You can replace a lost Texas driver's license in person at a DPS office or by mail, and the process takes about two to three weeks if you mail it
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) issues replacement licenses for lost, stolen, or damaged cards. You do not need to retake the written or vision test — DPS will reissue your license with the same number and expiration date you already have. The fastest route is walking into a DPS office with your documents; the cheapest is mailing your request, though that adds processing time.
You will need to prove your identity and Texas residency. DPS accepts a passport, birth certificate, or military ID for identity, and a utility bill, lease, or bank statement for residency. If you do not have these documents, you can bring alternative forms — DPS publishes a full list on its website, but the documents above cover most situations.
Key Takeaways
- A replacement license costs $16 in person or $11 by mail, and you keep your original license number and expiration date.
- You need one identity document (passport, birth certificate, or military ID) and one proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement).
- In-person replacement at a DPS office takes 15 to 30 minutes; mail replacement takes two to three weeks plus mailing time.
- If your license was stolen, you can report it to DPS at the same time you request a replacement, and DPS will flag it in the system.
Replacing your license in person at a DPS office
Walk into any DPS Driver License office with your identity document, proof of residency, and payment. Bring the originals — DPS staff will look at them but you keep them. You do not need an appointment; offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Early morning on a weekday is usually faster than afternoon or weekend.
Tell the staff member at the window that you need a replacement license for a lost card. They will ask you to confirm your address and any other information on file, then take a new photo. The replacement license prints on the spot or is mailed to you within one to two weeks, depending on the office. Ask the staff member which applies to your location before you leave.
Bring your payment method — DPS accepts cash, debit card, and credit card. The replacement fee is $16. Some offices have a separate payment window; the staff member will direct you.
Replacing your license by mail
Complete Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License) and mail it to the DPS address listed on the form, along with copies of your identity document and proof of residency. Do not send originals — DPS will not return them. Make copies on a standard copier; they do not need to be notarized or certified.
Include a check or money order for $11 made out to "Texas Department of Public Safety." Do not send cash. Mail everything in a standard envelope; DPS does not require any special packaging.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your mail, plus mailing time in both directions. Your replacement license will arrive by mail at the address you list on the form. If you need the license sooner, go to a DPS office in person instead.
What to do if your license was stolen
Report the theft to DPS at the same time you request a replacement. Tell the DPS staff member (if you are in person) or write a note on your mail-in form that your license was stolen. DPS will flag your old license number in the system so it cannot be used for fraud.
You do not need to file a police report first, though you can if you want a record. DPS's internal flag is usually enough for most purposes. If you are concerned about identity theft beyond the lost license, contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit file.
Finding your nearest DPS office and checking wait times
Visit the DPS website and use the office locator tool to find the Driver License office closest to you. The tool shows office hours, which vary by location — some offices close for lunch, and not all are open on weekends. A few high-traffic locations offer online appointment scheduling, though most do not.
DPS does not publish live wait times, but you can call the office directly to ask how busy they are. Most offices are quietest between 10 a.m. and noon on Tuesday through Thursday. Avoid the first and last week of the month, when offices are busiest.
If you need your license before the replacement arrives
DPS can issue a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your replacement is being processed. Ask for it when you explore in person — the staff member will print it on the spot at no extra cost. A temporary license is not valid for air travel or as proof of age at bars or liquor stores, but it works for driving and most other purposes.
If you applied by mail, you cannot get a temporary license. In that case, your only option is to go to a DPS office in person and ask for a temporary while your mail-in replacement is still processing.
Documents you need: the full list
| Document Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Identity (choose one) | U.S. passport, birth certificate, military ID, state ID from another state, tribal ID |
| Residency (choose one) | Utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, property tax bill, vehicle registration |
| Payment | Cash or card (in person); check or money order (by mail) |
All residency documents must show your current address and be dated within 90 days. If you recently moved and your documents are older, bring two documents — one showing your old address and one showing your new address. DPS will accept this as proof of a recent move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if it expired?
Yes. A lost, stolen, or damaged license can be replaced regardless of expiration date. DPS will reissue it with the same expiration date you already had. If your license also expired and you want to renew it at the same time, you will need to take the vision test and pay the renewal fee ($33) in addition to the replacement fee.
What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?
DPS accepts other identity documents, including a military ID, tribal ID, or state ID from another state. If you have none of these, you can bring a combination of documents like a Social Security card plus a school ID, or a work ID plus a bank statement. The DPS website lists all acceptable combinations. Call your local DPS office if you are unsure whether your documents will work.
How long does a replacement license last?
Your replacement license has the same expiration date as your original license. If your original license was set to expire in 2027, your replacement will also expire in 2027. You do not get a fresh expiration date just because you replaced the card.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
If you applied in person and the license printed on the spot, you can pick it up yourself. If DPS mailed it to you, only you can sign for it if it requires a signature — check the mailing receipt DPS gives you. If you applied by mail, the license will be mailed to the address you provided on the form.
What if my replacement license arrives with the wrong information on it?
Contact the DPS office where you applied or the address listed on your mail-in form. Bring your replacement license and the identity document that shows the correct information. DPS will correct it and reissue the card at no extra charge if the error was DPS's mistake.