Get a replacement license by visiting a Texas DPS office in person with proof of identity and residency
To replace a lost driver's license in Texas, you must go to a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office with a valid form of ID and proof of your current address. You cannot renew or replace a license by mail, phone, or online — Texas requires you to appear in person. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready while your permanent card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
The replacement fee is $16 for a standard license. If your license was lost or stolen, you pay the same fee as a renewal — Texas does not charge extra for replacement. You can pay by cash, check, or debit card at most offices; credit cards are not accepted at all DPS locations.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS office in person with a valid ID and proof of your address; no online, mail, or phone replacement is available in Texas.
- Bring one document proving identity (passport, birth certificate, or current ID) and one document proving your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).
- The replacement fee is $16, payable by cash, check, or debit card at the time of your visit.
- You receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- DPS offices have varying hours and wait times; checking online before you go saves time, and arriving early in the day typically means shorter waits.
Documents you need to bring to the DPS office
Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves your current address. For identity, the DPS accepts a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad, or a current 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 or work ID, but this takes longer and the office staff will decide whether it is acceptable.
For proof of address, bring a document dated within the last 90 days that shows your name and current street address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy all work. A post office change-of-address form does not count. If you have recently moved and your documents still show an old address, bring the new document plus a letter from your landlord or a recent lease signed by both you and the landlord.
Do not bring originals of important documents like your birth certificate unless you are comfortable leaving them with the DPS office temporarily — they may need to photocopy them. Ask the staff before handing anything over.
Finding a DPS office near you and checking wait times
Texas has DPS offices in most counties. Visit the Texas DPS website and use the office locator tool to find the nearest location, hours, and phone number. Many offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some have different schedules or limited hours on certain days. A few offices in larger cities are open on Saturday mornings.
Wait times vary widely by location and time of day. Offices in rural areas typically have shorter waits than those in Houston, Dallas, Austin, or San Antonio. Arriving right when the office opens — usually 8 a.m. — gives you the best chance of being seen quickly. Mid-morning on a Tuesday or Wednesday is usually less crowded than late afternoon or Friday. Some offices allow you to call ahead and ask about current wait times before you drive over.
A few DPS offices in major cities now use an online appointment system. Check your local office's page on the DPS website to see if you can reserve a time slot. If appointments are available, booking one saves you from waiting in line, though you still must arrive in person on the scheduled day.
What happens at the DPS office during your visit
When you arrive, take a number or check in at the front desk. You will be called to a window where a DPS employee will ask you to present your identity and address documents. They will verify the documents, ask you to confirm your address and other information on file, and take a new photo for your license. The photo is taken at the office — you cannot bring your own.
You will then be asked to sign a form confirming the information on your replacement license. Review everything carefully before you sign, because errors on the license itself are harder to fix later. If something is wrong — a misspelled name, incorrect address, or wrong birthday — tell the staff before you sign.
Once you have signed, you will pay the $16 fee and receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready and remains valid until your permanent card arrives. Keep it with you while you drive. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address you provided and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license was stolen and you are concerned about identity theft
A lost license is usually low risk because it does not contain your Social Security number or financial information. However, if you believe your license was stolen rather than lost, or if you are worried someone might use it fraudulently, you can file a report with the DPS or your local police department. This creates a record in case the license is used illegally, though it is not required to get a replacement.
You do not need a police report to replace your license at the DPS office. straightforward tell the staff that your license was stolen, and they will process the replacement the same way. If you are concerned about identity theft more broadly — for example, if your wallet was stolen along with your license — consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) or freezing your credit.
Temporary license validity and what to do if your permanent card does not arrive
Your temporary paper license is valid for driving in Texas and is recognized by law enforcement. It is also valid for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings, just like a permanent license. Keep it in a safe place and do not fold or damage it, because it is your only proof of a valid license until the permanent card arrives.
If your permanent license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DPS office where you applied. Have your temporary license number ready. The office can check the status of your card and reissue it if it was lost in the mail. Reissuing a card that failed to arrive is free; you do not pay the $16 fee again.
Replacing your license if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL)
If your lost license is a commercial driver's license, the replacement process is the same — you visit a DPS office with your identity and address documents and pay $16. However, CDL replacements sometimes take longer to arrive because the DPS must verify your medical certification and other CDL-specific information. Allow 10 to 14 business days instead of 7 to 10.
If your CDL medical certificate has expired or is about to expire, you may need to renew it before you can replace your license. Ask the DPS staff when you arrive whether your medical certification is current. If it is not, you will need to visit a certified medical examiner before the DPS can issue your replacement CDL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license online or by mail?
No. Texas requires you to appear in person at a DPS office to replace a lost license. You cannot do it online, by mail, or by phone. You must bring original documents proving your identity and address.
What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?
You can bring other documents like a Social Security card, school ID, or work ID in combination. The DPS staff will decide whether your documents are acceptable. Bring whatever identity documents you have and ask the staff what else they need. The process may take longer, but you can still get a replacement the same day.
How long does it take to get my permanent license in the mail?
Your permanent plastic license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Your temporary paper license is valid to drive when ready. If your card does not arrive after 10 business days, call the DPS office where you applied and ask them to check the status or reissue it.
Do I need a police report to replace my lost license?
No. You do not need a police report to get a replacement license from the DPS. straightforward tell the staff your license was lost or stolen, and they will process it the same way. A police report is only necessary if you believe your license was used fraudulently.
Can I use my temporary paper license to fly or enter a federal building?
Yes. Your temporary paper license is valid for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings, just like a permanent license. Keep it in good condition and do not fold or damage it.