Get a replacement at your local DPS office with your ID and fee
You can replace a lost Texas driver license at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. You will need to bring a form of identification, pay a replacement fee (currently $11 for a standard license), and complete a short form. The process takes about 30 minutes in most locations, and you walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your plastic card is mailed to you.
Your replacement license will have the same number and expiration date as your original, so you do not need to update it with your insurance company or employer. The new card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days in most cases, though processing times vary by location and mail delays.
Key Takeaways
- Bring a valid ID (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), your Social Security number, and $11 to any DPS office to get a replacement license the same day.
- You will receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 45 days while your plastic card is mailed to you.
- Your replacement license keeps the same number and expiration date, so you do not have to notify insurance companies or employers of a change.
- If you cannot find your license and suspect it was stolen, you can request a new license number for a higher fee ($16) to protect against fraud.
What to bring to the DPS office
Bring one form of government-issued ID. A U.S. passport, birth certificate, state ID card, or military ID all work. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents that show your name and address, such as a utility bill and a bank statement, though this takes longer to process.
You will also need to know your Social Security number and your Texas driver license number if you remember it. If you do not remember your license number, the DPS office can look it up using your name and date of birth. Bring your $11 fee in cash or card — most offices accept both.
Finding your nearest DPS office and wait times
Use the DPS office locator on the Texas Department of Public Safety website to find the office nearest you and check their hours. Some offices are open only certain days of the week, and hours vary by location. Call ahead if you want to know the current wait time — many offices post this information on their websites or answer phones during business hours.
Offices in rural areas often have shorter waits than those in cities. If your local office has a long line, you can visit any DPS office in Texas, not just the one in your county. Some people find it faster to drive 20 minutes to a smaller town office than to wait an hour at a busy urban location.
Getting a new license number if your license was stolen
If you believe your lost license was stolen rather than straightforward misplaced, you can request a new license number instead of a replacement. This costs $16 instead of $11 and protects you against someone using your old number fraudulently. Tell the DPS office staff that you want a new number, and they will note this on your process.
A new number takes the same amount of time to process as a replacement. You will still get a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card within 7 to 10 business days. The new number will be different from your old one, so you will need to update it with your employer, insurance company, and any other organization that has your license number on file.
Using your temporary paper license while you wait
Your temporary paper license is valid for driving, employment verification, and most other purposes where you would show your regular license. Police will accept it as proof of a valid license if you are stopped. Banks and some businesses may ask for additional ID along with the temporary license, but it is a legal form of identification in Texas.
Keep the temporary license in your wallet or purse at all times while you are waiting for your plastic card. If you lose the temporary license before your new card arrives, you will need to return to the DPS office and pay another $11 for a second replacement. Once your plastic card arrives, you can throw away the temporary license.
What happens if you need to drive before getting to the DPS office
Driving without a license is illegal in Texas, even if you have lost your license and are planning to replace it. If you are stopped by police before you have your temporary paper license in hand, you can be cited. The safest approach is to visit a DPS office as soon as you can, even if it means taking time off work or rearranging your schedule.
If you cannot get to an office when ready, ask someone else to drive you to appointments or errands. Some employers will allow you to work from home temporarily if you have lost your license. Once you have your temporary paper license from the DPS office, you are legal to drive again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license online or by mail?
No. Texas requires you to appear in person at a DPS office to replace a lost license. You cannot do this by mail or online. However, you can renew a license that is still in your possession online through the DPS website if it is not expired or suspended.
How long does the plastic card take to arrive?
Most plastic licenses arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Mail delays can extend this to two weeks in some cases. Your temporary paper license is valid during this entire time, so you can drive legally while you wait.
Do I have to go to the DPS office in my county?
No. You can visit any DPS office in Texas to replace your license. If the office nearest you has a long wait, you can drive to a different location in a neighboring county or city.
What if I lost my license and my Social Security card at the same time?
You can still replace your license if you bring another form of government ID and know your Social Security number. If you do not know your number, the DPS office can contact the Social Security Administration to verify it, though this adds time to the process. Bring whatever ID you have available.
Will my insurance rates go up if I report my license lost?
No. Replacing a lost license does not affect your insurance rates or your driving record. Your insurance company does not need to know about the loss unless you file a claim related to it.