How to replace a lost Texas driver's license
If your Texas driver's license is lost, you can replace it through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in person or by mail. The in-person route is faster — you can walk out with a temporary paper license the same day — but the mail option works if you cannot get to a DPS office. Either way, you will need to prove your identity and pay a replacement fee, which is currently $16 for a standard five-year license.
The key difference between the two routes is timing and what you get when ready. In-person replacement takes about 15 minutes at a DPS office and gives you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to you. Mail replacement takes longer — typically two to three weeks — but costs the same and requires no office visit.
You do not need to report the loss to police unless you suspect the license was stolen rather than straightforward lost. If you believe someone has your license and might use it fraudulently, contact your local police non-emergency line and file a report. This creates a record that protects you if the license is used for identity theft.
Key Takeaways
- In-person replacement at any DPS office gives you a temporary paper license the same day and costs $16.
- Mail replacement takes two to three weeks but requires no office visit and costs the same $16 fee.
- You will need a document that proves your identity, such as a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card.
- If you suspect theft rather than loss, file a police report to protect yourself against identity fraud.
- Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed.
In-person replacement at a DPS office
To replace your license in person, visit any Texas DPS office with proof of identity and your Social Security number. Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, Social Security card, or military ID. You do not need to bring your old license — it is lost — but you do need to prove who you are.
Bring your Social Security number written down or memorized. The DPS office will take your photograph, verify your information against state records, and issue a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while your permanent card is being printed. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations offering extended hours. You can find your nearest office and check its hours on the DPS website at dps.texas.gov. No appointment is required, but arriving early in the day typically means a shorter wait.
Mail replacement if you cannot visit an office
To replace your license by mail, read the DL-44 form from the DPS website or pick one up at any DPS office. Complete the form with your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth. Include a copy of one acceptable identity document — a passport page, birth certificate, or Social Security card — and mail the packet to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for $16.
Mail your replacement request to the Texas DPS Driver License Division at P.O. Box 15999, Austin, TX 78761-5999. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with DPS. If you have moved recently, update your address with DPS before requesting replacement so your new license goes to the correct location.
Keep a copy of the DL-44 form and your identity document for your records. If your replacement does not arrive within four weeks, contact the DPS Driver License Division at 1-888-589-6789 to check the status.
What to do if your license was stolen, not lost
If you believe your license was stolen or taken without your permission, file a police report with your local police department. You do not need to wait to replace the license — you can do both at the same time. The police report creates an official record that protects you if someone tries to use your license for fraud or identity theft.
When you file the report, give the police the date and location where you last had the license and describe the circumstances of the loss. Ask for a copy of the report number. If your license is later used fraudulently, you will have documentation showing you reported it missing before the fraud occurred.
After filing a police report, follow the standard replacement process — either in person or by mail — to get a new license. The police report does not speed up replacement, but it does protect your record if the lost license is misused.
Driving legally while your replacement is in progress
If you replaced your license in person at a DPS office, your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally. Keep this temporary license with you whenever you drive. If you are stopped by police, show them the temporary license along with your vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
If you are replacing your license by mail, you do not have a temporary license while waiting for your replacement. During this time, you should not drive. If you must drive before your new license arrives, go to a DPS office and request in-person replacement instead — you will get a temporary license when ready and can drive legally while your permanent card is being printed.
What happens to your vehicle registration and insurance
Losing your driver's license does not affect your vehicle registration or insurance. Your registration remains valid, and your insurance policy stays active. You do not need to notify your insurance company about the lost license. However, when you get your new license, update your insurance company with the new license number so your policy records match your current identification.
If you are pulled over while driving with a temporary paper license, your vehicle registration and proof of insurance are still required. Have all three documents ready: your temporary driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance card.
Replacing your license if you have moved out of state
If you have moved to another state but your Texas license is still valid, you can replace it by mail using the process described above. Mail your DL-44 form and identity document to the DPS address in Austin, and your new license will be mailed to your current address, even if it is out of state.
However, if you now live permanently in another state, you should obtain a driver's license from that state instead of renewing your Texas license. Each state requires you to have a license from the state where you live. Check your new state's DMV website for their replacement or initial licensing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with just my temporary paper license?
Yes. Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally. Keep it with you whenever you drive, along with your vehicle registration and proof of insurance. Police will accept it as valid identification.
How much does it cost to replace a lost Texas driver's license?
The replacement fee is $16 for a standard five-year license. This fee is the same whether you replace it in person or by mail. Payment must be by check or money order if you are mailing your request.
What if I do not have a passport or birth certificate?
You can use a Social Security card, military ID, or other government-issued ID that shows your name and date of birth. The DPS office can tell you which documents they accept. Call ahead at 1-888-589-6789 if you are unsure whether your document will work.
Will replacing my license affect my driving record or insurance rates?
No. Replacing a lost license does not change your driving record or affect your insurance rates. Your driving history remains the same. Your insurance company only cares that you have a valid license, not whether it is a replacement.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
If you replace in person, your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you replace by mail, the entire process takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your envelope. If your license does not arrive within four weeks, contact DPS at 1-888-589-6789.