Where to order your replacement license

You can order a replacement Texas driver's license through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail, or in person at a DPS driver license office. The online method is fastest — you can complete the entire process from home in about 10 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need it sooner, you must go to a DPS office in person.

The DPS website is dps.texas.gov. Look for the "Driver License" section, then select "Order a Replacement License." You will need your Texas ID number or Social Security number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The replacement fee is $11 if you order online or by mail, or $16 if you go in person at an office.

If you do not have internet access or prefer to handle it in person, you can visit any DPS driver license office. Bring your Social Security card or birth certificate, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 90 days), and payment. Walk-in service is available, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

  • Order online at dps.texas.gov if you can wait 7 to 10 business days; it costs $11 and takes about 10 minutes.
  • Go to a DPS driver license office in person if you need the license faster, though you will pay $16 instead of $11.
  • You will need your Texas ID number, Social Security number, or date of birth to start an online order.
  • By mail, send a completed DL-44 form with payment and a copy of your ID to the DPS address listed on their website.
  • Your new license will have the same number as your lost one unless you request a new number during the replacement process.

Step-by-step: ordering online

Go to dps.texas.gov and find the Driver License section. Click "Order a Replacement License" and select "Lost or Stolen" as the reason. You will be asked to enter either your Texas driver's license number, your Social Security number, or your date of birth — whichever you have on hand.

Next, you will confirm your personal information: name, date of birth, address, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Review this carefully, because errors here will delay your replacement. If your address has changed since your last license, update it now.

Choose whether you want your new license mailed to your current address or to a different address. Then select your payment method and complete the transaction. You will receive a confirmation number by email. Keep this number — you can use it to track your order on the DPS website.

Your new license will arrive in a plain envelope with no return address. It typically takes 7 to 10 business days from the time you order. If you do not receive it within that window, use your confirmation number to check the status on the DPS website or call the DPS customer service line at 1-888-589-6789.

What to do if you cannot order online

If you do not have your Texas ID number or Social Security number memorized, you can still order by mail or in person. For mail orders, read the DL-44 form from dps.texas.gov, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order for $11 to the address listed on the form. Include a photocopy of your ID (passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID). Mail delivery takes 1 to 2 weeks, plus 7 to 10 business days for processing.

For in-person orders, visit a DPS driver license office near you. Find the nearest office and its hours on the DPS website. Bring your Social Security card or birth certificate, proof of residency dated within the last 90 days, and $16 in cash or card. You will fill out a form at the office, and your new license will be mailed to you from there — still 7 to 10 business days.

If you are out of state or unable to visit an office, the mail-in method is your only option besides online ordering. The process takes longer, but it works the same way.

Expedited replacement if you need it faster

Standard replacement takes 7 to 10 business days no matter which method you use. If you need your license sooner, you must go to a DPS driver license office in person and ask for expedited service. Expedited replacement is available at some offices and costs extra — check with your local office for the fee and whether they offer it.

Some offices can issue a temporary paper license on the spot if you need to drive when ready. This temporary license is valid for 45 days while you wait for your permanent replacement to arrive. Ask about this option when you visit the office.

If you are traveling out of state and need proof of identity before your replacement arrives, you can request that the DPS mail your new license to an address outside Texas. Provide that address during your online order or at the office.

What happens to your old license number

Your replacement license will have the same number as your lost license. Texas does not automatically issue a new number when you report a license lost. This is intentional — your driver's license number stays with you throughout your driving history in Texas.

If you want a new number for security reasons, you can request one during the replacement process. When you order online, look for an option to "request a new license number." If you are ordering in person or by mail, ask the DPS staff or note it on the DL-44 form. Requesting a new number costs the same as a standard replacement and takes the same amount of time.

Tracking your replacement and what to expect

After you order, the DPS will mail your new license to the address you provided. You can track the status using your confirmation number on the DPS website. The tracking system shows whether your order has been processed, printed, and mailed.

Your new license will arrive in a plain white envelope with no return address. The envelope will have a barcode but no indication of what is inside. Open it carefully — your license is a thin plastic card. If the envelope arrives damaged or the license is cracked or unreadable, contact the DPS when ready with your confirmation number.

Once your replacement arrives, destroy your old lost license if you ever find it. Do not carry both. If you find your original license after your replacement arrives, you can keep the replacement — it is now your active license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my confirmation number to prove I have a valid license while I wait?

No. Your confirmation number shows you ordered a replacement, but it is not proof of a valid license. If you are stopped by police before your replacement arrives, you will not have a valid license to show. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, visit a DPS office to ask about a temporary paper license.

What if my address changed since I lost my license?

Update your address during the online order or tell the DPS staff when you order in person. Your new license will show your current address. If you do not update it, your replacement will be mailed to your old address and you will have to contact the DPS to have it reissued.

Do I need to take a new photo for my replacement?

No. Your replacement license will use the photo from your lost license. You only need a new photo if your license has expired or if you are renewing rather than replacing. A replacement uses your existing photo and information.

What if I lost my license and my Social Security card at the same time?

You can still order online if you remember your Texas driver's license number or your date of birth. If you cannot remember either, go to a DPS office in person with your birth certificate and proof of residency. The DPS staff can look up your information using your name and date of birth.

How much does a replacement cost, and what payment methods do you take?

A replacement costs $11 online or by mail, or $16 in person at a DPS office. Online and by mail, you can pay with a debit or credit card. In person, most offices take cash and card, but call ahead to confirm what your local office accepts.