What to do when your Texas driver's license goes missing
If your Texas driver's license is lost or stolen, you can replace it by visiting a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, by mail, or through a third-party vendor. The fastest route is an in-person visit to your nearest DPS office, which takes about 15 minutes and costs $16 for a standard replacement. If you cannot go in person, you can mail in a form and payment, though this takes two to three weeks. You will need to bring proof of identity and proof of residency — the same documents you would need for a new license.
The main difference between replacing a lost license and renewing one is that replacement does not require a vision test or new photo unless your current license photo is more than five years old. If your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to report it to local police first, though this is not required to get a replacement.
Key Takeaways
- You can replace a lost Texas driver's license in person at any DPS office, by mail, or through an authorized vendor, with in-person replacement being the fastest option at about 15 minutes.
- A replacement license costs $16 and requires proof of identity and proof of residency, but not a new photo or vision test unless your current photo is older than five years.
- If your license was stolen, you can report it to local police, though this step is optional and does not affect your ability to get a replacement.
- Your replacement license will have the same number and expiration date as your lost license, so you do not lose time on your renewal cycle.
Replacing your license in person at a DPS office
Walking into a DPS office is the quickest way to replace a lost license. You will need to bring your proof of identity (such as a passport, birth certificate, or military ID) and proof of residency (such as a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address). You do not need an appointment at most offices, though some locations allow you to reserve a time slot online to avoid waiting.
When you arrive, tell the clerk you need a replacement for a lost license. They will take your information, verify your identity and residency, take a new photo if your current one is more than five years old, and print your replacement on the spot. You will pay $16 in cash or card. Your new license will have the same number and expiration date as your lost one, so you will not lose time on your renewal cycle.
To find your nearest DPS office and check wait times, visit the Texas DPS website and use their office locator tool. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead can tell you whether it is a good time to visit.
Replacing your license by mail
If you cannot visit an office in person, you can mail in a replacement request. You will need to complete form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License), include a copy of your proof of identity and proof of residency, and send a check or money order for $16 to the address listed on the form. The Texas DPS website has the current mailing address and a downloadable version of form DL-44.
Processing by mail takes two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your envelope. Your replacement license will be mailed to the address you provide on the form. If you need your license sooner, this method is slower than visiting an office, but it works if travel is not possible.
Using a third-party vendor
Texas allows certain third-party vendors — mostly in grocery stores and pharmacies — to process driver's license replacements. These vendors can take your photo and submit your paperwork to DPS, though they cannot print the license on site. You will still need proof of identity and proof of residency, and the cost is $16 plus a vendor fee that varies by location, usually between $5 and $10.
Processing through a vendor takes about the same time as mailing — two to three weeks — because the vendor still sends your paperwork to DPS for final processing. The advantage is convenience if a vendor location is near you and you do not want to visit a DPS office. To find a vendor near you, search the Texas DPS website for "third-party vendors."
What happens if your license was stolen
If your license was stolen rather than lost, you can report it to your local police department. This creates a record in case someone tries to use your license fraudulently. However, reporting it to police is not required to get a replacement — you can replace it through DPS without a police report.
If you are concerned about identity theft, you may also want to place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) or freeze your credit. These steps protect your financial accounts but are separate from replacing your driver's license.
Your replacement license and your renewal cycle
One important detail: your replacement license will have the same expiration date as your original lost license. This means you do not lose time on your renewal cycle. If your original license was set to expire in three years, your replacement will also expire in three years from the original issue date, not from the replacement date.
This is different from renewing your license, which extends your expiration date. If your lost license was close to expiring anyway, you may want to renew it at the same time you replace it, though this costs extra ($16 for replacement plus $33 for renewal).
Documents you will need
| Document Type | Examples | Required for In-Person | Required for Mail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | U.S. passport, birth certificate, military ID, Social Security card | Yes (original or certified copy) | Yes (copy) |
| Proof of Residency | Utility bill, lease, bank statement, insurance policy, government mail | Yes (original, dated within 90 days) | Yes (copy, dated within 90 days) |
| Payment | Cash or debit/credit card (in person); check or money order (by mail) | Yes ($16) | Yes ($16) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while waiting for my replacement license?
No. Once your license is lost or stolen, it is no longer valid for driving. If you are stopped by police before your replacement arrives, you could be cited for driving without a license. If you need to drive before your replacement is ready, ask DPS for a temporary driving permit, which some offices issue on the spot.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You can still replace it by mail or through a third-party vendor if one is available in your location. If you are stranded and need to drive, contact your nearest Texas DPS office to ask about a temporary permit. You do not have to be in Texas to request a replacement, but you will need to provide a Texas address where your replacement can be mailed.
Do I need a new photo for my replacement?
Only if your current license photo is more than five years old. Otherwise, DPS will use your existing photo. If you want a new photo anyway, you can request one at any DPS office, though this does not change the cost.
How long does a replacement license last?
Your replacement license expires on the same date as your original lost license. If your original license was issued five years ago and set to expire in two years, your replacement will also expire in two years from now, not five years from now.
What if I find my original license after I get a replacement?
You can keep both, but only one is valid. Your replacement is the active license. If you find your original, you do not need to do anything — it is straightforward no longer in use. Some people destroy the original to avoid confusion.