Get a replacement license by visiting a Texas Department of Public Safety office in person
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 once you arrive, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
You will need to bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and one form of identification. A passport, military ID, or birth certificate works. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents from an expanded list — the DPS website lists all acceptable documents under "Identity Documents."
The replacement fee is $16 for a standard license. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at the office. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Texas DPS driver's license office in person with proof of identity and residency to get a replacement.
- Bring your Social Security number, a document dated within the last 90 days showing your current address, and one form of ID such as a passport or birth certificate.
- The replacement fee is $16, payable by cash or card at the office.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after your visit.
- You can find your nearest DPS office and check current wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go.
Finding the nearest DPS driver's license office
The Texas DPS operates driver's license offices in every county. Use the office locator on the Texas DPS website (dps.texas.gov) to find the one closest to you. Enter your city or zip code, and the tool will show you the address, phone number, and hours for each nearby office.
Many offices now display current wait times online. Check before you leave home — some offices have waits of 30 minutes or less, while others may have longer lines during lunch hours or late afternoon. Early morning visits, especially on weekday mornings, typically have shorter waits.
If you live in a rural area far from an office, some counties offer mobile license services on specific dates. Call your county's DPS office to ask whether a mobile unit visits your area and when.
What documents you need to bring
Bring your Social Security number written down or memorized. The DPS will ask for it during your visit. You will also need proof that you live at your current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days all work. The document must show your name and current address.
For identity, bring one primary document: a valid U.S. passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents from the secondary list, which includes things like a Social Security card, school ID, or insurance card. The DPS website has the complete list under "Identity Documents Required."
If your name has changed since your lost license was issued (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, your new license will be issued under your old name.
What happens during your visit
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and tell staff that you need a replacement license. They will give you a number and direct you to wait. When your number is called, you will go to a window where a DPS employee will review your documents and take a new photo for your license.
The employee will ask you to confirm your address and other information on file. If any details are wrong, tell them now — this is when corrections are made. You will sign a form confirming the information is correct, pay the $16 fee, and you are done. The entire process at the window usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.
Your new license will be mailed to the address you confirmed during your visit. If you need it sooner, ask the DPS employee whether expedited mail is available in your area — some offices offer it for an additional fee, though this varies by location.
If you need to drive before your new license arrives
Texas does not issue a temporary paper license at the DPS office. Once you leave, you do not have a valid license to drive until your new one arrives in the mail. Plan your visit for a time when you can be without a license for 7 to 10 days.
If you must drive during this period, your options are limited. Some insurance companies will provide a temporary ID card if you call them, though this is not a legal substitute for a driver's license. Your best option is to ask someone else to drive you, or to postpone non-essential trips until your new license arrives.
If you are stopped by police during this time, explain that you recently lost your license and have a replacement on the way. Bring the receipt from your DPS visit as proof that you have taken steps to replace it. This does not may provide you will avoid a citation, but it shows you are complying with the law.
Replacing your license if you have changed your address
If you have moved since your lost license was issued, bring proof of your new address to the DPS office. Your new license will be mailed to your current address, not the old one on file. Tell the DPS employee your new address during your visit, and they will update your record.
If you moved out of state and then moved back to Texas, you will need to follow the same replacement process. Bring your proof of current Texas residency. Your new license will reflect your current address.
What to do if you cannot find required documents
If you do not have a birth certificate or passport, you can still get a replacement license using two secondary identity documents. A Social Security card, school ID, insurance card, or employee ID can work. The DPS website lists all acceptable secondary documents.
If you do not have proof of residency dated within 90 days, ask the DPS office what alternatives they accept. Some offices will accept a lease agreement, utility bill, or bank statement even if it is slightly older, especially if you can explain why you do not have a recent one. Call your local DPS office before your visit to ask what they can work with.
If you have lost your Social Security card as well, you can still visit the DPS office. Write your Social Security number down at home and bring it with you, or call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to request a replacement card before your DPS visit. The DPS will not issue a license without a valid Social Security number on file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
Texas will not issue a replacement license if you have an unpaid traffic fine or certain other court-ordered debts. The DPS office will tell you during your visit if there is a hold on your record. You will need to pay the fine or resolve the court issue before you can get your new license. Contact the court listed on your ticket to find out how to pay.
What if I lost my license outside of Texas and I am now back in Texas?
You can replace your Texas license at any DPS office using the same process described above. Bring your proof of current Texas residency and your identity documents. You do not need a police report or any documentation of where you lost it.
How long does the replacement license stay valid?
A replacement license is valid for the same length of time 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 extra time because you had to replace it.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license from the DPS office?
No. The DPS mails replacement licenses directly to your address. You cannot pick it up at the office. If you are moving soon, update your address at the DPS office during your visit so the license is mailed to your new address, not your old one.
What if my replacement license arrives damaged or with errors?
Contact your local DPS office and explain the problem. Bring your damaged license and your proof of residency. The DPS will issue a corrected replacement at no additional charge. This usually takes another 7 to 10 business days for the new license to arrive.