You can replace a lost or stolen Texas driver's license in person at a DPS office or by mail, and the process takes about two weeks if you go in person
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) issues replacement licenses through two main routes: walk-in service at a DPS driver license office, or by mail if you meet specific conditions. In-person replacement is faster — you can usually leave with a temporary paper license the same day and receive your plastic card in the mail within one to two weeks. Mail replacement takes longer overall but requires no office visit and works if your license was lost (not stolen) and you have no outstanding warrants or license suspensions.
The cost is the same either way: $16 for a standard replacement license, or $32 if you want a Real ID-compliant license. You'll need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number — the specific documents accepted vary slightly between in-person and mail routes.
Key Takeaways
- In-person replacement at a DPS office takes one to two weeks total and gives you a temporary paper license on the spot; mail replacement takes three to four weeks and requires you to meet may be able to access conditions.
- A lost license can be replaced by mail; a stolen license must be replaced in person because DPS requires you to report the theft to a police department first.
- You need one document proving identity, one proving where you live, and one proving your Social Security number — a utility bill or lease counts as residency proof.
- The temporary paper license DPS gives you in person is valid for driving when ready and remains valid while you wait for your plastic card.
- If your license was stolen, file a police report before going to DPS; bring the report number or a copy of the report itself.
In-Person Replacement at a DPS Office
Walk into any Texas DPS driver license office with the right documents and you can leave with a temporary license valid for driving that day. Bring one document from each of these three categories: proof of identity (a passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate), proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days), and proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, a W-2, a tax return, or a 1099 form).
If your license was stolen, bring a police report number or a copy of the report itself. DPS will not issue a replacement for a stolen license without evidence that you reported the theft. If your license was straightforward lost, you do not need a police report.
After you submit your documents and pay the $16 fee (or $32 for Real ID), DPS will take a new photo and print a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving and is good until your permanent plastic card arrives, which typically takes one to two weeks. You can check the status of your card online through the DPS website using your driver's license number and date of birth.
Mail Replacement for Lost Licenses
If your license was lost (not stolen) and you have no active warrants or license suspensions, you can request a replacement by mail without visiting an office. Send a completed DL-44 form (the process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card) along with copies of your identity, residency, and Social Security documents to the DPS address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $16 (or $32 for Real ID) made payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Mail replacement takes longer than in-person service — typically three to four weeks from the time DPS receives your envelope. You will not receive a temporary license, so you cannot drive legally during this waiting period. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you must visit a DPS office in person instead.
One advantage of mail replacement is that you avoid office wait times, which can be substantial in urban areas. However, if anything in your process is incomplete or unclear, DPS will mail you a notice asking for corrections, which adds another week or more to the timeline.
What Happens If Your License Was Stolen
A stolen license requires a police report before DPS will issue a replacement. Call the police department in the city or county where the theft occurred and file a report. You do not need to wait for the police to complete an investigation — you only need a report number, which they will give you when ready or within a day. Some departments issue the number on the phone; others mail it to you.
Bring the report number or a copy of the written report to a DPS office along with your identity, residency, and Social Security documents. DPS uses the police report to verify that the license was actually stolen and to flag the old license number in their system so it cannot be used fraudulently. This step protects you if someone tries to use your stolen license to get credit or commit other crimes.
If you cannot locate your police report number, call the police department's non-emergency line and ask for it. Provide your name, date of birth, and the approximate date you discovered the theft. The department can look up the report and give you the number over the phone.
Documents You Need for In-Person Replacement
| Category | Acceptable Documents |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | U.S. passport, military ID, certified birth certificate, or another state's driver license |
| Proof of Residency | Utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within 90 days |
| Proof of Social Security Number | Social Security card, W-2 form, tax return, 1099 form, or SSA-1027 letter |
All documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If your residency document is in someone else's name (for example, a spouse's utility bill), bring a marriage certificate or other proof that you live at that address. DPS staff can tell you on the spot if a document does not meet their requirements, so you can bring alternatives if needed.
Finding a DPS Office and Checking Wait Times
Texas has over 130 DPS driver license offices statewide. Use the office locator on the DPS website to find the one nearest you and see its hours. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. A few high-traffic offices in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio offer online appointment scheduling, which can cut your wait time significantly.
If your local office does not offer appointments, arrive early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon to avoid peak crowds. Avoid the first week of the month and the week before holidays, when offices are busiest. If you cannot get to an office quickly, remember that mail replacement is an option for a lost license, even though it takes longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with the temporary paper license DPS gives me?
Yes. The temporary license is valid for driving when ready and remains valid until your permanent plastic card arrives. You do not need to wait for the card to drive legally.
What if I don't have a Social Security card or other SSN proof?
Contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office to request a replacement card or an SSA-1027 letter. This can take one to two weeks, so plan ahead if you need your license quickly.
Do I need to report a lost license to the police?
No. A police report is required only if your license was stolen. For a lost license, you can go directly to DPS with your documents and pay the replacement fee.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. You must pick up your temporary paper license in person at a DPS office. Your permanent plastic card is mailed to the address on file, so you do not need to pick that up.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
Bring a current residency document showing your new address. DPS will update your address during the replacement process, and your new license will show the current address.