You can replace a lost Texas driver's license in person at a DPS office, by mail, or online through the Texas DPS website — the fastest route depends on whether you need to drive before your replacement arrives

If your license is lost, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will issue you a replacement with the same number and expiration date as your original. You do not need to retake the written or driving test. The main choice is whether to go in person (fastest, same-day in some cases) or by mail (slower, but you can do it from home).

Texas also lets you request a replacement online through the DPS website if you meet certain conditions — mainly that your license has not been suspended or revoked, and you are not replacing it because it was damaged. Online replacement takes about 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person replacement at a DPS office usually takes 20 to 30 minutes and you can drive home the same day with a temporary paper license.
  • Mail-in replacement costs the same as in-person but takes 2 to 3 weeks, so use it only if you do not need to drive in the meantime.
  • Online replacement through the DPS website is available if your license is valid and was not suspended, and takes about 7 to 10 business days.
  • You will need to bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or another state ID) and proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).
  • The replacement fee is the same whether you go in person, mail it in, or do it online — currently $16 for a standard license.

In-Person Replacement at a DPS Office

Walking into a DPS office is the fastest way to replace your license. You will fill out Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License), show your documents, have your photo taken, and leave with a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Your permanent replacement card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency. Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, or a valid driver's license from another state. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement — it must show your current Texas address and be dated within the last 90 days.

You do not need an appointment at most DPS offices, but wait times vary widely. Check the DPS website to find your nearest office and see current wait times before you go. Some offices are busier than others, and going early in the morning or mid-week usually means a shorter wait.

Mail-In Replacement

If you do not need to drive when ready, you can mail your replacement request to the DPS. Fill out Form DL-44, include copies of your proof of identity and proof of residency, and mail the packet to the address listed on the DPS website. Do not send original documents — send copies only, because the DPS will not return them.

Mail-in replacement takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DPS receives your packet. You will not get a temporary paper license, so you cannot legally drive during this time. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, go in person instead.

The fee is the same as in-person replacement. Include a check or money order for the current replacement fee — do not send cash. Write your driver's license number on the check so the DPS can match it to your request.

Online Replacement Through the DPS Website

The DPS website allows you to request a replacement online if your license is currently valid and was not suspended or revoked. You cannot use online replacement if your license was damaged, lost due to a suspension, or if you need to update your address or other information on the license itself.

To start, go to the DPS website and select the online replacement option. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. You will upload digital copies of your proof of identity and proof of residency. Pay the replacement fee with a debit or credit card.

Online replacement takes about 7 to 10 business days. You will not receive a temporary paper license, so you cannot drive during this time. This option works best if you lost your license but do not need to drive in the next week or so.

What Documents You Need

Texas requires two types of documents: proof of identity and proof of residency. You must bring originals to an in-person appointment, or copies if you are mailing your request.

For proof of identity, the DPS accepts a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, passport card, consular report of birth abroad, or a valid driver's license from another U.S. state or territory. A school ID, work ID, or credit card will not work on its own.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 90 days that shows your current Texas address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, insurance policy, bank or credit card statement, or a government check. A cell phone bill usually does not count unless it shows your physical address, not just a mailing address.

Temporary Paper License and Permanent Replacement Card

When you replace your license in person, you receive a temporary paper license before you leave the DPS office. This temporary is valid for 45 days and lets you drive legally while you wait for your permanent card. Carry it with you whenever you drive — it is your proof of a valid license.

Your permanent replacement card arrives by mail 7 to 10 business days after your in-person visit. It will have the same license number and expiration date as your lost license. Once it arrives, the temporary paper license is no longer valid, though you do not need to do anything with it — just stop carrying it.

If you chose mail-in or online replacement, you do not get a temporary license. Your permanent card is your only license during the replacement period, so it will arrive by mail before you can legally drive again.

Cost and Payment Methods

The replacement fee for a standard Texas driver's license is currently $16, regardless of which method you choose. This fee covers the cost of the new card and processing. If you are replacing your license because it was damaged or defaced (not lost), the fee is the same.

At a DPS office, you can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card. If you are mailing your request, include a check or money order — do not send cash through the mail. If you are replacing online, pay with a debit or credit card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a temporary paper license from another state?

No. A temporary license from another state is not valid in Texas. If you lost your Texas license and do not have a temporary from the DPS, you cannot legally drive in Texas until your permanent replacement arrives. If you need to drive when ready, go to a DPS office in person to get a temporary paper license.

What if I lost my license outside of Texas?

You can still replace it by mail or online from wherever you are, as long as you have copies of your proof of identity and proof of residency. If you need a temporary license to drive in Texas, you will have to visit a DPS office in person — there is no way around that requirement.

Do I have to bring the original documents or can I bring copies?

Bring originals to an in-person appointment at a DPS office. If you are mailing your request or replacing online, send or upload copies only. The DPS will not return documents sent by mail, so never send originals through the post.

What if my address changed since I got my original license?

If you are replacing a lost license and your address has changed, you will need to update your address at the same time. You cannot do this online — you must go in person to a DPS office. Bring your proof of residency at your new address along with your proof of identity.

How long is my temporary paper license good for?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days from the date you receive it at the DPS office. After 45 days, it expires and you cannot drive legally, even if your permanent card has not arrived yet. If your permanent card is delayed, contact the DPS to request an extension or a new temporary.