You can replace a lost Texas driver's license in person at a DPS office or by mail, and the process takes about two weeks

A lost driver's license in Texas means a trip to the Department of Public Safety (DPS), either in person or through the mail. You'll need to bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee (currently $11 for a standard license), and either wait while they process it or mail in your documents and wait for it to arrive. The in-person route is faster — you can walk out with a temporary paper license the same day — but the mail route works if you can't get to an office.

Texas doesn't require you to report the loss to police or file a theft report unless you suspect someone is using your information. The DPS straightforward issues a new license with a new number, and your old one becomes invalid the moment they process the replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a primary ID document (passport, birth certificate, or military ID) and proof of your current Texas address to replace a lost license.
  • The in-person route at any DPS office gives you a temporary paper license when ready and a plastic card in the mail within two weeks.
  • The mail-in route takes longer but works if you live far from a DPS office or have limited availability.
  • The replacement fee is $11, and you'll need to bring the documents in person or mail them with a completed form to the DPS.
  • Your old license number becomes invalid as soon as the DPS processes your replacement, so you don't need to report it stolen unless fraud occurs.

What documents you need to bring

The DPS requires one primary identity document and one proof of residency. Your primary ID can be a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, or permanent resident card. If you don't have any of these, you can use a combination of secondary documents — the DPS website lists what counts, but this route is slower and may require a visit to a vital records office first.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and current Texas address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency in Texas.

Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it (like a tax return or W-2). You'll also need to fill out Form DL-43, the process for Texas Driver License, which you can read from the DPS website or fill out at the office.

Replacing your license in person at a DPS office

Walk into any DPS Driver License office with your documents, completed Form DL-43, and $11. You don't need an appointment — offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Early morning and mid-week visits tend to be faster than afternoons or Saturdays.

The DPS will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and works anywhere a regular license does — you can drive, use it as ID, and show it to police. Your permanent plastic license arrives in the mail within two weeks, usually closer to one week if you live in a major city.

Bring your phone or a way to pay the $11 fee — most offices accept cash, card, and check. If you've moved since your last license was issued, the DPS will update your address during this visit.

Mailing in your replacement

If you can't visit a DPS office, you can mail your documents to the DPS. read and complete Form DL-43 from the DPS website, gather your primary ID and proof of residency, and mail them along with a check or money order for $11 to the address listed on the form (the mailing address varies by region, so check the DPS website for your area).

Include a note with your phone number so the DPS can contact you if something is missing or unclear. Mail your package using a tracked method like certified mail so you know it arrived. The DPS will process your request and mail your new license back to you — the total time is usually three to four weeks from the day they receive your envelope.

The downside of mailing is that you won't have a temporary license while you wait. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you'll need to visit a DPS office in person to get the temporary paper license, which defeats the purpose of mailing. This route works best if you don't need to drive in the next few weeks.

What happens if your license was stolen or used fraudulently

If you suspect someone is using your lost license or has stolen your identity, contact the DPS directly at 1-888-589-6556 to report it. They can flag your old license number in their system. You should also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and consider a credit freeze if you're concerned about identity theft.

File a police report with your local police department if money or accounts have been opened in your name. Bring the police report number when you go to replace your license — it helps document the theft for your records. The DPS will still issue a replacement license the same way, but the report creates a paper trail if you need to dispute fraudulent charges later.

DPS office locations and hours

Texas has DPS Driver License offices in most cities and towns. Find the office nearest you on the DPS website by entering your city or zip code. Hours vary by location, but most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations open on Saturday mornings.

Offices in rural areas may have limited hours or be open only certain days of the week. If you live in a small town without a local office, the DPS website will show you the nearest location and its hours. Some offices close for lunch, so calling ahead (the phone number is on the DPS website) can save you a wasted trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive without a license while I wait for my replacement?

Yes, if you got a temporary paper license in person at a DPS office. That temporary license is valid for 45 days and works anywhere a regular license does. If you mailed in your replacement, you don't have a temporary license, so you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still replace it by mail or by visiting a DPS office when you return to Texas. If you need to drive before then, contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6556 to ask about emergency options, though they are limited. Some states allow you to request a duplicate from their DMV, but that won't help you in Texas.

Do I need to take a new written test or driving test?

No. A replacement license is issued without any testing. The DPS straightforward issues a new license with your existing information and a new photo. Your driving record stays the same.

How much does a replacement license cost?

The replacement fee is $11 for a standard driver's license. If your license has also expired, you may pay additional fees for renewal at the same time. Ask the DPS office or check the website for your specific situation.

What if my documents are expired?

Your primary ID document (passport, birth certificate, military ID) can be expired and still count. Proof of residency must be dated within the last 60 days, so it cannot be expired. If your only proof of residency is old, bring a recent utility bill or bank statement instead.