Texas lets you replace a lost driver's license in person at a DPS office, by mail if your license is not suspended, or through a third-party vendor in some counties

The fastest route is an in-person visit to a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver license office. You'll need your Social Security number, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). Bring your original documents or certified copies. The replacement license costs $16 and takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on wait times at your local office.

If you cannot go in person, you can request a replacement by mail, but only if your license is not suspended or revoked. Mail requests take 7 to 10 business days after DPS receives your form. You'll need to complete Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License), include a check or money order for $16, and mail everything to the DPS address listed on the form. Your identity and residency documents still need to be originals or certified copies.

Some Texas counties also allow you to renew or replace through a third-party vendor — usually a tax assessor's office or private driver license service. These vendors can process replacements faster than mail but may charge an additional service fee on top of the $16 state fee. Check the DPS website to see if your county has a vendor option.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person replacement at a DPS office takes about an hour and costs $16, with no additional fees.
  • Mail replacement takes 7 to 10 business days and requires Form DL-44, your original identity and residency documents, and a check or money order.
  • Your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of residency dated within 90 days are required for any replacement method.
  • Some Texas counties offer third-party vendors that may process replacements faster but charge an extra service fee.
  • If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot use the mail option and must visit a DPS office in person.

What documents you need before you go

Texas requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of residency. For identity, bring one original document or a certified copy. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, or permanent resident card. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents from a secondary list — a Social Security card, W-2 form, or bank statement with your name and address.

Proof of residency must be dated within 90 days of your visit. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. If you live with someone else and the document is in their name, bring a signed letter from them confirming you live there, plus your own ID. DPS will not accept a document with a P.O. box as proof of residency.

Bring your Social Security number in writing or memorized — you will need it to complete the process. If you have your old license, bring it, but it is not required. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

In-person replacement at a DPS office

Find your nearest DPS driver license office on the Texas DPS website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some offices now use an online check-in system that lets you reserve a time slot. Check your local office's page to see if it offers this option.

Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get separated. Arrive early if possible — wait times vary widely by location and time of day. Urban offices during lunch hours can have 30-minute to two-hour waits. Rural offices and early morning visits typically move faster. Once you reach the window, the staff member will verify your documents, take your photo, and process the replacement on the spot.

You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to you. The permanent license usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, the temporary paper license is legal to carry and use.

Replacing your license by mail

read or request Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License) from the DPS website. Fill out the form completely, including your name, date of birth, address, and Social Security number. You do not need to print it if you do not have a printer — you can request a form by mail from DPS, though this adds time to the overall process.

Gather your original identity and residency documents or certified copies. Make photocopies of both sides of each document for your records. Include a check or money order for $16 made out to "Texas Department of Public Safety." Do not send cash. Mail everything to the address listed on Form DL-44 — the address varies by region, so check the form carefully.

DPS processes mail requests in the order received. After they receive your package, processing takes 7 to 10 business days, and mailing your new license takes another 3 to 5 days. Total time is usually 10 to 15 business days from the day DPS receives your envelope. You cannot track your process online, so keep a copy of your form and the mailing receipt in case you need to follow up.

Using a third-party vendor in your county

Not all Texas counties have third-party vendors, but those that do usually operate through the county tax assessor's office or a private driver license service center. These vendors can process replacements without the wait times of a DPS office. Check the DPS website's vendor locator to see if your county has one and what hours they operate.

Bring the same documents you would bring to a DPS office — proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The vendor will take your photo and process the replacement. You will still receive a temporary paper license and your permanent card will be mailed to you by DPS within 7 to 10 business days.

Vendors charge a service fee on top of the $16 state fee. This fee varies by vendor and county, typically ranging from $5 to $20. Some vendors accept cash, check, or card; others accept only certain payment methods. Call ahead to confirm the fee and payment options before you visit.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot use the mail option or a third-party vendor. You must visit a DPS office in person. The staff will verify your suspension status and may require additional documents or payment before they can issue a replacement.

Before you go, check your suspension status on the DPS website using your driver's license number or Social Security number. If you are suspended, the website will tell you the reason and what you need to do to clear it. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a lapsed insurance policy. You may need to resolve the underlying issue before DPS will issue a new license.

If you are unsure about your status or what steps to take, call the DPS Customer Service line at 1-888-589-6556 before visiting an office. They can explain your situation and tell you what documents to bring.

Temporary license while you wait for your permanent card

Every replacement method — in-person, mail, or vendor — gives you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as a plastic card for driving purposes. You can use it to drive, show to police during a traffic stop, or present to an employer or insurance company.

Keep the temporary license in a safe place. If you lose it before your permanent card arrives, you will need to return to a DPS office to get another temporary license. Your permanent card will still arrive on its own schedule and will not be delayed by a lost temporary.

If your permanent card does not arrive within 15 business days of your in-person visit or vendor transaction, or within 20 business days of mailing your process, contact DPS to check on the status. Have your temporary license number and Social Security number ready when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. Texas requires your Social Security number for any driver's license transaction. If you do not have one, you will need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can replace your license. This is a separate process that takes several weeks.

What if my proof of residency is older than 90 days?

DPS will not accept it. You will need a newer document dated within 90 days. If you do not have one, ask your utility company, bank, or landlord for a current statement. Some companies will print one for free on the spot or email it to you when ready.

How much does it cost to replace a lost license in Texas?

The state fee is $16. If you use a third-party vendor, add their service fee, which typically ranges from $5 to $20. Mail and in-person DPS office replacements have no additional fees beyond the $16.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. DPS mails replacement licenses directly to the address on your process. You cannot have someone else collect it. If you move before your license arrives, you can update your address on the DPS website, but the card will be re-mailed to your new address, which adds time.

What if I lost my license and it was suspended at the same time?

You must visit a DPS office in person. Bring proof of your identity and residency, and be prepared to address the suspension. The office staff can tell you what steps are needed to clear it before they issue a replacement.