How to Replace a Lost Texas Driver License

Get a replacement Texas driver license by visiting a DPS office in person with proof of identity and residency

You cannot replace a lost Texas driver license online or by mail. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires you to appear in person at a driver license office with specific documents. You will need to bring proof of identity (such as a passport, birth certificate, or military ID) and proof of current Texas residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days). The replacement license costs $16 and is valid for six years if you are under 85 years old.

The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, though wait times vary by location. You will fill out Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License) and have your photo taken. DPS will mail your new license to the address you provide, typically within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before the replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the office, valid for 45 days.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a DPS driver license office in person with proof of identity and proof of Texas residency dated within 90 days.
The replacement fee is $16, and your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
You can request a temporary paper license at the office if you need to drive before the replacement arrives.
DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, with some locations offering Saturday hours; check your local office's schedule before you go.
If your license was lost outside Texas, you will still need to replace it through a Texas DPS office if Texas is your state of residence.

What documents you need to bring

Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Texas. For identity, DPS accepts a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, or passport card. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents from a secondary list, which includes a Social Security card, voter registration card, or school 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 work. A government check or tax return also counts. If you recently moved and do not have a document in your new name yet, bring your lease or utility bill in your landlord's name plus a signed statement from them confirming you live there.

Finding and visiting a DPS driver license office

Use the DPS office locator at the Texas Department of Public Safety website to find the nearest office and check its hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some close for lunch between noon and 1 p.m. A few locations offer Saturday hours. Call ahead if you are traveling more than 30 minutes, because some offices close without notice for staffing shortages.

Bring your documents, your Social Security number (you will need to provide it), and cash or a debit card for the $16 fee. Credit cards are not accepted at all DPS offices. Arrive early if possible; offices often reach capacity by mid-morning and stop accepting new customers. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some offices now offer online scheduling through the DPS website.

Getting a temporary license while you wait

Ask for a temporary paper license before you leave the DPS office. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive legally while your replacement is in the mail. You cannot renew or extend a temporary license; once it expires, you must have your permanent replacement in hand to drive. The temporary license is printed on the spot at no additional cost.

The temporary license shows your name, date of birth, and a temporary license number, but it does not include your photo. Law enforcement will accept it as proof of a valid license during traffic stops. If your replacement does not arrive within 10 business days, contact DPS to confirm it was mailed and ask about reissuing it.

What happens if your license was lost out of state

If you lost your Texas license while traveling outside Texas, you still replace it through a DPS office in Texas. You cannot replace it at a DPS office in another state. If you are still out of state and need to drive, contact the DPS to ask about options; some situations may allow you to request expedited processing, though this is not may provide and may carry an additional fee.

If you are stranded without a license, the police department in the city where you are can issue a temporary permit valid for a short period to allow you to drive to the nearest DPS office or to your home state. This is not automatic and depends on the local jurisdiction, so ask a police officer about the process if you need it.

Replacing a license that was stolen or damaged

A stolen license follows the same replacement process as a lost one. Bring your identity and residency documents to a DPS office and pay the $16 fee. You do not need a police report, though you may want to file one for your own records if the theft involved other crimes or identity concerns.

If your license is damaged but not lost—for example, the photo is faded or the card is cracked—you can still use it to drive. However, if it is so damaged that a police officer cannot read it, you should replace it. Bring the damaged license to the DPS office along with your identity and residency documents. The replacement fee is still $16.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if I do not have a Social Security number?

You must provide a Social Security number to replace a Texas driver license. If you do not have one, you cannot get a replacement license. Contact the Social Security Administration to explore for a number first, then return to DPS with your new Social Security card.

What if I lost my license and my passport at the same time?

You can use a certified birth certificate or military ID instead of a passport for identity. If you do not have any of these, bring two documents from the secondary list (Social Security card, voter registration card, school ID). You will still need proof of residency dated within 90 days.

How long does it take to get a replacement if I pay extra?

DPS does not offer expedited mail delivery for replacement licenses. The standard timeline is 7 to 10 business days. Your only option to drive sooner is the temporary paper license, valid for 45 days, which you receive at the office.

Do I need to retake the written or driving test to replace a lost license?

No. A replacement for a lost license does not require any test. You only need to bring your identity and residency documents and pay the fee. Your driving record and license class remain the same.

What if the DPS office says my residency document is not acceptable?

Ask the staff member which documents they do accept and what date range they require. If you genuinely cannot provide a document dated within 90 days, ask whether a signed letter from your landlord or property manager plus your lease counts as proof. Some offices have flexibility on this, though policy varies by location.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.