What an affidavit does for your Texas driver's license

An affidavit is a sworn statement you sign in front of a notary public that tells the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) you lost your driver's license, it was stolen, or it is damaged beyond use. You do not need the physical license itself to replace it — the affidavit serves as your proof of loss instead. This matters because many people assume they must find the original card or wait for it to turn up before they can get a new one.

Texas DPS accepts affidavits as the official document that authorizes a replacement license without requiring you to produce the original. You will still need to visit a DPS office in person, bring identification, and pay the replacement fee, but the affidavit removes the barrier of a missing or unusable card.

Key Takeaways

  • An affidavit is a notarized statement that replaces the need to show your original lost, stolen, or damaged Texas driver's license.
  • You must sign the affidavit in front of a notary public, who will verify your identity and witness your signature.
  • After you have the notarized affidavit, you bring it to any Texas DPS office along with other identification to request your replacement license.
  • The replacement fee for a driver's license in Texas varies depending on how many years remain on your current license, but typically ranges from around $16 to $32.

Where to get a notary and what the affidavit must say

You can find a notary public at banks, credit unions, law offices, UPS stores, and some public libraries. Many notaries charge a small fee per signature, usually $5 to $15. When you meet with the notary, you will need to bring a photo ID — a passport, state ID, or expired driver's license all work — so the notary can confirm who you are before witnessing your signature.

The affidavit itself does not require a specific form from DPS. You can write a straightforward statement on plain paper that says something like: "I, [your full name], do solemnly swear that I lost my Texas driver's license on [date, if you know it] / my license was stolen / my license is damaged and unusable. I am requesting a replacement." Sign and date it, then have the notary sign and stamp it. The notary's seal and signature are what make it legally valid.

Some DPS offices have a standard affidavit form you can use, but it is not required. Calling your local DPS office before you go can save time — ask whether they have a form they prefer or if your own written statement will work.

What to bring to the DPS office for your replacement

Bring the notarized affidavit, a valid photo ID (passport, state ID, or military ID), and proof of your Social Security number or an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN). Proof of Social Security can be a Social Security card, W-2, tax return, or 1099 form. You will also need proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Texas address, dated within the last 90 days.

If your address has changed since your last license was issued, bring the residency document. If you are renewing rather than replacing due to loss or damage, the rules are slightly different, so tell the DPS employee upfront that you are there because your license was lost, stolen, or damaged.

How long the replacement takes and what it costs

Once you submit your affidavit and documents at the DPS office, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 45 days. Your permanent replacement card is mailed to your address on file and usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer during high-volume periods.

The replacement fee depends on how much time is left on your current license. If your license was set to expire soon, the replacement fee is lower. Texas charges roughly $16 for a one-year replacement, $24 for a four-year replacement, and $32 for a six-year replacement. Fees can change, so ask at the DPS office or check the Texas DPS website for the current rate.

What happens if you find your original license after you replace it

If your lost license turns up after you have already received a replacement, you do not need to do anything. The old license is no longer valid, and you should destroy it to prevent misuse. If your license was reported stolen, you do not need to file a separate report to cancel the theft claim — the replacement process handles that automatically.

If someone else finds your lost license and tries to use it, the card will not work for official purposes because DPS records will show it as replaced. You are not liable for fraud committed with a lost license if you reported it lost through the replacement process.

Affidavits for other license-related situations

An affidavit can also be used if your license is damaged but you still have it — for example, if the magnetic strip no longer works, the card is cracked, or the photo is faded. You would write a statement describing the damage, have it notarized, and bring it with the damaged card itself to the DPS office. This is faster than waiting for a renewal date.

If your license was suspended or revoked, an affidavit cannot restore it. You will need to resolve the underlying issue (unpaid fines, traffic school completion, insurance lapse, or other cause) through the appropriate court or DPS process before you can get a new license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a notarized affidavit from another state?

Yes. A notary's seal is recognized across state lines, so if you had a document notarized in another state before moving to Texas, it is still valid. The affidavit itself must state that your Texas license was lost, stolen, or damaged, but the notary's location does not matter.

What if I do not have a photo ID to show the notary?

Most notaries require a photo ID to verify your identity before they will notarize your signature. If you do not have one, you can bring a combination of documents — a Social Security card plus a utility bill, or a birth certificate plus a bank statement — though policies vary by notary. Call ahead to ask what the notary will accept.

Do I need to report my license as stolen to police before getting an affidavit?

No. You can file a police report separately if you believe your license was stolen rather than lost, but it is not required to get a replacement. The affidavit itself is sufficient for DPS purposes. Filing a police report is useful if you want a record in case someone tries to use your stolen identity.

Can I get a replacement license by mail using an affidavit?

No. You must appear in person at a DPS office with your notarized affidavit and identification. DPS does not process license replacements by mail, even with an affidavit. However, once you have submitted your documents in person, your replacement card is mailed to you.

How long is a notarized affidavit valid?

A notarized affidavit does not expire, but DPS may ask questions if you try to use one that is very old — for example, if you notarized it two years ago but are only now replacing your license. It is best to get the affidavit notarized within a few weeks of when you plan to visit the DPS office.