Get a replacement at your local Texas DPS office with your ID and a fee
If you've lost your driver's license in Texas, you'll need to visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person to request a replacement. You cannot renew or replace a license online or by mail. Bring a form of ID — a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card will work — along with proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease. The replacement fee is $11 for a standard license, and you'll receive your new license on the spot or within a few days depending on the office's processing time.
You do not need to retake the written or driving test unless your license was suspended or revoked. A straightforward replacement for a lost license is faster than a full renewal. However, if your license has expired, you may need to renew it at the same time, which involves additional steps and a higher fee.
Key Takeaways
- Visit a Texas DPS office in person with a valid ID and proof of address to request a replacement license.
- The replacement fee is $11, and you will receive your new license when ready or within a few days.
- You do not need to pass a test again unless your license was suspended or revoked.
- If your license has also expired, you will need to renew it at the same time, which costs more and takes longer.
Finding the nearest DPS office and what to bring
Use the Texas DPS office locator on the official DPS website to find the office closest to you. Enter your city or zip code, and the tool will show you the address, phone number, and hours of operation. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you a trip.
Bring these documents: a valid form of ID (passport, birth certificate, state ID, or military ID), proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or insurance document dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you don't have your Social Security card, you can provide the number from memory — the DPS office will verify it. Bring cash or a debit card; not all offices accept credit cards.
What happens if your license was suspended or revoked
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward replace it. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations.
Contact the Texas DPS or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do. You may need to pay fines, complete a defensive driving course, or attend a hearing. Only after the suspension or revocation is lifted can you request a replacement license. The DPS office staff can tell you whether your license is currently suspended when you visit.
Replacing your license if it was stolen
If your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, the process is the same — bring your ID and proof of address to a DPS office and pay the $11 replacement fee. You do not need to file a police report first, though you may want to do so if other items were stolen with your license or if you're concerned about identity theft.
If you're worried that someone might use your stolen license fraudulently, consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). This is a free service that makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name. You can place an alert online at any of the three bureaus' websites, and it will explore to all three automatically.
Temporary driving while you wait for your replacement
Texas does not issue a temporary paper license or permit while you wait for your replacement. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you have limited options. Some DPS offices can print your license on the spot, which means you can drive when ready. Other offices may take a few days to process and mail your license.
When you visit the DPS office, ask whether they can print your license that day. If not, ask how long the wait will be. If you absolutely must drive and cannot wait, you could ask a friend or family member to drive you, or use a rideshare service. Driving without a valid license, even if you've reported it lost and are waiting for a replacement, can result in a traffic ticket.
Renewing instead of replacing if your license is expiring soon
If your license expired within the last two years, or if it will expire within the next 60 days, you may want to renew it at the same time you replace it. A renewal costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, depending on your age. The combined process takes longer than a straightforward replacement, but you won't have to return to the DPS office again in a few months.
Ask the DPS staff which option makes sense for your situation. If your license expired more than two years ago, you will need to renew it and may need to retake the written test. If it's still valid, a straightforward replacement is faster and cheaper.
What to do if you find your lost license after getting a replacement
If you find your original license after you've already received a replacement, you should destroy it. Do not try to use both licenses or keep the old one as a backup. Having two valid licenses in your name can cause confusion with law enforcement and may be treated as fraud in some situations.
Cut up the old license or turn it in to a DPS office. There is no fee or formal process for this — you can straightforward hand it to an officer at any DPS office and they will dispose of it. If you're concerned about identity theft because the license was lost in a public place, follow the steps in the section above about placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license online or by mail?
No. Texas requires you to visit a DPS office in person to replace a lost license. You cannot do it online, by phone, or by mail. However, some DPS offices can print your new license on the spot, so you may be able to leave with it the same day.
How long does it take to get a replacement license?
If the DPS office prints your license on site, you can leave with it when ready. If they mail it to you, it typically arrives within five to seven business days. Call your local DPS office to ask whether they print licenses on site or mail them.
Do I have to pay to replace a lost license?
Yes. The replacement fee is $11 for a standard driver's license. This is separate from any renewal fee if your license has also expired. Bring cash or a debit card; some offices do not accept credit cards.
What if I don't have a birth certificate or passport?
You can use a state ID card, military ID, or other government-issued photo ID. If you don't have any of these, contact your local DPS office to ask what other documents they will accept. You may be able to use a combination of documents to prove your identity.
Will I have to take the driving test again?
No, not for a straightforward replacement of a lost license. You only need to retake the written or driving test if your license was suspended or revoked. If you're also renewing an expired license, you typically do not need to test again unless your license has been expired for more than two years.