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 once you're at the office, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

You will pay a replacement fee — currently $16 for a standard license — when you submit your process. Bring a valid form of ID (passport, military ID, or another state's driver's license) and proof that you live in Texas (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or insurance document dated within the last 60 days). Your new license will be mailed to your Texas address within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS driver's license office in person; online and mail replacements are not available in Texas.
  • Bring a valid photo ID and a document showing your current Texas address dated within the last 60 days.
  • The replacement fee is $16, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • You can check wait times at your nearest office on the DPS website before you go, and visiting early in the day or mid-week typically means shorter lines.
  • If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the office.

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

The Texas DPS website has a location finder that shows every driver's license office in the state, hours of operation, and real-time wait times. Go to the DPS website, select "Driver License" from the main menu, then click "Find a DPS Office." Enter your city or zip code to see offices near you.

Wait times are posted by the hour and update throughout the day. Offices typically have shorter lines before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m., and mid-week (Tuesday through Thursday) is usually less crowded than Monday or Friday. If your nearest office has a long wait, check a location 15 or 20 minutes away — the difference can be substantial.

Gather your proof of identity and proof of residency before you go

You need two documents: one showing who you are, and one showing where you live. For proof of identity, bring a valid photo ID such as a U.S. passport, military ID, or a driver's license from another state. If you have none of these, you can use a certified birth certificate plus a Social Security card, but this combination takes longer to process.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current Texas address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail all work. The document must be an original or certified copy — a photo or printout may not be accepted. If you recently moved and your old address is still on your documents, bring a second piece showing your new address, such as a change-of-address confirmation from the post office.

Complete your process at the DPS office

When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. Tell the clerk you are replacing a lost license. The clerk will ask you to fill out Form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License), which takes about five minutes. You will provide your name, date of birth, address, and answer questions about your vision and any medical conditions that affect driving.

The clerk will scan your documents, take a new photo, and collect your $16 fee. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card. The clerk will give you a receipt showing your process number and the expected delivery date of your new license. Keep this receipt in case you need to track your license or contact DPS.

Request a temporary paper license if you need to drive before your replacement arrives

If you have a job that requires driving or need to drive for another urgent reason, ask the clerk for a temporary paper license before you leave the office. This is a printed document that is valid for 45 days and serves as proof you are licensed to drive. You can show it to a police officer if you are stopped, though some officers may be unfamiliar with it — keep your receipt as backup.

The temporary license is free and is printed on the spot. It is not a replacement for your actual license; your permanent license will still arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Once your new license arrives, the temporary paper license is no longer valid.

Track your new license and what to do if it does not arrive

Your new license is mailed to the address you provided at the DPS office. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you applied. If more than 10 business days have passed and you have not received it, contact DPS using the process number on your receipt. You can call the DPS Customer Service line or use the online case lookup tool on the DPS website.

If your license is lost in the mail or damaged when it arrives, contact DPS when ready with your process number. They can reissue it, though you may be charged another $16 fee depending on the circumstances. Do not assume it is lost before 12 business days have passed — mail delivery times vary, especially during holidays or bad weather.

Understand what happens if you need to replace your license again soon

If you lose your replacement license within a short time, DPS may ask questions about the pattern. You are not penalized for a single lost license, but multiple losses in a year may trigger a review. If this happens, bring documentation of the losses (police reports, if you filed them) to your next DPS visit.

To reduce the risk of losing your license again, consider keeping a photo of it on your phone or storing a copy in a find location at home. Some people also file a police report for a lost license, which creates a record and may help if the license is used fraudulently. Filing a report is optional but recommended if you are concerned about identity theft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if I do not have a proof of residency document dated within 60 days?

No, DPS requires a document dated within the last 60 days. If your documents are older, you can bring a change-of-address confirmation from the post office, a recent utility bill, or a letter from your landlord or mortgage company on official letterhead showing your current address. Call your local DPS office to ask what they will accept in your specific situation.

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

You can use a certified birth certificate and Social Security card as proof of identity instead of a photo ID. This combination is accepted by DPS, though processing may take longer. Bring both documents in their original form — copies are not accepted. You still need proof of residency dated within 60 days.

Do I have to go to the DPS office closest to my home?

No, you can visit any DPS driver's license office in Texas. If an office near your work is less crowded than the one near your home, you can go there instead. Your new license will still be mailed to the address you provide, regardless of which office you visit.

What if I move before my replacement license arrives?

Contact DPS with your process number and provide your new address. They can update your mailing address before your license ships. If your license is already in the mail and arrives at your old address, the post office will not forward it. Contact DPS when ready so they can reissue it to your new address.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No, your license is mailed directly to you and requires no signature. If you are concerned about mail theft, you can have mail held at your local post office for pickup, or you can ask a trusted person to collect it from your mailbox and keep it safe until you retrieve it.