Get a replacement Texas driver's license by visiting a 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 at the office, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
You will need to bring two documents: one for identity (your Social Security card, birth certificate, or passport) and one for current Texas residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days). If your name has changed since your last license, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS driver's license office in person; there is no online or mail replacement option for a lost license.
- Bring one proof of identity document and one proof of current Texas residency, both originals or certified copies.
- The replacement fee is $16 for a standard license, paid at the office by cash, debit card, or credit card.
- Your new license is mailed to your address on file and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
- If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the office.
Gather your identity and residency documents before you go
The DPS will not accept photocopies or photos of documents — bring originals or certified copies. For identity, acceptable documents include your Social Security card, certified birth certificate, U.S. passport, military ID, or permanent resident card. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a combination of two secondary documents such as a school ID, employee badge, or insurance card.
For residency, bring a document dated within the last 30 days that shows your current Texas address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A government check or tax return also counts if it shows your address. Your name on the residency document does not have to match your identity document exactly, but the address must be current.
Find your nearest DPS driver's license office and check wait times
Visit the Texas DPS website and use their office locator tool to find the driver's license office closest to you. Enter your city or zip code, and the tool shows all nearby offices with their hours and phone numbers. Many offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some have extended hours or Saturday appointments — check your specific location.
Call ahead or check the office's page for current wait times. Some offices allow you to reserve an appointment online through the DPS website, which can cut your wait time significantly. If appointments are not available, arrive early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon, when lines are typically shorter. Do not go on the first of the month or right after a holiday, when offices are busiest.
What to expect when you arrive at the DPS office
Bring your documents, your Social Security number, and a pen. When you arrive, take a number from the dispenser or check in at the front desk. You will wait until your number is called, then sit with a DPS employee who will ask you to verify your information and take a new photo for your license.
The employee will ask you to confirm your address, emergency contact, and any restrictions or endorsements on your old license (such as corrective lenses or commercial driving). Tell them if anything has changed. They will then collect your fee ($16 for a standard license) and give you a receipt. Ask for a temporary paper license at this time if you need to drive before your replacement arrives — the office prints it on the spot, and it is valid for 45 days.
Understand your replacement license and what happens next
Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided at the office. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer during high-volume periods. You will not receive a tracking number, so check your mailbox regularly starting about a week after your visit.
Your new license will have the same number as your lost one, so your driving record and insurance information do not change. If you do not receive your license within two weeks, contact the DPS office where you applied and provide your receipt number. They can check the status of your order and reissue if necessary.
If you need to drive before your replacement arrives
Request a temporary paper license at the DPS office before you leave. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive while you wait for your permanent replacement. The office prints it when ready at no extra cost. Keep it with you whenever you drive — it is your only proof of a valid license until your replacement arrives.
If you lose the temporary license before your permanent one arrives, you will need to return to the DPS office and request another one. There is no fee for a replacement temporary license, but you will need to bring your receipt from your original visit.
What to do if your license arrives damaged or with errors
If your new license arrives with a misspelled name, wrong address, or physical damage, return to the DPS office with your receipt and the damaged or incorrect license. The office will issue a corrected replacement at no charge if the error was made by DPS. If the error was on the form you filled out, you may be charged the $16 replacement fee again.
Do not attempt to correct the license yourself. Altering a driver's license is illegal, and a damaged license can be rejected by police or when you use it for identification. Bring it back to DPS for a corrected version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. Your replacement license is mailed directly to your address on file, so you do not need to pick it up. If you have moved since you applied, contact the DPS office with your receipt number and ask them to update your mailing address before your license ships.
What if I do not have a Social Security card or birth certificate?
You can bring two secondary identity documents instead, such as a school ID, employee badge, insurance card, or library card. The DPS office staff can tell you which combination they will accept — call ahead with a list of what you have.
Do I have to go to the office in my county?
No. You can visit any DPS driver's license office in Texas, regardless of which county you live in. Your replacement will still be mailed to your address on file.
How much does a replacement license cost?
A standard replacement license costs $16. The office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. If you request a duplicate (an extra copy of your current license before it expires), that costs $11.
Can I renew my license at the same time I replace it?
No. A replacement and a renewal are separate transactions. If your license is also expired or expiring soon, you will need to handle the renewal separately after your replacement arrives, or ask the DPS office about combining them into a single transaction — policies vary by office.