Get a replacement license from the Texas Department of Public Safety in person or by mail

If you've lost your Texas driver's license, you can replace it through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). You have two main routes: visit a DPS driver license office in person, or mail in your request if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route is faster — you'll walk out with a temporary license the same day — but the mail route works if you haven't had any major changes to your record since your last license was issued.

Texas charges a replacement fee, which varies depending on whether you're renewing early or straightforward replacing a lost card. The fee is typically lower than a full renewal. You'll need to bring specific documents to prove your identity and residency, and the process takes about 20 minutes at an office location.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace a lost license in person at any Texas DPS driver license office and receive a temporary license when ready.
  • The mail-in route is available only if your address hasn't changed and you have no suspensions or restrictions on your record.
  • Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and two forms of residency proof.
  • The replacement fee is less than a full renewal and your new license will have the same expiration date as your original.

What documents you need to bring to a DPS office

Texas requires specific documents to prove your identity and residency before issuing a replacement license. You must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a document showing your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and two documents proving your current address.

For residency proof, acceptable documents include a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and address. A government-issued ID with your current address also counts as one form of residency proof. If you've recently moved and your documents don't reflect your new address, bring a change-of-address letter from your utility company or a lease signed within the last 60 days.

Bring the documents in their original form or as certified copies — photocopies alone won't work. If you're replacing a license you lost (rather than one that was stolen), you don't need to file a police report, though having one can speed up the process if there's any question about your identity.

Replacing your license in person at a DPS office

Visit any Texas DPS driver license office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, with some locations offering Saturday hours. You can find your nearest office and check its hours on the DPS website. Arrive early if possible — wait times vary by location and time of day, but morning visits typically have shorter lines.

When you arrive, take a number at the entrance and wait to be called. Tell the clerk you're replacing a lost license. They'll review your documents, take a new photo, and collect the replacement fee. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to your address on file. The permanent license usually arrives within two to three weeks.

If your address has changed since your last license, update it during this visit. The clerk can process the address change at the same time as your replacement, and it won't delay your temporary license.

Replacing your license by mail

You can mail in a replacement request only if your address hasn't changed, you have no active suspensions or restrictions, and your license hasn't been lost more than once in the past five years. Complete Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License) or Form DL-43 (Renewal process for Texas Driver License), depending on whether your license has expired.

Mail the completed form along with a check or money order for the replacement fee to the address listed on the DPS website. Include a copy of one document proving your identity (such as a passport or expired license) and one document proving your residency. Do not send original documents — send copies only, as the DPS will not return them.

Processing by mail takes four to six weeks from the date the DPS receives your request. Your temporary license will not be issued by mail, so you won't have driving privileges during this period. For this reason, the in-person route is usually better if you need to drive before your replacement arrives.

What to do if your license was stolen instead of lost

If your license was stolen rather than lost, the replacement process is the same, but you should file a police report and bring a copy to the DPS office. The report helps protect you if someone tries to use your stolen license. You don't need the report to get a replacement, but having it on file can prevent complications later if fraudulent activity occurs.

Contact your local police department's non-emergency line to file a report. You can often do this by phone or online, depending on your city. When you visit the DPS office, bring a copy of the report number or the full report itself. The DPS will note in their system that your license was stolen, which can help if you later discover someone used it fraudulently.

Your new license expiration date and restrictions

Your replacement license will have the same expiration date as your original license. You're not getting a new license term — you're getting a duplicate of the one you lost. This means if your original license was set to expire in 2027, your replacement will also expire in 2027.

If your original license had restrictions (such as corrective lenses required or a commercial endorsement), those restrictions will appear on your replacement. If you need to add or remove restrictions, you'll need to renew your license through the standard renewal process rather than straightforward replacing it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while waiting for my replacement license?

Yes, if you replace your license in person. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days, which allows you to drive when ready. If you mail in your request, you won't have a temporary license, so you cannot drive during the processing period.

What if I don't have a birth certificate?

You'll need to obtain one before visiting the DPS office. Contact the Texas Vital Statistics Unit or the vital records office in the state where you were born. They can issue a certified copy, which is what the DPS requires. This process takes one to two weeks depending on the state.

Do I need to take a new photo and pass a vision test?

Yes, you'll have a new photo taken at the DPS office during replacement. You will not retake the written or driving test, but you may be asked to pass a vision screening. If you wear corrective lenses, bring them with you.

How much does a replacement license cost?

The fee varies but is typically $20 to $30 for a standard replacement. The exact amount depends on your license type and how long until your current license expires. Ask the DPS office or check their website for the current fee before you visit.

What if I lost my license outside of Texas?

If you lost your Texas license while traveling, you can still replace it by mail or by visiting a DPS office when you return to Texas. If you need to drive before returning, contact your local police department in the state where you are to ask about temporary driving permits or emergency licenses.