How to Replace a Lost Driver's License in Texas

The fastest way to replace a lost Texas driver's license

You can replace a lost driver's license in Texas through the Department of Public Safety (DPS) in person, by mail, or online. The online option is fastest — you can order a replacement through the DPS website in about 10 minutes if your license is current and you have a valid email address. The license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need it faster, visit a DPS office in person and pay an extra fee for a temporary paper license you can use when ready while your plastic card is being made.

You do not need to take a new photo, pass a test, or provide documents proving you lost the license. DPS has your information on file. The main requirement is that your current license must not be expired by more than two years. If it is older than that, you will need to renew it instead, which requires an in-person visit and a new photo.

Key Takeaways

Order a replacement online through the DPS website if your license expired less than two years ago — it costs $11 and arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
Visit a DPS office in person to get a temporary paper license the same day for an additional $5 fee while you wait for the plastic card.
You will need your Social Security number and date of birth to order online, and a valid email address to receive your confirmation.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office, which requires a new photo and takes about 30 minutes.
Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number if you visit in person, along with proof of Texas residency such as a utility bill or lease.

Ordering a replacement online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and select "Order a Duplicate Driver License" under the Driver License section. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The system will ask you to confirm your current address and email. Review the information carefully — any error will delay your replacement. The fee is $11, paid by debit or credit card.

After you submit, DPS sends a confirmation email to the address you provided. Save this email or take a screenshot. Your new license is printed and mailed within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within that window, contact the DPS by phone or through the website to check the status. Replacements ordered online cannot be picked up at an office — they come by mail only.

Getting a temporary license at a DPS office

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, visit any DPS office and ask for a temporary paper license. Bring your Social Security card or a document with your number on it, such as a birth certificate or tax return. You also need proof of Texas residency — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address. The temporary license costs $5 and is valid for 45 days.

The temporary license is printed on the spot and looks like a white card with your photo already on file. You can use it to drive, but it is not valid for air travel or as a real ID. When your plastic replacement arrives in the mail, the temporary one becomes invalid. Most DPS offices do not require an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the DPS office locator on their website to find the nearest office and see current wait times before you go.

What to bring if you visit in person

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number. If you do not have your Social Security card, bring a birth certificate, passport, or tax return. You also need proof of your current Texas address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days.

If you have changed your name since your license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. Bring your current license if you still have it, though it is not required. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present. DPS offices accept these documents in person or by mail if you are ordering by mail instead of online.

Replacing a license that expired more than two years ago

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot order a replacement online. You must visit a DPS office in person to renew. This requires a new photo, so bring the same documents listed above. The renewal fee is $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license. The process takes about 30 minutes, and you receive a temporary paper license to drive home with while your plastic card is being made.

You will also need to pass a vision test at the office. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them. You do not need to retake the written or driving test unless your license was suspended or revoked. If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), renewal requires an in-person visit and a medical certificate, and the rules are more complex — contact DPS directly for CDL renewal details.

Replacing a license lost out of state

If you lost your Texas license while traveling and need to replace it before you return home, you have two options. Order online through the DPS website from wherever you are — the replacement will be mailed to your Texas address. This takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive in another state when ready, contact that state's DMV about a temporary permit or replacement license. Some states will issue a temporary license to a Texas resident if you show proof of your Texas address and Social Security number.

When you return to Texas, your replacement license should have arrived. If it has not, visit a DPS office to check the status or order a new one. Keep the confirmation email from your online order — DPS uses it to track your replacement.

Fees and payment methods

A replacement license ordered online costs $11. A temporary paper license costs $5 additional if you get it at a DPS office on the same day. If you visit an office to renew an expired license instead, the fee is $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license. DPS accepts debit cards, credit cards, and cash at offices. Online orders accept debit and credit cards only.

Some DPS offices accept checks, but call ahead to confirm. If you are ordering by mail, include a check or money order with your process. Do not send cash by mail. If you are a Texas veteran, you may be may have access to to a discount on renewal fees — ask at the office or check the DPS website for current veteran benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement license in Texas?

Online orders arrive in 7 to 10 business days by mail. If you visit a DPS office in person, you get a temporary paper license the same day and your plastic card arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you need the plastic card faster, some offices offer expedited service for an additional fee — call your local office to ask.

Can I order a replacement if I do not have my driver's license number?

Yes. When you order online, you can enter your Social Security number and date of birth instead. DPS will look up your license number in their system. If you visit an office in person, bring your Social Security card and proof of address — staff will find your record.

What if my address has changed since I got my license?

Update your address when you order the replacement. If you order online, you will be asked to confirm or correct your address. If you visit an office, bring proof of your new address. Your replacement will be mailed to the address on file, so make sure it is correct before you submit.

Can I pick up my replacement license at a DPS office instead of waiting for mail?

No. Replacements ordered online are mailed only. If you need your license faster, visit a DPS office in person to get a temporary paper license when ready, then wait for your plastic replacement to arrive by mail.

What if I lost my license and my Social Security card at the same time?

You can still order a replacement online if you know your Social Security number from memory. If you do not remember it, visit a DPS office with other documents that show your number, such as a birth certificate, passport, or old tax return. Bring proof of address as well.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.