How to Replace a Lost Texas Driver's License
If you've lost your Texas driver's license, you can replace it by visiting a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, by mail, or through a third-party license service. The fastest route is an in-person visit to your nearest DPS office, which takes about 30 minutes and costs $16 for a standard replacement. You'll need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or a document showing it.
Texas does not offer online replacement for lost licenses, so you must go through one of these three channels. If you're unable to visit an office when ready, the mail-in option takes two to three weeks but requires the same documents. Third-party services like the Texas Online Services portal or licensed private vendors can also process replacements, though they charge additional fees on top of the state fee.
Key Takeaways
- A replacement license costs $16 and requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or a document containing it.
- In-person replacement at a DPS office is the fastest option and usually takes 30 minutes to an hour.
- Mail-in replacement takes two to three weeks but works if you cannot visit an office in person.
- You can use your replacement license when ready for driving once you receive it; there is no waiting period.
- If your license was lost in another state, you may need to contact that state's motor vehicle agency first before Texas will issue a replacement.
What Documents You Need to Bring
Texas requires two forms of identification to replace a lost license. One must be a primary ID document — a passport, military ID, certified birth certificate, or a previous Texas driver's license or ID card. The second can be a secondary ID like a Social Security card, voter registration card, or a document showing your name and address.
You also need proof of residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Texas address. The document must be dated within the last 90 days. If you don't have a recent document with your address, you can bring a notarized affidavit of residency, though this takes extra time to prepare.
Bring your Social Security number written down or bring a document that shows it, such as a Social Security card or tax return. If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Replacing Your License in Person at a DPS Office
Visit the DPS website and use the office locator to find the nearest driver's license office. Most offices operate Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. You do not need to schedule an appointment; most offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, but you can check wait times online before you go.
Bring all your documents, your $16 fee (cash, check, or card — policies vary by office), and be prepared to have your photo taken. The staff will verify your documents, take your photograph, and print your replacement license on the spot. You can drive when ready with your new license; there is no waiting period.
If you're replacing a license you lost out of state, tell the DPS staff when you arrive. They may need to contact the other state's motor vehicle agency to confirm the license was issued and is not suspended or revoked. This can add 10 to 15 minutes to your visit.
Replacing Your License by Mail
read the DL-43 form from the Texas DPS website or request one by calling 1-888-589-6789. Fill out the form completely, including your driver's license number if you remember it. Attach copies of your proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
Mail the completed form and documents to the address listed on the form, along with a check or money order for $16 made payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Do not send cash. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want your documents returned to you; otherwise, the DPS will destroy them after processing.
Your replacement license will arrive by mail in two to three weeks. The DPS processes mail-in requests in the order they are received, so sending your documents early in the week may result in slightly faster processing. Once you receive your license, you can drive when ready.
Using a Third-Party License Service
Texas allows certain private vendors and online services to process driver's license replacements on your behalf. These services charge a convenience fee — usually $10 to $25 — in addition to the $16 state fee. The advantage is that some vendors have extended hours or locations closer to you than a DPS office.
Search online for "Texas driver's license replacement service" or "Texas DPS third-party vendor" to find licensed providers in your area. Verify that the vendor is listed on the official Texas DPS website before you use them. Bring the same documents you would bring to a DPS office: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
Processing time through a third-party vendor is usually the same as in-person DPS service — your license is printed and ready to use when ready. However, some vendors may mail your license to you instead, which adds two to three weeks. Ask the vendor about their process before you go.
If Your License Was Stolen or Used Fraudulently
If your license was stolen rather than lost, or if you suspect someone is using it fraudulently, file a police report first. Bring the police report number to the DPS office when you replace your license. The DPS will flag your old license as stolen in their system, which prevents someone else from using it.
You may also want to place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — to protect yourself from identity theft. Contact one bureau and ask them to place the alert; they will notify the other two automatically. A fraud alert lasts one year and is free.
If fraudulent activity has already occurred in your name, consider placing a credit freeze instead of an alert. A freeze is more restrictive and prevents anyone from opening new accounts in your name without your permission. You can place a freeze for free by contacting each bureau directly.
What Happens to Your Old License
Your old lost license is no longer valid once you receive your replacement. If you later find your old license, you do not need to return it to the DPS — straightforward destroy it or keep it for your records. The DPS system will show only your current license as active.
If your old license turns up and you're concerned someone might use it, contact the DPS and report it found. They can deactivate it in their system when ready. This is especially important if the license was stolen and you filed a police report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive without a license while I wait for my replacement?
No. Texas law requires you to carry a valid driver's license while driving. If you're stopped by police and cannot show a valid license, you can be cited. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, ask the DPS office for a temporary paper license, though not all offices issue them.
What if I don't remember my driver's license number?
You don't need your license number to replace your license. Bring your proof of identity and residency, and the DPS staff will look up your information in their system using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. If you remember your number, include it on the mail-in form to speed up processing.
How much does a replacement license cost?
A standard replacement license costs $16. Third-party vendors charge an additional convenience fee of $10 to $25 on top of the state fee. If your license was lost due to a DPS error, you may be able to request a free replacement, but this is rare and requires proof of the error.
Can I replace my license if it expired?
Yes. If your license expired and was lost, you can replace it and renew it at the same time. Bring the same documents plus the renewal fee, which varies by age and license type. The DPS will issue you a new license with a new expiration date.
What if I lost my license out of state?
Contact the motor vehicle agency in the state where you lost it first. Some states require you to report the loss there before another state will issue a replacement. Once you've done that, you can replace your Texas license through any of the methods described above by bringing proof that you reported the loss to the other state.