Get a replacement license by visiting a Texas DPS office in person with proof of identity and residency

You cannot replace a lost Texas driver's license online or by mail. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires you to appear in person at a driver's license office with specific documents. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can walk in without an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

The replacement fee is $16 for a standard license (as of 2024, though fees can change). You will need to bring two forms of identification — at least one must be a government-issued photo ID — plus proof that you live in Texas. If you have not updated your address since your last license, bring a document showing your current address.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS driver's license office in person with proof of identity and Texas residency; online and mail replacements are not available.
  • Bring a government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or state ID), a second form of ID, and a document proving your current address such as a utility bill or lease.
  • The replacement fee is $16, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • You can find your nearest DPS office and check current wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go.
  • If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the DPS office to use for up to 45 days.

Gather the documents you need before visiting the DPS office

The Texas DPS requires specific documents to issue a replacement license. Bring at least two forms of identification — one must be a government-issued photo ID. Acceptable photo IDs include a U.S. passport, military ID, state ID card, or a foreign passport with a U.S. visa. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two non-photo government documents instead, such as a Social Security card and a birth certificate.

You also need proof of your current Texas address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. If your name has changed since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring the court order or marriage certificate showing the change. Without this document, you cannot update your name on the new license.

If you moved recently and your old license shows a different address, bring both the old license and your address proof. The DPS will update your address on the replacement license at no extra cost.

Find your nearest DPS driver's license office and check wait times

Visit the Texas DPS website and use the office locator tool to find the driver's license office closest to you. The tool shows office hours, which vary by location — some offices are open Monday through Friday, while others have Saturday hours. Most offices close for lunch between noon and 1 p.m.

The DPS website also displays current wait times for many offices, updated throughout the day. If your nearest office has a long wait, you can check a different location. Rural offices and offices in less populated areas often have shorter waits than those in major cities. Going early in the morning (right when the office opens) or on a weekday afternoon typically means a shorter wait than midday or Friday.

You do not need an appointment. Walk in with your documents, take a number, and wait your turn. Bring something to read or do — wait times can range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the office and time of day.

Complete the replacement process at the DPS office

When it is your turn, tell the clerk you are replacing a lost license. Hand over your documents. The clerk will verify your identity and address, then ask you to complete form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver's License). The form asks for your name, date of birth, address, and whether you want to be an organ donor. You will also confirm or update your signature.

The clerk will take a new photo for your license. Wear something you do not mind being photographed in — the photo will be on your license for the next 8 years (or until you turn 79 if you are over 71). You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or anything that obscures your face, though religious head coverings are permitted.

After the photo, you will pay the $16 replacement fee. The clerk will give you a receipt and tell you your new license will arrive by mail. Ask for a temporary paper license if you need to drive before the replacement arrives — this is valid for up to 45 days and costs no extra fee.

Request a temporary paper license if you need to drive when ready

If you need to drive before your replacement license arrives, ask the DPS clerk for a temporary paper license at the time you explore. This temporary document is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. The temporary license is free — it is included in your $16 replacement fee.

The temporary license is a printed form, not a card. Keep it with you whenever you drive. If you are pulled over, show the temporary license along with your receipt. Police recognize this document as valid proof of licensure. If your permanent license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DPS to check the status — delays are rare but can happen.

Track your new license and handle delays

Your replacement license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail delivery times vary, so if you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the Texas DPS. Have your receipt from the DPS office ready when you call. The DPS can verify that your license was mailed and provide an expected delivery date.

If your license was lost in the mail or damaged when it arrived, contact the DPS when ready. You may be able to get a replacement without returning to the office, though the DPS will confirm this when you call. Keep your temporary paper license valid until your permanent replacement arrives.

Once your new license arrives, sign the back of it with the same signature you provided at the DPS office. Your old lost license is no longer valid — you do not need to report it to the DPS, but if you find it later, you can destroy it or turn it in at any DPS office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license at a different DPS office than the one where I got my original license?

Yes. You can visit any Texas DPS driver's license office to replace a lost license. You do not have to return to the office where you originally obtained your license. Choose whichever location is most convenient for you.

What if I lost my license and my ID at the same time?

You can still replace your license, but you will need to bring alternative forms of identification. A birth certificate, Social Security card, passport, or military ID can substitute for a photo ID. Bring two of these documents plus proof of your current address, and the DPS will process your replacement.

Do I need to report my lost license to the police?

No. Reporting a lost license to police is not required in Texas. You only need to visit the DPS to get a replacement. If your license was stolen as part of a larger theft or crime, you can file a police report, but it is not necessary for the DPS replacement process.

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

No. Your replacement license is mailed to the address on file, and you cannot pick it up at the office. Only you can receive it by mail. If you are moving soon, update your address at the DPS office before you leave, or the license may be mailed to your old address.

What if my replacement license arrives with the wrong information on it?

Contact the Texas DPS when ready with your receipt and the incorrect license. The DPS will issue a corrected replacement at no charge. Bring the incorrect license with you if you visit an office in person, or mail it to the DPS with a letter explaining the error.