You can replace your Texas driver's license without an audit number by going to a DPS office in person or by mail

The audit number is a reference code the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) assigns to your file, but it is not required to get a replacement license. If you have lost your audit number or never had it, you can still replace your license using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number instead. The fastest route is visiting a DPS office in person with the right documents; the mail route takes longer but works if you cannot visit an office.

Your replacement license will have a new audit number printed on it, so you will not need to track down the old one. The process is the same whether your license expired, was lost, stolen, or damaged.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or state ID) plus proof of residency and your Social Security number to replace your license in person.
  • DPS offices accept walk-ins and do not require an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
  • A replacement license costs $16 if you are renewing early or $25 if your license has already expired.
  • By mail, you send Form DL-44 with copies of your documents to the DPS address in Austin, and the process takes two to three weeks.
  • If your license was stolen, you should report it to DPS at the same time you request the replacement to prevent fraud.

What documents you need to bring to a DPS office

Bring an original or certified copy of one government-issued photo ID. A U.S. passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a certified birth certificate plus a second form of ID like a Social Security card or bank statement, but this takes longer and the DPS office may ask you to come back with different documents.

You also need proof that you live in Texas. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days works. The name on the document does not have to match your license exactly, but it should be close enough that the DPS employee can see it is you.

Bring your Social Security number written down or memorized. You will fill out Form DL-44 at the DPS office, and this form asks for your SSN. You do not need to bring a physical Social Security card.

How to replace your license in person at a DPS office

Find the nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website by entering your city or zip code. Most cities have at least one office, and larger cities have several. DPS offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours on certain days. Call ahead if you want to know the current wait time.

Bring your documents and go to the office. You do not need an appointment. When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. Fill out Form DL-44 while you wait. The form asks for your name, date of birth, address, Social Security number, and whether you want to donate to the Texas Parks and Wildlife fund. You can ask a DPS employee for help if any section is unclear.

When your number is called, hand your documents and completed form to the DPS employee. They will verify your information, take a new photo, and collect the fee. You will pay $16 if your license is not yet expired or $25 if it has expired. You can pay by cash, check, or card. The employee will give you a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while your plastic license is printed and mailed to your address on file.

How to replace your license by mail

read Form DL-44 from the Texas DPS website or ask a DPS office to mail you one. Fill out the form completely, including your name, date of birth, address, and Social Security number. You do not need to write your audit number anywhere on the form.

Make copies of your government-issued photo ID and proof of residency. The copies should be clear enough that all text is readable. Include a check or money order for $16 (if your license is not expired) or $25 (if it has expired) made out to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Do not send cash.

Mail your completed form, copies of documents, and payment to: Texas Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division, P.O. Box 15888, Austin, TX 78761-5888. Use certified mail or a tracked service so you have proof the package arrived. The DPS will process your request and mail your new license to your address on file. This usually takes two to three weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods.

What to do if your license was stolen

Report the theft to the DPS at the same time you request a replacement. When you are at a DPS office or filling out Form DL-44 by mail, tell the employee or write on the form that your license was stolen. The DPS will flag your old license number as invalid so it cannot be used for fraud.

You may also want to report the theft to local police and to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) if you are concerned about identity theft. A stolen driver's license alone does not usually lead to fraud, but it is worth monitoring your accounts for unusual activity.

Replacement fees and how long it takes

A replacement license costs $16 if your current license has not yet expired, or $25 if it has already expired. You pay this fee whether you go in person or by mail. Some DPS offices accept cash, check, or card; a few accept only certain payment methods, so call ahead if you want to confirm.

In person, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days and your plastic license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. By mail, the entire process takes two to three weeks from the time the DPS receives your form. If you need your license sooner, going in person is faster because you get the temporary license the same day.

If you have changed your name or address

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS will update your name on your new license.

If you have moved, write your new address on Form DL-44 or tell the DPS employee at the office. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide. If you are replacing your license by mail and your address has changed, make sure the address on your proof of residency matches the address you write on the form, or the DPS may reject your request and ask you to resubmit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need my audit number to replace my license?

No. You can replace your license using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. The audit number is a reference code DPS uses internally, but it is not required for a replacement. Your new license will have a new audit number on it.

Can I replace my license online?

No. Texas does not offer online license replacement. You must go in person to a DPS office or mail your documents. Some renewal services are available online, but replacements require either a visit or mailed documents.

What if I do not have a government-issued photo ID?

You can bring a certified birth certificate plus a second form of ID such as a Social Security card, bank statement, or utility bill. The DPS office may ask for additional documents or may require you to return with different paperwork. Bring what you have and ask the employee what else they need.

How long is a temporary paper license valid?

A temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your plastic license should arrive by mail within one to two weeks. If it does not arrive within 30 days, contact the DPS to check the status of your order.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. Your replacement license is mailed to your address on file, so you do not need to pick it up. If you need to change where it is mailed, contact the DPS before your replacement is processed.