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

You can replace a lost Texas driver's license in person at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, or online through the Texas DPS website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 20 minutes and costs $11. The online route, called DL by Mail, takes 7 to 10 business days and also costs $11, but only works if your license expired less than two years ago and you have not had more than one replacement in the past five years.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew it instead of replacing it — that process requires a vision test and takes longer. If you have had one replacement already in the past five years, you must go in person to a DPS office.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit any DPS office with your Social Security number or passport to replace a lost license in person; the process takes about 20 minutes and costs $11.
  • If your license expired less than two years ago and you have not had a replacement in the past five years, you can order a replacement online through the Texas DPS website for $11 and receive it in 7 to 10 business days.
  • Bring a document that proves your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license at a DPS office that is valid for 45 days while your plastic card is being made.

What documents you need to bring to a DPS office

You need proof of identity and proof of your current address. For identity, bring your Social Security card, passport, birth certificate, or military ID. A Social Security card alone is not enough — you need one of the other documents as well.

For your current address, bring a document dated within the last 60 days: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail. A piece of mail with your name and address will work. If you have moved recently and do not have a document yet, contact your utility company or bank and ask them to email you a statement — you can show it on your phone.

You do not need to bring the old license itself, though it helps if you have it. You do not need a police report for a lost license.

Finding a DPS office near you and what to expect

Go to the Texas DPS website, click "Locations," and enter your city or zip code to find the nearest office. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours. A few offices are open on Saturday mornings. Call ahead if you are traveling more than 30 minutes — some offices have walk-in limits or require you to take a number when you arrive.

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and tell them you are replacing a lost license. You will fill out form DL-43, which takes about five minutes. A clerk will take your photo, verify your documents, and collect the $11 fee. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Your plastic card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Bring your documents in originals, not copies. The office will not accept a photo of your documents on your phone, though you can bring a printed copy of an online statement if the original is not available.

Ordering a replacement online through DL by Mail

Visit the Texas DPS website and select "DL by Mail" under the driver's license section. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card. The system will ask you to confirm your current address and verify your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history.

If the system approves you, you will pay $11 and receive a confirmation number. Your replacement license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You will not receive a temporary paper license with this method, so if you need to drive before the card arrives, you must go to a DPS office instead.

The online system will reject you if your license expired more than two years ago, if you have had a replacement in the past five years, or if you cannot answer the security questions correctly. In any of those cases, you must visit a DPS office in person.

What to do if you need to drive before your replacement arrives

If you ordered online and need to drive when ready, go to a DPS office and request a temporary paper license. You will pay $11 again, but you will receive the temporary license on the spot and can drive for 45 days. When your mailed replacement arrives, you can use that instead.

If you are out of state and cannot reach a DPS office, you can contact DPS by phone at 1-888-589-6556 to ask about your options. They cannot issue a license over the phone, but they can tell you whether a nearby office in another state recognizes Texas temporary licenses or whether you should contact that state's DMV about a temporary permit.

Replacing a license if you have changed your name

If you have changed your name since your license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you must go to a DPS office in person. Bring your original or certified copy of the document that shows the name change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your name in the system and issue your replacement license with the new name.

You cannot use DL by Mail if your name has changed. The online system will not recognize your identity if your current legal name does not match the name on your license.

Replacing a license if it was stolen or damaged

A stolen license and a lost license are treated the same way — you follow the same process and pay the same $11 fee. You do not need a police report, though if you suspect identity theft, you can file a report with the Texas Attorney General's office or the Federal Trade Commission for your records.

If your license is damaged but still readable, you can replace it at a DPS office. Bring the damaged card along with your documents. If the card is too damaged to read, the office will treat it as a lost license.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a temporary paper license last?

A temporary paper license is valid for 45 days from the date you receive it at a DPS office. After 45 days, you cannot drive with it, even if your replacement plastic card has not arrived. If your card is delayed, return to a DPS office and request another temporary license.

Can I replace my license by mail without going to an office?

Yes, through DL by Mail, if your license expired less than two years ago and you have not had a replacement in the past five years. You order online, pay $11, and receive your card in 7 to 10 business days. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew it in person at a DPS office instead.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still order a replacement online through DL by Mail if you meet the requirements, or you can visit a DPS office when you return to Texas. If you need to drive before you get home, contact the DMV in the state where you are located — many states issue temporary permits to people with valid out-of-state licenses.

Do I need an appointment to visit a DPS office?

Most DPS offices accept walk-ins, but some have limits on the number of walk-ins per day. Call the office before you go, or check the Texas DPS website to see if appointments are required. If the office is full, you can take a number and come back later the same day or try another location.

What if the DPS office says my documents are not acceptable?

Ask the clerk which document did not meet the requirements and what alternative they will accept. If you brought a utility bill and they say it is too old, ask whether a bank statement or lease would work instead. If you do not have an acceptable document with you, ask what you can bring back — most offices will hold your place in line if you leave to get the right paperwork.