Texas lets you replace a lost, stolen, or damaged driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a DPS office

The fastest route depends on what happened to your license and whether you need to drive before the replacement arrives. If your license was lost or stolen, you can report it and request a replacement online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website without visiting an office. If it's damaged, you can mail it in. If you need to drive when ready, you'll have to go to a DPS office in person — they can issue a temporary paper license the same day.

Texas charges a replacement fee, which varies depending on your license type and how much time remains on your current license. The fee is typically between $16 and $25 for a standard driver's license. Processing times range from a few days for in-person replacements to two to three weeks for mail-in requests.

Key Takeaways

  • You can report a lost or stolen license and order a replacement online at the Texas DPS website without visiting an office.
  • A damaged license can be replaced by mail — you send the damaged card and a completed form to the DPS address on their website.
  • If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, visit a DPS office in person to get a temporary paper license when ready.
  • Replacement fees range from $16 to $25 depending on your license type and remaining validity.
  • Keep your confirmation number or receipt from your request so you can track your replacement or contact DPS if it doesn't arrive.

Replacing a lost or stolen license online

Go to the Texas DPS website and select the option to report a lost or stolen driver's license. You'll need your Social Security number, date of birth, and driver's license number (if you remember it — it's not required). The system will ask whether the license was lost or stolen and confirm your current address.

After you submit the report, you can order a replacement license in the same session. You'll pay the replacement fee by credit or debit card. The DPS will mail your new license to the address on file, usually within two to three weeks. You'll receive a confirmation number — save this in case you need to check on your order or contact DPS.

This online method works only for lost or stolen licenses. If your license is damaged but you still have it, use the mail-in process instead.

Mailing in a damaged license

If your license is physically damaged — cracked, faded, or unreadable — you can replace it by mail. read the process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-44) from the Texas DPS website. Fill out the form, check the box for "Replacement" and specify that your license is damaged.

Mail the completed form along with your damaged license and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the address listed on the DPS website. Include a note with your phone number so DPS can contact you if there's a problem with your request. Processing typically takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your envelope.

Keep a copy of the form and your payment receipt. If your replacement doesn't arrive within four weeks, contact the DPS to confirm they received your request.

Getting a temporary license at a DPS office

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, visit a DPS office in person. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and proof of identity if you don't have your license. A passport, military ID, or birth certificate all work.

Tell the DPS staff that you need a temporary paper license. They will issue one on the spot, valid for 45 days. This gives you time to drive legally while your permanent replacement is in the mail. You'll still pay the replacement fee, and your permanent license will arrive separately in two to three weeks.

If you lost your license and haven't reported it yet, the DPS office can do that and issue the temporary license in one visit.

Finding a DPS office near you

Texas has DPS driver license offices in most cities and many towns. Use the office locator on the Texas DPS website to find the nearest one, see its hours, and check whether it requires an appointment. Some offices operate by appointment only, while others take walk-ins. Hours vary by location — many close by 5 p.m. and some don't open on weekends.

If you're in a rural area far from a DPS office, the mail-in option may be your best choice. You can also call the DPS at 1-888-589-6556 to ask about offices near you or to request a replacement by phone, though the online and mail-in methods are usually faster.

What to do if your replacement doesn't arrive

If you ordered a replacement online or by mail and it hasn't arrived within four weeks, contact the Texas DPS. Have your confirmation number or receipt ready. DPS can check whether your order was processed and whether it's in the mail. If there was a problem with your address or payment, they can help you correct it and resubmit.

If DPS confirms your replacement was mailed but you never received it, you may need to file a police report for mail theft and then request a second replacement. Keep the police report number — DPS may waive the second replacement fee if you can show the first one was lost in the mail.

Fees and payment methods

The replacement fee for a standard five-year driver's license is typically $16 if your license has more than two years remaining, or $25 if it's expiring soon. Commercial driver's licenses cost more. Payment methods depend on how you're replacing your license: online replacements accept credit or debit cards, mail-in requests require a check or money order, and in-person replacements accept cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

Some DPS offices may charge a small additional fee for a temporary paper license, though many do not. Ask when you arrive or call ahead to confirm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if it's suspended or revoked?

No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with DPS or the court before you can get a replacement. Contact DPS to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to clear it.

What if I don't have my Social Security number memorized?

You'll need it to replace your license online or by mail. If you don't know it, check your Social Security card, tax return, W-2, or bank statement. If you've lost that too, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card or a letter showing your number.

Do I need an appointment at a DPS office?

It depends on the office. Some require appointments, others take walk-ins. Check the Texas DPS website office locator for your location, or call ahead to ask. Offices that take appointments usually have shorter wait times.

How long is a temporary paper license valid?

A temporary license issued at a DPS office is valid for 45 days. Your permanent replacement should arrive within two to three weeks, so the temporary gives you a buffer in case of mail delays.

What if I moved since my last license was issued?

Update your address during the replacement process. When you replace your license online, the system will confirm your current address. If you're replacing by mail or in person, bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days.