How to Replace a Lost Texas Driver's License

You can replace a lost Texas driver's license in person at a DPS office, by mail if your license is not suspended, or through a third-party vendor in some counties

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles replacement licenses. You have three routes: visit a DPS driver license office in person (fastest, usually same-day or within days), mail in an process if your license is current and not suspended, or use an authorized third-party vendor in select counties. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the license and whether your driving privileges are active.

A replacement license costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license in Texas. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. If you are replacing a lost license, you do not need the original — you need documents that prove who you are and where you live.

Key Takeaways

In-person replacement at a DPS office is the fastest method and typically takes a few minutes to an hour, depending on wait times.
Mail-in replacement works only if your license is not suspended or revoked and you have not had a name change since your last license was issued.
Proof of identity can be a passport, birth certificate, or military ID; proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days.
Third-party vendors operate in some Texas counties and may have shorter wait times than DPS offices, though they charge a service fee on top of the license fee.
You can drive legally while your replacement is being processed if you bring a receipt from DPS or the vendor showing you applied.

In-Person Replacement at a DPS Office

Walking into a DPS driver license office with your documents is the most direct route. Bring a valid form of ID (passport, military ID, or birth certificate), proof of residency (utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement from the past 90 days), and your Social Security number. You will fill out Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License) on site or online beforehand at the DPS website.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Urban offices during lunch or after work tend to be busier. Many DPS offices now use an online appointment system — you can reserve a time slot at dps.texas.gov, which reduces your wait. Without an appointment, you may wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on the office. Your replacement license is usually issued the same day or within a few business days if they need to verify your documents.

Bring cash or a debit card; not all offices accept credit cards. The fee is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your plastic card is mailed to you, which typically arrives within one to two weeks.

Mail-In Replacement if Your License Is Current

If your Texas driver's license is not suspended, revoked, or expired, and you have not changed your name since your last license was issued, you can mail in a replacement process. read Form DL-44 from dps.texas.gov, complete it, and mail it with a check or money order for $16 or $32 (payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety") to the address listed on the form.

Include a copy of your proof of identity and proof of residency — photocopies are acceptable. Mail processing takes two to four weeks from the date DPS receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. This method works if you are not in a hurry and your driving privileges are clean.

Do not use this route if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired. DPS will reject the process and return your check. If you are unsure of your license status, call DPS at 1-888-589-6556 or check online at dps.texas.gov before mailing anything.

Third-Party Vendors in Select Texas Counties

Some Texas counties contract with third-party vendors to issue replacement licenses. These vendors operate in addition to DPS offices and often have shorter wait times. Counties including Harris (Houston), Dallas, Tarrant (Fort Worth), and Bexar (San Antonio) have vendors; check dps.texas.gov for a current list of participating locations.

Vendors charge the same $16 or $32 license fee plus a service fee (typically $10 to $20 depending on the vendor). You bring the same documents — proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The vendor processes your process on site and issues a temporary paper license while your plastic card is mailed to you within one to two weeks.

Vendor hours and locations vary. Some operate in shopping centers or government offices. Call ahead or check the vendor's website to confirm hours and whether they accept walk-ins or require appointments. If a vendor is near you and has availability, this can be faster than waiting at a DPS office.

What Documents Count as Proof of Identity and Residency

Proof of identity must be an original document (not a photocopy) that shows your name and date of birth. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, military ID, birth certificate, or a previous Texas driver's license or ID card. If you are using a birth certificate, it must be an official certified copy, not a hospital record.

Proof of residency must show your current Texas address and be dated within 90 days of your process. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you all work. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from the bill holder confirming you live there, plus your own ID.

If you do not have a current utility bill or lease, other documents accepted include a property tax statement, homeowners insurance policy, or a letter from your employer on company letterhead showing your name and address. DPS maintains a full list of acceptable documents on its website.

Driving While Your Replacement Is Being Processed

You can legally drive in Texas while your replacement license is being processed. If you applied in person at a DPS office or vendor, you will receive a temporary paper license (valid for 45 days) that serves as your driving permit. Keep it with you when you drive.

If you mailed in your process, DPS will not issue a temporary license. In that case, you should not drive until your new license arrives. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives and you mailed in your process, you will need to go in person to a DPS office or vendor to get a temporary license instead.

If Your License Was Suspended or Revoked

A lost license cannot be replaced if your driving privileges are suspended or revoked. DPS will not issue a new license until the suspension or revocation is lifted. You can check your license status online at dps.texas.gov or by calling 1-888-589-6556.

If your license is suspended, you must resolve the underlying issue — usually unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, or a failed drug test. Once resolved, you can request reinstatement through DPS. Only after reinstatement can you replace your lost license. If you are unsure why your license is suspended, DPS can tell you the reason and what steps are needed to clear it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket?

Not if the ticket resulted in a suspension. DPS will not issue a replacement until the suspension is lifted. If you have an unpaid ticket but no suspension, you can replace your license, but you should still resolve the ticket to avoid future suspension. Call DPS or check online to confirm your status.

How long does it take to receive my new license in the mail?

After you explore in person or by mail, your plastic license card is mailed to you within one to two weeks. During high-volume periods, it may take up to three weeks. You will have a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while you wait. If your card does not arrive within three weeks, contact DPS.

What if I lost my license and my ID was also in my wallet?

You can still replace your license using a birth certificate as proof of identity. Bring your birth certificate (certified copy), proof of residency, and your Social Security number to a DPS office or vendor. You do not need your lost ID card to get a replacement driver's license.

Can I renew my license at the same time I replace it?

If your license is expired or expiring soon, you can renew it when you replace it. Bring the same documents and let the DPS employee or vendor know you want to renew as well as replace. The fee covers the replacement; renewal fees are separate and depend on your license type.

What if I moved and my address changed since my last license?

You can update your address when you replace your license. Bring proof of your new residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days) along with your other documents. DPS will issue a new license with your current address at no extra charge.

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.