Get a replacement license at your local Texas DPS office with your ID and a completed form
If you've lost your driver's license in Texas, you can replace it at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. You'll need to bring a form of identification, pay a replacement fee (currently $11 for a standard license), and complete an process. The process takes about 30 minutes in most offices, and you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
You don't need to retake the written or driving test unless your license has been expired for more than two years. If your license expired within the last two years, you can renew it at the same time you replace it without testing. If it expired more than two years ago, you'll need to pass the written exam and vision test before you can drive legally.
Key Takeaways
- Bring one form of ID (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) and proof of residency to your local DPS office to start the replacement process.
- The replacement fee is $11 for a standard five-year license, and you'll get a temporary paper license when ready while your card is mailed.
- You can find your nearest DPS office and check wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go.
- If your license expired more than two years ago, you must pass the written test and vision exam to get a new one.
What documents to bring to the DPS office
You'll need one form of primary identification and proof of your current address. Primary ID options include a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, state ID card, or military ID. If you don't have any of these, you can use a combination of secondary documents like a Social Security card plus a school or work ID.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current Texas address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you've recently moved and don't have a utility bill yet, a lease agreement or a letter from your landlord works as well.
You'll also need to complete form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License), which you can fill out before you arrive or at the office. Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number — you'll need it for the process.
Where to go and how to check wait times
Visit the Texas DPS website and use their office locator tool to find the DPS office nearest to you. The site shows the address, phone number, and hours for each location. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, with some locations offering Saturday hours. A few major cities have evening hours, but these vary by location.
Before you go, check the current wait time on the DPS website or call your local office directly. Wait times range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the time of day and day of the week. Early morning and mid-week visits typically have shorter waits than afternoons and Fridays. Some offices allow you to check in online before you arrive, which can save time.
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 suspension or revocation. Common reasons include unpaid traffic tickets, failure to pay child support, or driving with an invalid license. The DPS office can tell you the reason and what you need to do to clear it.
Contact your local DPS office or the Texas DPS website to check your driving record and see if there are any holds on your license. If there is a suspension or revocation, you'll need to address the underlying issue (pay fines, resolve court matters, etc.) before you can get a new license. Once the hold is cleared, you can return to the DPS office to complete your replacement.
Temporary paper license and when your new card arrives
When you complete your replacement at the DPS office, you'll receive a temporary paper license that is valid for driving when ready. This temporary license is good for 45 days while your plastic card is being printed and mailed. Keep the paper license with you while you drive — it's your proof of a valid license.
Your new plastic driver's license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail delivery can take longer in rural areas, so allow up to two weeks. If you don't receive your card within that timeframe, contact the DPS to check the status. Once your new card arrives, the temporary paper license is no longer valid, though you should keep it in case there's a question about the replacement date.
If your license was lost out of state or you need it urgently
If you lost your Texas license while traveling out of state, you still need to replace it through a Texas DPS office. You can mail in your replacement process (form DL-43) along with copies of your ID and proof of residency, but this takes longer — typically 3 to 4 weeks. Call your local DPS office for the mailing address and instructions.
If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, the temporary paper license you receive at the office is your legal proof. Some employers or insurance companies may ask for the plastic card, so keep the paper license and your receipt from the DPS office as documentation. If you need a replacement faster than the standard mail timeline, there is no expedited option through DPS, but your temporary license is valid for 45 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license online?
No. Texas does not offer online replacement for lost licenses. You must visit a DPS office in person with your ID and proof of residency. However, you can fill out form DL-43 online before you go to save time at the office.
What if I lost my license and my wallet was stolen?
Bring your passport or birth certificate as your primary ID. If you don't have either, bring a combination of secondary documents like a Social Security card and school or work ID. The DPS office can work with multiple documents to verify your identity.
Do I have to pay if I lost my license through no fault of my own?
Yes. The replacement fee is $11 regardless of how you lost your license. There are no exceptions or waivers for lost licenses. The fee covers the cost of printing and mailing your new card.
How long is a replacement license valid?
A replacement license is valid for the same duration as your original license. If your original license was a five-year license, your replacement is also valid for five years from the issue date. If it was a commercial license, the validity period depends on your age and license class.
What if I find my original license after I get a replacement?
Destroy your original license or return it to a DPS office. Using both licenses or carrying the old one is not illegal, but it can cause confusion if you're pulled over. Your new license is the valid one, and the old one should not be used for identification.