You can replace a lost Texas driver's license in person at a DPS office or by mail, depending on your situation and how quickly you need it

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles driver's license replacements. If your license is lost, you have two main routes: visit a DPS office in person for same-day or next-day service, or mail in your request if you're willing to wait two to three weeks. The in-person route is faster and lets you resolve issues on the spot. The mail route works if you have time and want to avoid a trip.

Your choice depends on whether you need to drive before the replacement arrives and whether you can get to a DPS office. Both routes require the same basic documents, but the process differs slightly. Neither route costs more than the other — a replacement license costs the same whether you explore in person or by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • A replacement Texas driver's license costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, and you must pay in person at a DPS office or include a check or money order with a mail process.
  • You will need your Social Security number, proof of Texas residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport) to replace your license.
  • In-person replacement at a DPS office typically takes 20 minutes to an hour, and you can usually get your new license the same day or within one business day.
  • Mail-in replacement takes two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your process, so plan ahead if you need your license by a specific date.
  • If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at a DPS office, which is valid for 45 days.

What documents you need to bring or send

You must provide proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and your Social Security number. For proof of identity, DPS accepts a U.S. passport, birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad, or naturalization certificate. If you don't have any of these, you can use a combination of documents — ask the DPS office or check the DPS website for the full list of acceptable combinations.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill with your current address. The document must be dated within the last 90 days. A bank statement or insurance policy also works if it shows your current address. If you're explore by mail, include a copy, not the original.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. DPS uses it to verify your identity and check for any holds or suspensions on your driving record. If you don't have your Social Security card, you don't need to bring it — you just need to know the number.

Replacing your license in person at a DPS office

Find your nearest DPS office on the DPS website by entering your city or ZIP code. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours. A few offices open on Saturday mornings. Bring your documents, your fee ($16 or $32 depending on the license term you want), and be ready to wait — wait times vary by location and time of day, but typically run 20 minutes to an hour.

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and explain that you're replacing a lost license. You'll fill out Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License) or Form DL-43 (Renewal process for Texas Driver License) — the office staff will tell you which one. You'll then go to a window where staff will verify your documents, take your photo, and collect your fee. Most offices issue your new license on the spot or within one business day. Ask when you can pick it up or whether they'll mail it to you.

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, ask for a temporary paper license at the same visit. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and lets you drive legally while you wait for your permanent card. You don't pay extra for it.

Replacing your license by mail

read Form DL-43 (Renewal process for Texas Driver License) from the DPS website or call DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to request a form by mail. Fill out the form completely, including your current address and the address where you want your new license mailed. Include copies of your proof of identity and proof of residency — do not send originals.

Include a check or money order for $16 (four-year license) or $32 (eight-year license) made payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety." Do not send cash. Mail your completed process, documents, and payment to the address listed on the form — this address varies by region, so check the form carefully.

DPS typically processes mail applications within two to three weeks of receiving them. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided on the form. If you need your license sooner, the in-person route is faster. If you're unsure whether DPS has received your process, call 1-888-589-6789 with your driver's license number or Social Security number.

What happens if your license was suspended or has a hold

Before you can replace your license, DPS must clear any suspension or hold on your driving record. Common reasons for holds include unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, or an unpaid toll. When you explore in person or by mail, DPS will check your record automatically. If there's a hold, staff will tell you what you need to do to clear it.

If there's a suspension, you may need to pay a reinstatement fee in addition to the replacement fee. The reinstatement fee varies depending on the reason for the suspension — it can range from $100 to $250. Contact DPS or the agency that placed the hold (such as the court that issued the fine) to find out what you owe and how to pay it. Once the hold is cleared, you can complete your replacement.

Temporary paper licenses and driving while you wait

A temporary paper license is valid for 45 days and lets you drive legally in Texas while your permanent license is being processed. You can request one at any DPS office when you explore in person — there's no extra charge. The temporary license is printed on the spot and is valid when ready.

If you're explore by mail, you cannot get a temporary license through the mail process. Your only option is to visit a DPS office in person to request one. If you absolutely cannot visit an office and need to drive before your replacement arrives, you may be able to ask a family member or friend to drive you, or use a rideshare service temporarily.

Fees and payment methods

A replacement Texas driver's license costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You choose the term when you explore. The longer license is more expensive but lasts twice as long, so the per-year cost is lower. If you're under 18, the fee is different — ask DPS for current pricing for minors.

At a DPS office, you can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card. If you're explore by mail, you must include a check or money order — DPS does not accept credit cards or debit cards by mail. Make the check or money order payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety." If you send cash by mail, DPS will not be responsible if it's lost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online?

No. Texas does not offer online replacement for lost licenses. You must explore in person at a DPS office or by mail. However, you can renew a license online if it's not lost and you meet certain requirements — but replacement of a lost license requires in-person or mail process.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still replace it by mail from anywhere in the United States. Mail your process, documents, and payment to the DPS address on the form. If you need to drive in another state before your replacement arrives, check that state's rules on driving with a lost license — some states allow you to drive on a temporary paper license from another state, but rules vary.

How long is a replacement license valid?

A replacement license is valid for either four or eight years, depending on which term you chose when you applied. The expiration date is printed on your new license. You can renew it by mail or online before it expires, or replace it again if you lose it.

Do I need an appointment at a DPS office?

Most DPS offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis and do not require appointments. However, some offices in larger cities now offer online appointment scheduling. Check the DPS website for your local office to see if appointments are available. Even with an appointment, you may still wait, but appointments can reduce your time in the office.

What if I moved and my address changed since I got my license?

You must provide proof of your current address when you replace your license. If you moved within Texas, bring a recent utility bill or lease with your new address. DPS will update your address on your new license automatically. If you moved from out of state, you may need to provide additional documents — ask the DPS office or check the website for requirements.