Texas will reissue a lost license through the Department of Public Safety, either in person at a driver license office or by mail if you meet certain conditions

If your Texas driver license is lost, you do not need a police report to replace it. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles replacements directly. You can request a duplicate license in person at any DPS driver license office, or by mail if your license is not expired and you have no disqualifications on your record. The process takes about two weeks by mail or same-day in person, though in-person wait times vary by location.

Your replacement license will have the same number as your original. You will pay a fee — currently $16 for a duplicate license — though this amount can change. If your license has expired, you will need to renew it instead of straightforward replacing it, which involves a different process and may require a vision test.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace a lost Texas license by mail if it is not expired and you have no suspensions or disqualifications, or in person at any DPS driver license office.
  • Mail replacement takes about two weeks; in-person replacement is usually same-day but wait times depend on your local office.
  • You will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address; a police report is not required.
  • If your license is expired, you must renew it rather than replace it, which may include a vision test and costs more.

Replacing your license by mail

To request a duplicate by mail, visit the DPS website and use the online form to request a replacement license. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, current mailing address, and your Texas driver license number if you remember it. You can also call the DPS at 1-844-DPS-5555 to request a form by phone, though the online method is faster.

Mail your completed form to the DPS address listed on the form along with the $16 fee. You can pay by check or money order; do not send cash. DPS will mail your new license to the address you provide, usually within two weeks. This option works only if your license is not expired and you have no active suspensions, revocations, or other disqualifications.

Getting a replacement in person at a DPS office

Walk into any Texas DPS driver license office with your Social Security number, date of birth, and proof of current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. You do not need to bring your old license or any police report. Pay the $16 fee at the office, and you will receive your new license the same day in most cases.

DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, with some locations open Saturday mornings. Wait times vary widely by location and time of day; offices in smaller towns often have shorter waits than urban centers. You can find your nearest office and current wait times on the DPS website. No appointment is required, though some offices now offer online scheduling to reduce in-person wait time.

What to do if your license is expired

If your lost license expired before you lost it, you cannot straightforward replace it — you must renew it instead. Renewal involves a different process and typically costs more than a duplicate. You will need to pass a vision test, and you may need to provide additional documents depending on how long your license has been expired.

You can renew by mail if your license expired less than two years ago and you have no disqualifications. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person. Contact DPS or visit their website to determine which path applies to your situation and what documents you will need.

Replacing your license if you have suspensions or disqualifications

If your license is suspended, revoked, or disqualified, you cannot receive a replacement or renewal until the disqualification is lifted. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or unpaid child support. You must resolve the underlying issue first.

Contact DPS to find out why your license is disqualified and what steps you need to take. In many cases, you will need to contact the court, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, or another agency to clear the suspension before DPS can issue a new license. DPS can tell you which agency to contact and what documentation you will need.

Using your replacement license for identification and driving

Your new license is valid for driving when ready upon receipt. You can use it as a government-issued photo ID for most purposes, including air travel within the United States (though you may want to bring a second form of ID as backup). If you need to drive before your replacement arrives by mail, you can request a temporary paper license at a DPS office, valid for 45 days.

If you lost your license while traveling out of state, you can still request a replacement by mail to your home address in Texas. Some states will accept a DPS letter confirming your license number and status in place of the physical license for driving purposes, though this varies by state.

What happens if you find your original license after getting a replacement

If you locate your original license after receiving a replacement, you do not need to do anything. Both licenses are valid, and you can use either one. There is no penalty for having two valid licenses with the same number. If you prefer to have only one, you can destroy the original, though this is not required.

Do not attempt to return the original to DPS or request that they deactivate it. The system does not track individual physical cards, only the license record associated with your name and Social Security number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a police report to replace a lost license in Texas?

No. Texas DPS does not require a police report to issue a replacement license. You can request a duplicate with just your Social Security number, date of birth, and proof of address. A police report is optional and not needed for the replacement process.

Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my replacement?

Yes, but only if you visit a DPS office in person. You can request a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. This is useful if you need to drive before your replacement arrives by mail or if you are waiting for an in-person appointment.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still request a replacement by mail to your Texas address. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. If you need to drive before the replacement arrives, contact the DPS to ask about temporary license options or whether the state you are in will accept a DPS letter confirming your license status.

How much does a replacement license cost?

A duplicate license currently costs $16 in Texas. This fee can change, so confirm the current amount on the DPS website or by calling 1-844-DPS-5555 before you submit your request.

Can I replace my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?

Not if the ticket or fine has resulted in a suspension or disqualification. You must resolve the underlying issue first. Contact DPS to find out the reason for any disqualification and which agency can help you clear it.