You can report a lost Texas driver's license and request a replacement through the Texas Department of Public Safety website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office
A lost driver's license in Texas requires two separate actions: reporting it lost to prevent misuse, and ordering a replacement card. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles both. You do not need to visit an office in person for either step — you can report the loss online and request a replacement by mail or through the DPS website, though some people choose to go in person to complete both at once.
The process differs slightly depending on whether your license is still valid, expired, or suspended. A valid license can be replaced by mail or online. An expired license requires an in-person visit to renew it at the same time. A suspended license cannot be replaced until the suspension is lifted.
Key Takeaways
- Report your lost license online through the DPS website to flag it in the system and prevent someone else from using it.
- You can order a replacement card by mail, online, or in person; mail and online orders take two to three weeks, while in-person replacement is when ready.
- A replacement card costs between $16 and $25 depending on how long you want it valid; mail orders are cheaper than in-person.
- If your license is expired, you must renew it in person at a DPS office rather than by mail.
- You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address to report the loss or order a replacement.
How to report your license lost online
The fastest way to report a lost license is through the DPS website at dps.texas.gov. Go to the Driver License section and select "Report a Lost or Stolen Driver License." You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The system will ask you to confirm your current address and contact information.
Reporting the loss online does not replace your card — it only flags your license number in the DPS system so that if someone finds it or uses it fraudulently, the record shows it was reported missing. This step takes about five minutes and is free. After you report it, you will receive a confirmation number by email.
If you do not have your license number memorized, you can still report the loss by visiting a DPS office in person with your Social Security card and a form of ID (passport, state ID, or birth certificate). Staff will look up your license number and file the report for you.
Ordering a replacement card by mail
To order a replacement by mail, read the Form DL-44A (process for Duplicate Driver License) from the DPS website. Fill it out completely, including your name, date of birth, current address, and the reason for the duplicate (mark "Lost"). Sign and date the form.
Mail the completed form along with a check or money order for $16 (for a five-year license) or $25 (for an eight-year license) to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of one form of ID — a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card. Do not send cash. Mail your envelope to the DPS Driver License Division at the address on the form; processing typically takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives it.
You will receive your replacement card by mail at the address you listed on the form. If you need the card faster, you must go in person or order online through the DPS website, which also takes two to three weeks but allows you to track the status.
Getting a replacement in person at a DPS office
If you want your replacement card when ready, visit a DPS Driver License office in person. Bring your Social Security card or number, a form of ID (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). You will fill out Form DL-44 on site.
The fee for an in-person replacement is $25 for a five-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You will receive your new card before you leave the office. Wait times at DPS offices vary by location and time of day; many offices are busiest in the morning and on Fridays. You can check wait times and book an appointment online at dps.texas.gov before you go.
Some DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., while others have extended hours. A few locations offer Saturday hours. Check the DPS office locator on their website to find the office nearest you and confirm their hours before you visit.
What to do if your license was expired when you lost it
If your license had already expired when you lost it, you cannot straightforward order a duplicate — you must renew it. Renewal requires an in-person visit to a DPS office because the state needs to verify your identity and take a new photo. You cannot renew by mail or online.
Bring your Social Security card, a form of ID, and proof of your current address to the DPS office. You will complete a renewal process and pay the renewal fee, which is $25 for a five-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You will receive your new card before you leave.
Replacing a license if it was suspended or revoked
If your license was suspended or revoked when you lost it, DPS will not issue a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted. You can check the status of your license online at dps.texas.gov by entering your license number and date of birth.
If your license is suspended, you must resolve the reason for the suspension — usually unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or failure to pay child support. Contact the court or agency listed in your suspension notice to find out what you owe and how to pay it. Once you have resolved the issue, the suspension will be removed from your record, and you can then order a replacement card.
Protecting yourself after losing your license
Beyond reporting the loss to DPS, consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) if you are concerned about identity theft. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place a free fraud alert by calling any one of the three bureaus; they will notify the other two automatically.
If you believe your lost license has been used fraudulently, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at reportidentitytheft.ftc.gov. Keep a copy of the report for your records. You may also want to file a police report in your city or county, which creates an official record if fraudulent charges appear later.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a replacement license in the mail?
Mail orders typically take two to three weeks from the date the DPS receives your form and payment. Online orders through the DPS website also take two to three weeks but allow you to track the status. In-person replacements are issued the same day you visit the office.
Can I drive while I wait for my replacement card?
No. Once you report your license lost, it is no longer valid for driving. You must have a valid license or a temporary permit to drive legally. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, visit a DPS office in person to get your card the same day.
What if I find my original license after I report it lost?
Contact the DPS Driver License Division and let them know you found it. They can remove the lost report from your record. If you have already ordered a replacement, you will still receive it, but you can use either card for identification purposes.
Do I have to pay to report my license lost?
No. Reporting the loss online or in person is free. You only pay when you order a replacement card — $16 to $25 by mail, or $25 to $32 in person, depending on how long you want the license valid.
What if I do not have my Social Security number memorized?
You can report the loss in person at a DPS office with your Social Security card and a form of ID. Staff will look up your information and file the report for you. You will need your Social Security number to order a replacement, so bring the card with you.