How to Order a Replacement Texas Driver's License

Order your replacement license online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office

If your Texas driver's license is lost, you can request a replacement through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The fastest route is the online system at DPS.texas.gov, which lets you order a duplicate license without visiting an office. You can also mail a form to DPS or go to a driver's license office in person. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the replacement and whether you want to avoid an office visit.

A replacement license costs $16 and arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days if you order online. In-person replacements at a DPS office take longer to process but you leave with a temporary paper license the same day. You do not need to retake a test or provide new documents — DPS already has your information on file.

Key Takeaways

Order online at DPS.texas.gov using your license number and personal details; this is the fastest method and costs $16.
If you cannot remember your license number, you can mail Form DL-44 to DPS or visit a driver's license office to order in person.
Online orders arrive in 7 to 10 business days; in-person orders give you a temporary paper license when ready but take longer to process the permanent card.
You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and current mailing address to complete any order method.

Ordering online through the DPS website

Go to DPS.texas.gov and look for the "Driver License" section. Select "Order a Duplicate License" or "Replace a Lost License." You will need your Texas driver's license number, Social Security number, date of birth, and the mailing address where you want the replacement sent. The system will ask you to confirm your identity by answering security questions based on your DPS records.

After you complete the form and pay the $16 fee online, DPS will mail your replacement license to the address you provided. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. Keep your confirmation number from the online order in case you need to check the status later.

Ordering by mail if you do not have your license number

If you cannot locate your license number, you can mail a paper form to DPS instead. read or request Form DL-44 from the DPS website or call the DPS Driver License Division at 512-424-2600. Fill out the form with your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current mailing address. Include a check or money order for $16 made payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety."

Mail the completed form and payment to the address listed on the form — this varies by region, so check the DPS website for the correct mailing address for your area. Processing by mail takes longer than online ordering, typically 2 to 3 weeks after DPS receives your form, plus mail delivery time on both ends.

Getting a replacement in person at a DPS office

Visit any Texas driver's license office with your Social Security number, date of birth, and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement works). You do not need to bring the lost license itself. Tell the staff member you are ordering a duplicate, and they will look up your information in the system.

You will pay $16 and receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while DPS mails your permanent replacement card. The permanent card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. In-person visits are useful if you need to drive before your replacement arrives, since the temporary license is valid for driving when ready.

What to do if your license was stolen or used fraudulently

If you believe your lost license was stolen or may be used for fraud, you can place a fraud alert on your DPS record when you order the replacement. Tell the DPS staff member (if ordering in person) or note it in the online form that you want to flag the lost license. DPS can mark the old license as invalid in their system, which prevents someone else from using it to get documents or services.

You should also consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — to protect against identity theft. This is a separate step from ordering your replacement license, but it adds a layer of protection if your personal information was compromised.

Tracking your replacement license after you order

If you ordered online, save your confirmation number. You can check the status of your order on the DPS website by entering your confirmation number and other identifying details. The status will show whether your license is being processed, has been mailed, or has been delivered.

If you ordered by mail or in person and do not see a status update online, call the DPS Driver License Division at 512-424-2600. Have your name, date of birth, and Social Security number ready. Staff can tell you whether your order was received and when you can expect delivery.

What happens if your replacement does not arrive

If your replacement license does not arrive within 10 business days of ordering online, or within 3 weeks of mailing a form, contact DPS. Call 512-424-2600 with your confirmation number or order details. DPS can check whether the license was mailed and may reissue it if there was a delivery problem.

If the license was lost in the mail, DPS will typically send a replacement at no additional charge. If you need to drive before a replacement arrives, you can visit a DPS office in person to get a temporary paper license while you wait for the permanent card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to take a new photo or vision test to get a replacement?

No. A replacement license uses the photo and information already on file with DPS. You only retake a photo or test if your license has expired or if DPS requires an update for another reason.

Can I order a replacement if my address has changed since I got my license?

Yes. When you order online or in person, you provide your current address and DPS will mail the replacement there. If you want to update your address on the license itself, you can do that at the same time, though it may add a small fee depending on the method.

What if I lost my license while traveling outside Texas?

You can still order a replacement online from anywhere using the DPS website. The replacement will be mailed to the address on file with DPS. If you need to drive before it arrives, contact a DPS office to ask about temporary options or visit a DPS office in person if you return to Texas.

Is there a rush option to get my replacement faster?

DPS does not offer expedited shipping for online orders. In-person orders give you a temporary paper license when ready, which is the fastest way to have a valid ID for driving. The permanent card still takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.

Can someone else order a replacement license on my behalf?

No. You must order the replacement yourself using your own information. If you are unable to order online or by mail, you can authorize someone to accompany you to a DPS office, but you will need to be present and provide your own identification.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.