You can replace a lost Texas driver's license online through the Texas Department of Public Safety website, but only if your license is still valid and you meet a few specific conditions
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) offers an online replacement service for lost or stolen driver's licenses. You can order a replacement through their website without visiting a DPS office, and the new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. However, this online option works only if your current license has not expired, you have not had it suspended or revoked, and you have not changed your name or address since it was issued.
If any of those conditions do not explore to you — if your license is expired, if you have moved, or if your name has changed — you will need to renew or explore in person at a DPS office instead. The online replacement service is strictly for replacing a lost or stolen card when everything else on your record is current.
Key Takeaways
- Texas DPS lets you order a replacement license online at dps.texas.gov if your current license is valid and your name and address have not changed.
- The replacement arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days and costs $11, payable by credit or debit card during the online order.
- If your license is expired, you have moved, or your name has changed, you must visit a DPS office in person to renew or update your record first.
- You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to start an online replacement order.
What you need before you order online
To use the online replacement service, have your driver's license number ready. If you do not remember it, you can look it up on the DPS website using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. You will also need a valid credit or debit card to pay the $11 replacement fee.
Check that your current license has not expired. If it has, the online replacement option is not available to you. You will see this clearly when you start the order — the system will tell you whether your license is may be able to access for online replacement before you pay.
Steps to order your replacement license online
Go to dps.texas.gov and look for the "Driver License" section. Select "Order a Replacement License" or "Replace a Lost or Stolen License" — the exact wording changes occasionally, but the link is always in the main Driver License menu. You will be taken to a form.
Enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and show you the information on file. Review it carefully to make sure your name and address are exactly as they appear on your current license. If they are not, stop and visit a DPS office instead.
Confirm that you are reporting the license as lost or stolen, select your mailing address, and proceed to payment. Enter your credit or debit card information and submit. You will receive a confirmation number by email. Save this number — you can use it to track your replacement license on the DPS website.
When you cannot use the online replacement service
If your license has expired, you cannot order a replacement online. You must renew your license in person at a DPS office. Renewal requires a visit because DPS needs to verify your identity and take a new photo.
If you have moved since your license was issued, the online replacement service will not work. You must update your address in person at a DPS office. The same applies if your name has changed — whether through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — because DPS requires documentation of the name change before they can issue a new card.
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot order a replacement online. You will need to resolve the suspension or revocation first, which requires visiting a DPS office or handling the underlying issue (such as paying outstanding traffic fines or completing a required course).
What happens after you place your order
Your replacement license will be mailed to the address on file in your DPS record. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the time DPS processes your order. You can track the status of your replacement by visiting dps.texas.gov and entering your confirmation number.
If you need your license sooner, you can visit a DPS office in person and request an expedited replacement. Expedited service costs more and requires an office visit, but you can walk out with a temporary paper license the same day and receive the permanent card by mail within a few days.
What to do if your replacement does not arrive
If your replacement license does not arrive within 10 business days, check the tracking status on the DPS website using your confirmation number. If the status shows it was mailed but you have not received it, contact the DPS by phone at 1-888-589-6556 to report the issue.
DPS can reissue your replacement at no additional charge if it was lost in the mail. They will verify that the first replacement was sent and then mail a second one. Keep the confirmation number from your original order when you call.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I do not remember my driver's license number?
You can look it up on the DPS website before you start your replacement order. Go to dps.texas.gov, select "Driver License," and choose "Look Up Your Driver License Number." Enter your name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will show your license number.
Can I use the online replacement service if my license was suspended?
No. The online system will reject your order if your license is suspended or revoked. You must visit a DPS office to resolve the suspension first. This usually involves paying outstanding fines, completing a required course, or handling whatever triggered the suspension.
Will I get a temporary license while I wait for my replacement?
No. The online replacement service does not issue a temporary license. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, visit a DPS office and request an expedited replacement. They will give you a temporary paper license you can use when ready while your permanent card is mailed.
Can I change my address when I order a replacement online?
No. The online replacement service uses only the address currently on file in your DPS record. If you have moved, you must visit a DPS office to update your address and renew your license in person.
Is the $11 fee the only cost for an online replacement?
Yes. The $11 replacement fee is the only charge for ordering online. If you choose expedited service at a DPS office instead, the cost is higher, but you receive your license faster.