Texas replaces lost or damaged licenses through the Department of Public Safety, either in person at a DPS office or by mail
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles all driver's license replacements. You have two paths: visit a DPS Driver License office in person, or request a replacement by mail if your license was lost or stolen. The in-person route takes about 20 minutes and you leave with a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. The mail route takes longer — typically two to three weeks — but requires no office visit.
You do not need to retake the written or driving test to replace a lost license. DPS treats this as a duplicate issuance, not a new license. Your driving record, restrictions, and endorsements stay the same. The replacement license will have the same number as your original.
Key Takeaways
- Visit any DPS Driver License office with your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of Texas residency to replace your license in person.
- If you cannot visit an office, you can request a replacement by mail using Form DL-44, though processing takes two to three weeks.
- In-person replacement costs $16 for a standard five-year license or $32 for an eight-year license; mail replacement costs the same plus postage.
- You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days when you replace in person, and your permanent license arrives by mail within two weeks.
- If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report first, though DPS does not require it to issue a replacement.
What documents you need to bring to a DPS office
DPS requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency. You do not need all of them — you need one from each category.
For proof of identity, bring a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID from another state. A birth certificate alone does not count as proof of identity for this purpose. If you have none of these, you can bring a combination of documents like a Social Security card plus a credit card plus a utility bill, but the office staff will determine whether the combination is acceptable.
For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or a tax return. A birth certificate with your Social Security number printed on it also works.
For proof of Texas residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days. Your name must appear on the document. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts.
Replacing your license in person at a DPS office
Find your nearest DPS Driver License office on the Texas DPS website. You can search by city or county. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours. A few offices open on Saturday mornings. You do not need an appointment — walk-ins are accepted, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Bring your documents, your Social Security number, and cash or a card for the fee. When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. The staff member will verify your identity, check your driving record, take a new photo, and process the replacement. The entire visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and has the same legal weight as a plastic license — you can drive with it, use it as ID, and show it to police. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within two weeks. If it does not arrive within three weeks, contact the DPS office where you applied.
Replacing your license by mail
If you cannot visit an office, you can request a replacement by mail. read Form DL-44 from the Texas DPS website, fill it out completely, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with copies of your documents and a check or money order for the fee.
Include copies — not originals — of your proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. Do not send original documents; DPS will not return them. Include a photocopy of both sides of your current license if you have it, or a description of what happened to it if you do not.
Mail your packet to the address on Form DL-44. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives it. You will not receive a temporary license by mail. Your permanent replacement license will arrive by mail at your Texas address. If you moved recently, update your address with DPS before mailing the form, or include a note with your new address.
Cost and payment methods
A standard five-year driver's license costs $16. An eight-year license costs $32. These are the only two options available in Texas. You cannot choose a shorter validity period.
At a DPS office, you can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card. Some offices also accept checks, but call ahead to confirm. By mail, send a check or money order only — do not send cash. Make the check payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety."
If you are replacing a license that was lost or stolen, the cost is the same as a regular replacement. DPS does not charge extra for a lost license or offer a discount.
If your license was stolen
You are not required to file a police report to replace a stolen license, but you may want to consider it. A police report creates a record that your license was stolen, which can help if someone tries to use it fraudulently. Contact your local police department's non-emergency line to file a report.
When you explore for a replacement, tell the DPS staff that your license was stolen rather than lost. This does not change the process or the cost, but it flags your file. If you are concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — by contacting any one of them.
Your old license number will not be reused. Your replacement license will have the same number as your original, so you do not need to update it with your employer, insurance company, or bank.
What happens if you drive without a replacement
Driving without a valid license in Texas is a criminal offense. If you lost your license and have not yet replaced it, you are driving illegally. If you are stopped by police, you can show them your temporary paper license if you received one at a DPS office, and that satisfies the requirement. If you applied by mail and are still waiting for your replacement, you have no legal proof of licensure to show.
The safest approach is to visit a DPS office as soon as possible after losing your license. You will leave with a temporary license valid for 45 days, which gives you time for your permanent license to arrive by mail. If you cannot visit an office when ready, avoid driving until you have a valid license in hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license online?
No. Texas does not offer online replacement. You must either visit a DPS Driver License office in person or mail Form DL-44 with your documents and payment. Some states offer online renewal for licenses that are not lost or stolen, but Texas does not.
How long is my temporary paper license valid?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days from the date it is issued. It has the same legal status as a plastic license and can be used to drive and as proof of identity. Your permanent plastic license should arrive within two weeks, but if it does not, contact the DPS office where you applied before the 45 days expire.
What if I moved to a different Texas city since my license was issued?
You do not need to change your address before replacing your license. When you explore, tell the DPS staff your current address and they will print it on your replacement license. If you are explore by mail, include a note with your new address so your replacement arrives at the correct location.
Can I get a replacement license with a different name?
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you will need to bring proof of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your other documents. DPS will issue a license with your new name. This is still considered a replacement, not a new license, and costs the same.
What if I lost my license outside of Texas?
You can still replace it by mail or by visiting any DPS Driver License office in Texas. You do not need to be in the city where you originally obtained your license. Bring the same documents to any DPS office, or mail Form DL-44 to the address on the form.