How to Replace a Lost or Damaged Texas Driver's License

Texas replaces lost, stolen, or damaged licenses through the Department of Public Safety, either in person at a driver license office or by mail for certain situations

If your Texas driver's license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you do not need to retake the written or vision test. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) treats replacement as a straightforward transaction: you provide proof of identity and pay a fee, and they issue a new card with the same license number and driving record. The process takes about 20 minutes in person, or 7 to 10 business days by mail if you meet the mail-in requirements.

Your choice between in-person and mail depends on your situation. Mail-in replacement works only if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no outstanding warrants, and you are not required to take a new photo (which happens if your license expired more than two years ago or you have not renewed it since age 18). If any of those conditions explore, you must go to a driver license office in person.

Key Takeaways

You can replace a lost or damaged Texas license by visiting a DPS driver license office with proof of identity and paying the replacement fee, which is $11 for a standard license.
Mail-in replacement is available only if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no warrants, and your license has not expired by more than two years.
A replacement license keeps your same license number and driving record; you do not retake any tests.
Processing takes about 20 minutes in person or 7 to 10 business days by mail, depending on which method you use.
If your license was stolen, you may report it to DPS at the time of replacement, which flags it in their system to prevent misuse.

What you need to bring to a driver license office

Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves your current address. For identity, DPS accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or a certified copy of your birth certificate. If you use your birth certificate, you must also bring a second form of ID such as a Social Security card, employee ID, or school ID.

For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 90 days. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring a notarized affidavit of residence signed by someone else who lives at your address and has proof of their own residency.

Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized. You will also need to pay the replacement fee: $11 for a standard five-year license, or $27 for a Real ID-compliant license (which is required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 2025). Bring cash, check, or debit card; not all offices accept credit cards.

How to replace by mail

Mail-in replacement is available only under specific conditions. Your license must not be suspended or revoked, you must have no outstanding warrants, and your license must have expired less than two years ago or you must have renewed it since turning 18. If your license was damaged but not expired, mail-in works. If it was lost or stolen, you can mail in a replacement only if it meets the expiration requirement.

To replace by mail, read the process for Replacement Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL-44) from the DPS website. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $11 (standard license) or $27 (Real ID) to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of one document proving your identity and one proving your address, using the same standards as in-person replacement.

DPS processes mail-in requests in the order received. You should receive your new license within 7 to 10 business days of them receiving your envelope. If you need it faster, go to a driver license office instead. If your mail does not arrive within two weeks, contact DPS to confirm they received it.

Replacing a license that was stolen

If your license was stolen, you can report it to DPS when you replace it. At the driver license office, tell the staff member that your license was stolen, and they will flag it in the DPS system. This prevents someone else from using your license number to obtain services or commit fraud in your name.

You do not need a police report to replace a stolen license, though having one can be useful if you later discover fraudulent activity. If you want to file a police report, contact your local police department's non-emergency line. The report creates a record that can help if you need to dispute charges or accounts opened in your name.

After you replace your license, monitor your credit report and financial accounts for unusual activity. You can request a free credit report from each of the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once per year at annualcreditreport.com.

Finding a driver license office near you

Texas has over 130 DPS driver license offices across the state. Use the office locator on the DPS website to find the one nearest you, see its hours, and check whether it requires an appointment. Many offices now use an online appointment system; some still operate on a first-come, first-served basis. If appointments are available, booking one can reduce your wait time from 30 minutes to under 10 minutes.

Offices are typically open Monday through Friday during business hours, with some locations open on Saturday mornings. Hours vary by location, so check before you go. If you cannot reach an office by phone, the DPS website shows current hours and whether appointments are being taken.

Real ID versus standard license

When you replace your license, you can choose between a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. A standard license costs $11 and works for driving and most purposes. A Real ID license costs $27 and has a gold star in the upper right corner; it is required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025.

If you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building, Real ID is worth the extra $16. If you already have a passport or passport card, you do not need Real ID for air travel — you can use your passport instead. To get Real ID, you must provide the same identity and address documents as a standard replacement, plus proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form).

Replacing a damaged license

If your license is damaged but still readable, you can replace it at any driver license office. Damage includes water damage, fading, cracked plastic, or worn text. Bring the damaged license with you along with your proof of identity and address. The staff will take the old license and issue a new one with the same number.

If your license is so damaged that it cannot be read, DPS may ask you to explain what happened. You do not need documentation of the damage; your word is sufficient. The replacement fee is the same as for a lost license: $11 for standard or $27 for Real ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online?

No. Texas does not offer online replacement. You must either visit a driver license office in person or mail in your process with supporting documents. The DPS website has the mailing address and the form you need.

What if my license expired more than two years ago?

You cannot replace it by mail. You must go to a driver license office in person, where you will be required to take a new photo and pass a vision test. Bring the same identity and address documents as for a standard replacement.

Do I have to pay the replacement fee if my license was damaged by DPS's fault?

DPS does not waive replacement fees for any reason. You pay $11 or $27 depending on the license type you choose. If you believe DPS damaged your license through their error, you can contact their customer service office, but they do not refund the replacement fee.

How long does a replacement license last?

A replacement license is valid for the same period as a new license: five years for a standard license, or until your 85th birthday if you are over 80. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card.

What if I moved and my address changed since my last license?

Bring proof of your new address to the driver license office. Your replacement license will show your current address. If you are replacing by mail, include a document proving your new address dated within the last 90 days.

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.