What you need to do to replace a lost Texas driver's license
To replace a lost Texas driver's license, you visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and have your photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office. You cannot renew a lost license by mail or online — Texas requires you to appear in person for a replacement.
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally while you wait if you bring a document from the DPS office that confirms you applied. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives and do not have that document, you cannot legally operate a vehicle.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS office in person with proof of identity and proof of Texas residency to replace a lost license.
- The replacement fee is $16 for a standard license, though the cost varies slightly if you need an enhanced or commercial license.
- Bring an original or certified copy of a birth certificate, passport, or consular report of birth — a photocopy alone will not work.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; ask for a temporary document at the office if you need to drive before it arrives.
- You can find your nearest DPS office and check wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go.
Documents you must bring to the DPS office
Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Texas. For identity, the DPS accepts an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport, a consular report of birth, or a Certificate of Naturalization. A photocopy of any of these will not work — it must be an original or certified copy.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name with your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a utility bill or lease, you can also bring a bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail addressed to you at your current address.
Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card or tax return. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come with you and bring their own identity and residency documents.
Where to go and what to expect at the office
Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website by entering your zip code. Most cities have multiple locations. The website also shows current wait times at each office, updated throughout the day. Going early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits than afternoons or Fridays.
At the office, tell the staff member you need to replace a lost license. They will check your documents, take a new photo, and process your replacement. The fee is $16 for a standard driver's license. If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) or an enhanced license, the fee is higher — check the DPS website for the exact amount, as it varies by license type.
Ask the staff member for a temporary document before you leave. This is usually a printed receipt or letter stating that you have applied for a replacement. Some offices give this automatically; others only if you ask. Keep this document with you while you drive, because it shows law enforcement that your license is in the process of being replaced.
How long it takes and what happens next
Your new license is mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to do anything else — the DPS handles the mailing automatically. If you move before your license arrives, contact the DPS to update your address so the license reaches you.
If your license does not arrive after 10 business days, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to check the status. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The DPS can tell you whether the license has been mailed and provide a tracking number if it has.
If you need to drive before your replacement arrives
You cannot legally drive without a license or a temporary document from the DPS. If you did not receive a temporary document at the office, return to the same DPS location and ask for one. Some offices will issue a replacement temporary document if you explain that you need it to drive.
If returning to the office is not possible, you can ask someone else to drive you, use a rideshare service, or use public transportation until your license arrives. Driving without a license or temporary document can result in a traffic citation and fines.
Special situations: name changes, corrections, and other issues
If your name has changed since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The DPS will update your name on your new license at no extra cost.
If you notice an error on your old license, such as a wrong address or birth date, tell the staff member when you explore for the replacement. They can correct it on the new license. If the error involves your legal name or date of birth, bring documentation that shows the correct information.
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot get a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the DPS to find out the status of your license before you go to the office. You can check this on the Texas DPS website or by calling 1-888-589-6789.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license online or by mail?
No. Texas requires you to appear in person at a DPS office to replace a lost license. You cannot do it online, by mail, or through a third-party service. You must bring original or certified identity documents and proof of residency.
What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?
You can use a consular report of birth or Certificate of Naturalization instead. If you do not have any of these, contact the DPS before you go to the office — they can tell you what other documents might work in your situation. You may need to visit a different agency first to get a certified copy of a birth certificate.
Do I have to go to the DPS office closest to my home?
No. You can go to any DPS office in Texas. If one office has a shorter wait time or is more convenient for you, you can visit that one instead. Bring the same documents regardless of which office you choose.
What if my temporary document expires before my license arrives?
Temporary documents are usually valid for 45 days. If your license has not arrived by then, contact the DPS to check the status. If there is a delay, return to a DPS office and ask for a new temporary document.
Can someone else pick up my license for me?
No. The license is mailed directly to your address on file. You cannot have someone else pick it up at the DPS office. If you move, update your address with the DPS so the license is sent to your new home.