How to Replace a Lost Driver's License in Texas

Get a replacement from the Texas Department of Public Safety in person or by mail

You can replace a lost Texas driver's license by visiting a DPS office in person, or by mailing a completed form to the state. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and you leave with a temporary paper license the same day. The mail route takes two to three weeks but costs less and requires no trip to an office.

Both routes require the same documents: proof of identity (your Social Security card, birth certificate, or passport), proof of Texas residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment. You do not need to bring the lost license itself — the DPS already has your record.

The replacement license will have the same number and expiration date as your original. If your license expired while it was lost, you will need to renew it at the same time, which costs extra and requires an eye exam.

Key Takeaways

You can replace a lost license in person at any DPS office or by mailing Form DL-44 to the state address listed on the form.
Bring proof of identity (Social Security card, birth certificate, or passport) and proof of Texas residency dated within 60 days.
In-person replacement costs $16 and takes 30 minutes; you get a temporary paper license when ready and the plastic card arrives by mail in one to two weeks.
Mail replacement costs $11 and takes two to three weeks total, with no temporary license issued.
If your original license expired while lost, renewal fees and an eye exam are required in addition to the replacement fee.

Replacing your license in person at a DPS office

Walk into any Texas Department of Public Safety driver's license office with your documents and payment. You do not need an appointment. Bring your proof of identity (Social Security card, birth certificate, U.S. passport, or military ID), proof of Texas residency from the last 60 days (utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or insurance bill), and $16 cash or card.

Tell the clerk you need a replacement for a lost license. They will look up your record, take a new photo, and print a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and works everywhere a regular license does — you can drive, show it at bars, use it for TSA at the airport. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail in one to two weeks.

If you do not know your DPS office location, search "DPS driver's license office near me" or visit the Texas DPS website to find hours and addresses. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, with some locations open Saturday mornings.

Replacing your license by mail

read or request Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver's License) from the Texas DPS website. Fill in all sections, including your driver's license number if you remember it (the DPS can find it if you do not). Attach a copy of your proof of identity and proof of residency — photocopies are fine.

Include a check or money order for $11 made payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety." Mail the complete packet to the address printed on the form (currently the DPS headquarters in Austin, though this can change). Do not send cash.

Your replacement license will arrive in two to three weeks. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so you cannot drive legally during this waiting period. If you need to drive before the replacement arrives, you must visit a DPS office in person instead.

What to do if your license expired while it was lost

If your original license expired before you report it lost, you cannot straightforward replace it — you must renew it. Renewal requires an eye exam and costs $33 instead of $16 (in person) or $28 instead of $11 (by mail). You will need to schedule an eye exam at an optometrist or ophthalmologist before you visit the DPS office or mail in your renewal.

Bring the eye exam results (the DPS form DL-91, which the eye doctor will complete) along with your proof of identity, proof of residency, and payment. If you are renewing by mail, include a photocopy of the completed eye exam form.

If your license expired less than two years ago, you can renew by mail or in person. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office — mail renewal is not an option.

Reporting your lost license to prevent fraud

Before or after you replace your license, consider reporting the loss to the DPS fraud line. This does not stop you from replacing it, but it creates a record that your license was lost and may help if someone tries to use it fraudulently. Call the DPS at 1-800-558-9895 to report a lost or stolen license.

You should also monitor your credit report for suspicious activity, since a lost driver's license can be used for identity theft. You can request a free credit report from each of the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once per year at annualcreditreport.com.

What happens if you drive without a replacement

Driving without a valid license — including during the time between losing your license and receiving a replacement — is illegal in Texas. If you are stopped by police and cannot show a valid license, you can be cited for driving without a license, which carries a fine of up to $200 for a first offense.

This is why the temporary paper license issued in person is important: it proves you have a valid license even though your plastic card has not arrived yet. If you chose the mail route and cannot wait, you can still visit a DPS office later to get the temporary license, even though you already mailed in your replacement request.

Replacing a license if you have changed your name or address

If your name or address has changed since your original license was issued, you can update it at the same time you replace the lost license. Bring proof of the name or address change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or lease agreement) along with your regular replacement documents.

The fee remains the same — $16 in person or $11 by mail. The DPS will issue a new license with your updated information and the same expiration date as your original license (unless it has expired, in which case renewal applies).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license if I do not have a Social Security card?

Yes. You can use your birth certificate, U.S. passport, military ID, or consular report of birth abroad instead. You still need proof of Texas residency from the last 60 days, such as a utility bill or lease.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still replace it by mail from anywhere. If you are in another state and need to drive when ready, you can visit a Texas DPS office when you return to Texas, or contact that state's DMV to see if they issue temporary licenses for out-of-state residents.

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

If you replace in person, yes — the DPS takes a new photo. If you replace by mail, the DPS uses your photo from the original license, so no new photo is taken.

How long is a replacement license valid?

Your replacement license is valid until the same expiration date as your original license. If your original license expired while it was lost, you must renew instead of replace, and the new license will be valid for five years from the renewal date.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license at the DPS office?

No. You must pick it up yourself or wait for it to arrive by mail. The DPS does not release licenses to anyone but the person named on the license.

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.