unpaid traffic ticket, unpaid court fine, or an outstanding child support obligation. The DPS office will tell you when ready if there is a hold on your record. You will need to resolve the issue before you can get your replacement.
For traffic tickets or fines, contact the court listed on your ticket. For child support, contact the Texas Attorney General's Child Support Division. Once the issue is resolved, you can return to the DPS office and complete your replacement without starting over.
Cost and payment methods
The replacement fee for a standard five-year driver's license is $16. A commercial driver's license (CDL) replacement costs $20. The DPS office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may have ATMs on-site if you need cash.
If you are replacing a license because it was stolen in a crime, you may be able to get a fee waiver. Bring a police report showing the theft. Not all offices process waivers on the spot, so call ahead to ask whether yours does.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if I have moved out of state?
No. If you no longer live in Texas, you need to get a driver's license from your new state instead. You can surrender your Texas license by mail to any DPS office, or you can straightforward let it expire. You do not need to formally cancel it.
What if I lost my license and my wallet was stolen?
Bring your passport, birth certificate, or another identity document instead. If you do not have any of these, you can get a certified copy of your birth certificate from the Texas Vital Statistics office or the county where you were born, though that takes extra time. Plan for at least a week to get the birth certificate before you can visit the DPS.
Do I need to take a new photo and written test?
You will get a new photo taken at the DPS office. You do not take a written test or driving test for a replacement — those are only required if your license has expired or if you are getting a license for the first time.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. Your replacement license is mailed directly to your address. You cannot have it sent to someone else or pick it up at the DPS office. If you are moving before it arrives, you can update your address with the DPS by phone or online before you leave, and they will mail it to your new address.
What if my replacement license arrives damaged?
Contact the DPS and report the damage. You can visit a DPS office to get a replacement for the damaged card. You may not have to pay another fee, depending on the type of damage and the DPS office's policy — ask when you call.