How to Replace a Lost Texas Driver's License

Getting a replacement Texas driver's license when yours is lost

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 take a new photo. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You cannot do this entirely online or by mail — Texas requires you to appear in person.

The replacement fee is $16 for a standard five-year license or $32 for an eight-year license if you are 85 or older. You pay this fee at the DPS office when you submit your process. If your license was lost in a disaster (flood, fire, or similar event), you may be able to request a fee waiver, though you will need to document the disaster.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a DPS office in person with proof of identity and proof of Texas residency to replace a lost license.
Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a birth certificate or tax return, because DPS will verify it.
You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
The replacement fee is $16 for a standard license; bring cash, debit card, or credit card to pay it.
If you cannot find your DPS office location or hours, use the DPS office locator on the Texas DPS website.

What documents to bring to the DPS office

Bring one form of government-issued photo ID, such as a passport, military ID, or state ID card. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two non-photo documents instead, such as a birth certificate and a Social Security card. DPS will not accept a photo of your old license or a digital copy — the documents must be originals or certified copies.

You also need proof that you live in Texas. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days works. The document must show your current address. If you recently moved and your utility bill still shows an old address, bring a second document with your new address, such as a change-of-address letter from your bank or a lease signed within the last 30 days.

Bring your Social Security number written down or on a document. If you do not know it by heart, bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, or a recent tax return. DPS verifies your Social Security number against federal records before issuing your license.

Finding your nearest DPS office and making an appointment

Visit the Texas DPS website and use the office locator tool to find the DPS office closest to you. The tool shows office addresses, phone numbers, and hours. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. Call ahead to confirm current hours, because some offices have reduced hours on certain days.

Most DPS offices accept walk-ins, but wait times vary widely. During peak hours (lunch time and late afternoon on weekdays), you may wait 45 minutes to two hours. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online through the DPS website, which can reduce your wait time. Check your local office's page to see if appointments are available.

If you live far from a DPS office or have mobility challenges, ask whether your county offers a mobile DPS unit that visits smaller towns. Not all counties do, but some schedule mobile units quarterly or monthly. Call your local DPS office to ask.

What happens at the DPS office

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and tell the staff member you are replacing a lost license. You will be given a number and asked to wait. When your number is called, you will go to a window where a DPS employee will review your documents, verify your information, and take a new photo for your license.

The photo is taken on the spot using DPS equipment. You cannot bring a photo from home or use a digital photo. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in; the photo will be on your license for five to eight years depending on which license type you choose. You will be asked to remove hats, sunglasses, and headwear unless you have a religious reason to wear them.

After your photo is taken, you will pay the replacement fee and sign your process. The DPS employee will give you a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and works anywhere a regular license is accepted. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address you provided within 7 to 10 business days.

Tracking your new license and what to do if it does not arrive

When you receive your temporary paper license, it will have a confirmation number on it. You can use this number to track your permanent license on the Texas DPS website. The tracking tool shows whether your card has been mailed and, in some cases, an estimated delivery date.

If your permanent license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DPS by phone or through the website. Have your confirmation number ready. DPS can reissue your card or investigate whether it was lost in the mail. If your card was lost in the mail, DPS will send a replacement at no additional charge.

While you wait for your permanent card, your temporary paper license is valid for driving, getting on a plane, or any other purpose that requires a driver's license. Keep it in a safe place. If you lose the temporary license before your permanent card arrives, return to a DPS office and request another temporary license; there is no additional fee.

Special situations: Lost license with a commercial endorsement or restrictions

If your lost license had a commercial driver's license (CDL) endorsement, you will need to retake the CDL written test and skills test to get a replacement. You cannot straightforward replace a lost CDL with a new photo and signature. Schedule a CDL testing appointment through the DPS website or by calling your local DPS office.

If your lost license had restrictions (such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only), those restrictions will appear on your replacement license automatically. You do not need to do anything extra. If you believe a restriction is no longer necessary — for example, you had eye surgery and no longer need glasses — you can request a restriction removal, but this requires a separate visit to the DPS office and may require a doctor's letter.

Replacing a license lost out of state

If you lost your Texas license while traveling outside Texas, you have two options. You can wait until you return to Texas and visit a DPS office in person, or you can contact the Texas DPS by phone to request a replacement by mail. The phone number is on the Texas DPS website.

If you request a replacement by mail while out of state, you will need to mail in copies of your documents (not originals) and a completed process form. DPS will send you a temporary license by mail and your permanent license separately. This process takes longer than an in-person replacement — typically three to four weeks total — and you will not have a valid license to drive with until the temporary license arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my lost license online?

No. Texas requires you to appear in person at a DPS office to replace a lost license. You must provide a new photo and sign your process in front of a DPS employee. You cannot complete this process online, by mail, or through a third-party service.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number, bring your passport and visa or other immigration documents. DPS will use your passport number instead. Call your local DPS office before you visit to confirm they have your documents on file.

How much does it cost to replace a lost license?

Can someone else pick up my replacement license from the DPS office?

No. Your replacement license is mailed to the address you provide at the DPS office. You cannot pick it up in person or have someone else collect it. If you need to change the mailing address after you explore, contact the DPS when ready with your confirmation number.

What if my name has changed since my lost license was issued?

Bring a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. DPS will update your name on your replacement license. You will need to bring this document along with your other proof of identity and residency.

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.