Get a replacement license at your local DPS office with your ID and a completed form
To replace a lost driver's license in Texas, you visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, fill out form DL-43, pay the replacement fee, and have your photo taken. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You'll walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your plastic card is mailed to you, which typically arrives within two to three weeks.
You cannot replace your license by mail or online in Texas — you must appear in person at a DPS office. However, you can check wait times and make an appointment before you go, which saves time on the day you visit.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified copy of a document proving your identity, such as a passport, birth certificate, or military ID.
- You also need proof of your current Texas address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days.
- The replacement fee is $16 for a standard five-year license or $32 for an eight-year license; payment is cash, check, or card depending on the office.
- You receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic replacement card arrives by mail in 7 to 21 business days.
- Making an appointment online at the DPS website reduces wait times significantly, especially at busy urban offices.
Gather your identity and address documents before you go
The DPS requires one document proving your identity and one proving your current address. For identity, bring an original or certified copy of your passport, U.S. birth certificate, military ID, or permanent resident card. A Social Security card alone does not count as proof of identity.
For your address, bring a document dated within the last 90 days with your name and current Texas address on it. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. If you've moved recently and your name doesn't appear on a current bill, a signed letter from your landlord or property manager stating your address and move-in date is acceptable.
If you don't have these documents, you can still get a replacement license, but the process takes longer. You'll need to bring additional documents to verify your identity and address — the DPS website lists all acceptable combinations. Bringing the standard documents the first time is faster.
Complete form DL-43 and choose your license type
read form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License) from the DPS website before you go, or pick one up at the office. The form asks for your name, date of birth, address, and the reason for your visit — mark "Replacement of Lost License." You'll also declare whether you want to renew your organ donor status and whether you want to register to vote.
Decide whether you want a five-year license ($16) or an eight-year license ($32). Most people choose the five-year option because it's cheaper, but if your license was set to expire soon anyway, the eight-year option may make sense. You cannot get a Real ID (the federal-compliant version with a gold star) as a replacement — you'd need to renew your license instead, which is a separate process.
Find your nearest DPS office and make an appointment
Go to the Texas DPS website and use the office locator tool to find the DPS office closest to you. Most cities have at least one office; larger cities have several. The locator shows each office's address, phone number, and hours of operation.
Click on the office you plan to visit and select "Make an Appointment" if the option appears. You'll choose a date and time slot. Appointments are free and usually available within a few days. If no appointment slots are open, you can still walk in, but you may wait 30 minutes to an hour, especially during lunch hours or late afternoon.
If you're unable to visit in person due to a medical condition or disability, call your local DPS office to ask about accommodations. Some offices can arrange for you to complete the process with information, though you still must appear in person for your photo.
Bring payment and visit the office on your appointment day
Bring your identity document, address proof, completed form DL-43, and payment. Most DPS offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards, though a few smaller offices accept checks only — call ahead if you're unsure. Arrive 5 to 10 minutes early so you're ready when your appointment time comes.
At the office, you'll hand your documents to a clerk, who will verify them and enter your information into the system. You'll then have your photo taken for your new license. The clerk will give you a temporary paper license (a receipt-style document) that's valid for 45 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as a plastic license for driving, so you can use it when ready if you need to drive before your replacement arrives.
Track your replacement card and use your temporary license
Your plastic replacement license will be mailed to the address you provided on form DL-43. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 21 business days from the date you applied. The DPS does not provide tracking numbers, so you cannot check the status online — you straightforward wait for it to arrive.
Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days. If your replacement card hasn't arrived by then, contact the DPS to request a reprint. Keep your temporary license in a safe place; if you lose it before your plastic card arrives, you'll need to repeat the replacement process.
If you move before your replacement arrives, you can update your address with the DPS online or at an office, and they'll remail your card to your new address at no extra charge. Do this as soon as you move to avoid the card being returned to the old address.
What to do if your replacement doesn't arrive
If more than three weeks have passed and your license hasn't arrived, call the DPS customer service line or visit your local office. Bring your temporary paper license. The DPS can check whether your card was mailed and, if it was lost in transit, issue a new one. There's no additional fee for a reprint if the card was lost by the postal service.
If you need to drive before your replacement arrives and your temporary license expires, you can request an extension at a DPS office. Bring your temporary license and a reason for the delay (such as a postal delay). Extensions are not automatic, but the DPS usually grants them if the delay is not your fault.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if it's suspended or revoked?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you must resolve the suspension first — usually by paying outstanding fines, completing a required course, or waiting out the suspension period. Contact the DPS or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do. Once the suspension is lifted, you can replace your lost license.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You still must replace it in Texas because your license is issued by Texas. If you're out of state and need to drive, you can use your temporary paper license (if you have it) or a passport as ID. Once you're back in Texas, follow the standard replacement process at a DPS office.
Do I need to report my lost license to police?
No, reporting to police is not required to replace your license. However, if you're concerned about identity theft — for example, if your license was lost with other documents — you may want to file a report for your records. This is optional and does not affect your replacement process.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. Your replacement license is mailed directly to your address by the postal service. You cannot have it sent to someone else or picked up at the DPS office. If you're moving, update your address with the DPS before your card arrives so it's mailed to your new home.
What if my name has changed since I got my original license?
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you cannot straightforward replace your lost license — you must renew it instead and provide documentation of the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. This is a separate process from replacement and costs more. Contact the DPS or check their website for the renewal process and required documents.