You can replace a lost Texas driver's license in person at a DPS office or by mail, depending on how soon you need it
A lost driver's license in Texas requires a trip to a Department of Public Safety office or a completed mail-in request. The in-person route takes about 20 minutes and you leave with a temporary paper license the same day. The mail option takes two to three weeks but costs less and works if you don't need to drive when ready. Both paths require proof of identity and Texas residency, and both charge a replacement fee.
Texas does not issue duplicate licenses — you get a new one with a new number. This matters if you've shared your license number with banks, employers, or other institutions. You'll need to update those records once your replacement arrives.
Key Takeaways
- In-person replacement at any DPS office takes about 20 minutes and includes a temporary paper license you can use to drive that day.
- Mail-in replacement costs less but takes two to three weeks and requires you to mail in a completed form with copies of identity documents.
- You need one primary identity document (passport, birth certificate, or military ID) plus proof of Texas residency like a utility bill or lease.
- The replacement fee is $11 for a standard license and $16 for a Real ID-compliant license, paid at the time of replacement.
- Your new license will have a different number than your lost one, so notify banks and employers once it arrives.
In-Person Replacement at a DPS Office
Walk into any Texas Department of Public Safety office with your documents and you can leave with a temporary paper license the same day. The office will take your photo, verify your identity, and issue a temporary license valid for 45 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to you. The permanent license usually arrives within two weeks.
Bring one primary identity document — a valid U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, or permanent resident card. You also need proof of Texas residency: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days, all showing your current address. If your address has changed since your lost license was issued, bring the residency document even if the address on your primary ID is outdated.
DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have extended hours on certain days. You can find your nearest office and check its hours on the DPS website. No appointment is required, but arriving early in the day typically means a shorter wait.
Mail-In Replacement
You can request a replacement by mail using Form DL-44, available on the DPS website. Print the form, gather your documents, and mail everything to the DPS address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your packet. You will not receive a temporary license this way, so use this option only if you don't need to drive before your permanent license arrives.
Make copies of your primary identity document and residency proof — do not mail originals. Include the completed Form DL-44, your copies, a check or money order for the replacement fee ($11 standard, $16 Real ID), and a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want DPS to return your documents. Mail everything to the address on the form.
The mail-in route is cheaper than in-person (you save the cost of a trip) and works well if you have a flexible schedule or live far from a DPS office. The downside is the two- to three-week wait and the fact that you cannot drive legally during that time unless you have another valid ID.
What Documents You Need
| Document Type | What Counts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Identity (one required) | Valid U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, permanent resident card, or valid foreign passport with I-94 form | Must be current or expired no more than two years |
| Residency Proof (one required) | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance bill, or government mail | Must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days |
| Social Security Number | You will provide this verbally in person or on the form by mail | Required; DPS verifies it with the Social Security Administration |
If your residency document shows a different address than your primary ID, bring both. DPS will use the residency document to update your address on file. If you've changed your name since your lost license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
The Replacement Fee and Payment Options
A standard replacement license costs $11. A Real ID-compliant license costs $16. Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and meet federal requirements for air travel and federal building access. If your lost license was Real ID, you can request the same on your replacement at no extra cost beyond the $16 fee.
At a DPS office, you pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. By mail, you must send a check or money order — DPS does not accept credit cards through the mail. Make the check or money order payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The fee covers the replacement card only. If you need a duplicate (a second copy of the same license with the same number), that costs $5 and is a different transaction — but since Texas issues a new number with each replacement, you cannot get a duplicate of your lost license.
What Happens After You Submit Your Request
If you replaced your license in person, you leave with a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Your permanent card is printed at a DPS facility and mailed to the address on file, usually within two weeks. The temporary license has the same number as your permanent card will have, so you can start using the new number when ready if needed.
If you mailed in your request, DPS processes the form and mails your new license to the address you provided. You should receive it within two to three weeks. During this time, you have no legal license to drive unless you have another valid ID.
Once your permanent license arrives, the temporary paper license (if you received one) is no longer valid. Destroy it or keep it for your records — you don't need to return it. Update your new license number with your bank, employer, insurance company, and any other institution that has your old number on file.
If Your License Was Stolen or You Suspect Fraud
If your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, or if you suspect someone may use it fraudulently, tell the DPS officer or note it on Form DL-44. DPS can flag your file to alert you if someone tries to use your old license number. This does not prevent fraud but creates a record that you reported the theft.
If you discover fraudulent activity linked to your lost license — such as traffic tickets or criminal charges filed under your name — contact the DPS directly and file a police report with your local law enforcement agency. Bring the police report number to your DPS office when you replace your license; it strengthens your case if you need to dispute charges later.
You may also want to place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) if you're concerned about identity theft. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with the temporary paper license while I wait for my permanent card?
Yes. The temporary paper license is valid for 45 days and has the same legal weight as a permanent card. You can use it to drive, board a domestic flight, or enter federal buildings during that 45-day window. Keep it in your wallet or vehicle at all times.
What if I move before my replacement license arrives?
Contact DPS with your new address before your license ships, or wait for it to arrive at your old address and have the person living there forward it to you. If your license is lost in the mail, contact DPS and request a second replacement. You can also update your address at any DPS office once your license arrives, though that requires a separate transaction.
Do I need to take a new photo for my replacement license?
Yes, if you replace in person. DPS takes a new photo at the office. If you mail in your request, DPS uses the photo from your lost license on file, so you don't need to provide a new one.
How long is a replacement license valid?
A replacement license is valid for the same period as your original license was. If your lost license was set to expire in 2028, your replacement expires in 2028. You don't get extra years just because you're replacing it.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You can still replace it by mail or in person at any Texas DPS office, even if you're currently out of state. For in-person replacement, you'll need to travel to Texas or wait until you return. For mail-in, send your documents from wherever you are — DPS will mail your new license to any address you provide.