Getting a replacement Texas driver's license after you've lost yours

You can replace a lost Texas driver's license through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in person at any driver license office, or by mail if your license hasn't expired and you meet a few conditions. The in-person route takes about 20 minutes and costs $11. The mail route takes two to three weeks and costs $11 plus postage, but you don't have to leave home. Both methods produce the same valid license with the same expiration date as your original.

You don't need to take a new photo, pass a test, or prove anything happened to your license — DPS straightforward issues a duplicate with your existing information. The main catch is that you must have a valid form of identification to prove who you are, and you must be a Texas resident with a current address on file.

Key Takeaways

  • The fastest way to replace a lost license is to visit a DPS driver license office in person with a valid ID and proof of residency; you'll walk out with a temporary paper license the same day.
  • If your license hasn't expired, you can mail a completed form DL-44 with a copy of your ID and proof of residency to DPS and receive your replacement by mail in two to three weeks.
  • You must bring or mail an original or certified copy of one document proving identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID) and one document proving your current Texas address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).
  • The replacement license will have the same expiration date as your lost license, so you won't pay to renew early.
  • If your license has already expired, you must renew it in person at a DPS office instead of replacing it by mail.

Replacing your license in person at a DPS office

Walk into any Texas DPS driver license office with your valid ID and proof of your current address. You'll fill out form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License) at the office — you don't need to bring it pre-filled. Hand it to the clerk along with your documents, pay $11, and you'll receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot that's valid for 45 days while your plastic card is mailed to you.

The plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Bring the temporary paper license with you if you need to drive before the plastic one arrives, because it's your proof of a valid license. Most DPS offices don't require an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day — early morning and weekday visits are usually faster than afternoons or weekends.

To find the DPS office nearest you, go to the Texas DPS website and use their office locator tool. You can also call ahead to ask about current wait times or whether they're accepting walk-ins that day.

Replacing your license by mail

If your license hasn't expired yet, you can mail your replacement request to DPS instead of visiting an office. read and print form DL-44 from the Texas DPS website, fill it out completely, and mail it with copies of your ID and proof of residency to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $11 made payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

DPS will process your request and mail your new license to the address you provide on the form. The whole process takes two to three weeks from the day they receive your envelope. You won't receive a temporary license by mail, so if you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you'll have to visit an office in person instead.

Keep a copy of everything you mail, including the form and your ID copies, in case DPS doesn't receive the envelope. If three weeks pass and you haven't received your license, contact DPS to confirm they got your request.

Documents you need to bring or mail

You must provide one document proving your identity and one document proving you live in Texas. For identity, DPS accepts an original or certified copy of a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, or permanent resident card. A photo is not required for the identity document.

For proof of your current Texas address, bring an original document dated within the last 90 days showing your name and address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail all work. A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of residency. If you've recently moved and don't have a document yet in your new name and address, contact DPS before you explore; they may accept a signed letter from your landlord or utility company confirming your move.

If you're explore by mail, mail copies of these documents, not originals. DPS will not return them to you.

What happens if your license has already expired

You cannot replace an expired license by mail — you must renew it in person at a DPS office. Bring the same identity and residency documents, but you'll also need to pass a vision test and provide your Social Security number. The cost is $33 for a five-year renewal (or $66 for an eight-year renewal if you're 85 or older). You'll receive a temporary paper license and your plastic license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license expired more than two years ago, DPS may require you to take a written knowledge test as well as the vision test. Call your local DPS office before you visit to ask what tests you'll need to take.

Replacing your license if you don't have proof of residency yet

If you've just moved to Texas or don't have a document showing your current address, contact DPS before you visit or mail your request. Some offices will accept a signed letter from your landlord, property manager, or utility company on their letterhead confirming your move and your current address. Others may accept a lease agreement that hasn't been dated yet, or a utility bill process showing your new address.

The rules vary slightly by DPS office, so call ahead or visit the office in person to ask what documents they'll accept in your situation. Bring whatever you have — a lease, a move-in confirmation email, or a utility company letter — and explain that you're new to the state. DPS staff can tell you on the spot whether it's enough.

Replacing your license if it was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost, the replacement process is the same — you still fill out form DL-44 and bring your ID and proof of residency. You don't need to file a police report or provide proof that it was stolen. DPS treats a stolen license the same as a lost one.

However, if you're concerned about identity theft, you may want to place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) or monitor your credit report for unauthorized accounts. A stolen driver's license is a real identity theft risk, so taking those extra steps is worth the time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to replace a lost Texas driver's license?

The cost is $11 if your license hasn't expired. If your license has expired, you must renew it instead, which costs $33 for a five-year renewal or $66 for an eight-year renewal. There are no additional fees for processing or mailing.

Can I get a temporary license the same day if I go in person?

Yes. DPS prints a temporary paper license on the spot that's valid for 45 days. Your plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is a valid form of ID for driving and identification purposes.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still replace it by mail or in person at any Texas DPS office. You don't have to be in Texas to mail your request. If you're out of state and need to drive before your replacement arrives, you may want to visit a DPS office in person to get the temporary paper license right away.

Do I need to take a new photo for my replacement license?

No. DPS uses the photo from your original license for the replacement. Your new license will look identical to your lost one except for a new license number.

What if DPS says they never received my mail-in request?

If three weeks have passed and you haven't received your license, contact DPS to confirm they got your envelope. If they didn't receive it, you'll need to mail another request or visit an office in person. This is why keeping a copy of everything you mail is important — you can resend the same documents if needed.