How to Replace a Lost Texas Driver's License Online

You can replace a lost Texas driver's license online through the Texas Department of Public Safety website, but only if your license is not expired and you meet a few other conditions

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) lets you order a replacement license online without visiting a driver's license office, as long as your current license is still valid (not expired). The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $11, and you'll receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If your license has already expired, you'll need to renew it instead of replacing it — that's a different process that may require an in-person visit.

The online replacement option works only for standard lost or stolen licenses. If you need to change your address, add an endorsement (like a motorcycle or commercial license), or correct information on your license, you cannot do it online and will need to visit a DPS office in person.

Key Takeaways

You can order a replacement license online at the Texas DPS website only if your current license has not expired.
The online replacement costs $11 and takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.
You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and driver's license number to start the online order.
If your license is expired, you must renew it in person at a DPS office instead of replacing it online.
Address changes, endorsement additions, and corrections to your personal information require an in-person visit to a driver's license office.

What you need before you start the online order

Gather these items before you go to the Texas DPS website to order your replacement:

Your Social Security number
Your date of birth
Your current driver's license number
A valid payment method (debit card or credit card)

You do not need to upload a photo or provide a new one — your replacement license will use the photo from your current license. If you want a new photo on your license, you will have to renew in person at a driver's license office instead.

Steps to order your replacement license online

Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Driver License" section. Select "Order a Replacement License" from the menu. You will be taken to a form where you enter your personal information and license number.

Review the information on the screen to make sure it matches your records. If anything is wrong — your name, address, or date of birth — stop and do not complete the order. Incorrect information on your replacement license will cause problems later. Instead, visit a DPS office in person to correct it before ordering.

Enter your payment information and submit the order. You will receive a confirmation number by email. Keep this number in case you need to check on your order status or contact DPS about your replacement.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with DPS. If you have moved recently and updated your address with DPS, it will go to your new address. If you have not updated your address yet, it will go to your old address — and you will need to pick it up there or have someone else retrieve it for you.

What to do if your license is expired

If your Texas driver's license has already expired, you cannot use the online replacement process. Instead, you must renew your license, which requires an in-person visit to a DPS office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form).

You can schedule an appointment at a DPS office online to avoid waiting in line. Go to the Texas DPS website and use the appointment system to book a time. Walk-ins are also accepted, but appointment holders are served first.

Tracking your replacement license after you order

After you place your order, you can check the status on the Texas DPS website using your confirmation number and date of birth. The status will show whether your order has been received, processed, or mailed.

Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If more than 10 business days have passed and you have not received your license, contact the DPS by phone or through their website to report the delay. Have your confirmation number ready when you call.

If your replacement license arrives with errors

If your new license has the wrong information on it — misspelled name, wrong address, incorrect date of birth — do not use it. Contact the Texas DPS right away with your confirmation number and a description of the error.

DPS will issue a corrected replacement at no additional charge. You may be asked to return the incorrect license by mail or to bring it to a DPS office in person, depending on the type of error. Follow their instructions to avoid delays in getting your corrected license.

When you need to visit a DPS office instead

The online replacement option does not work for every situation. You must visit a driver's license office in person if you need to:

Change your address
Add or remove an endorsement (motorcycle, commercial, hazmat)
Correct your name, date of birth, or other personal information
Get a new photo on your license
Renew an expired license
Change your license class

To find a DPS office near you, use the office locator on the Texas DPS website. You can schedule an appointment online or call the office directly. Bring your expired or lost license if you have it, along with proof of residency and proof of Social Security number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order a replacement license if I don't have my license number?

You will need your license number to complete the online order. If you don't have it, call the Texas DPS at 1-888-589-6556 and provide your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. They can look up your license number for you. Once you have it, you can proceed with the online order.

What if my address has changed since I got my current license?

If you have already updated your address with DPS through a separate transaction, your replacement will be mailed to your new address. If you have not updated it yet, the replacement will go to your old address. You cannot change your address during the online replacement process — you must do that in person at a DPS office or through a separate online address change if DPS offers it.

How long does it take to get my replacement license?

Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the time DPS processes your order. This does not include the time it takes DPS to receive and process your order after you submit it online, which is usually 1 to 2 business days. Plan for up to two weeks total.

Can I use my confirmation number as proof of my license while I wait?

No. Your confirmation number is not a valid form of identification. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can print a temporary license from the Texas DPS website using your confirmation number and date of birth. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and can be used as proof of your license status.

What if I never receive my replacement license?

If more than 10 business days have passed since you placed your order and you have not received your license, contact the Texas DPS with your confirmation number. They can check whether the license was mailed and help you file a claim if it was lost in the mail. DPS may reissue your license at no charge if they confirm it was mailed but never arrived.

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.