Get a replacement license by visiting a Texas DPS office in person with proof of identity and residency
You cannot replace a lost Texas driver's license by mail or online. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires you to appear in person at a driver's license office with original documents that prove who you are and where you live. The process takes about 30 minutes if you have the right paperwork, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
You do not need to retake the written or vision test. DPS treats a lost license as a replacement, not a new process, so you keep your current license number and expiration date.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS driver's license office in person with an original government-issued ID and proof of your current address.
- The replacement fee is $16 for a standard license and $32 for a Real ID, and payment is cash, debit, or credit only at most offices.
- Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days; you cannot pick it up at the office.
- If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the DPS office for $5.
- DPS offices are busiest on Mondays and Fridays, so visiting Tuesday through Thursday typically means shorter waits.
What documents you need to bring
Bring one original government-issued photo ID and one document proving your current address. DPS will not accept copies, photos, or digital versions. Your photo ID can be a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID from another state. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring an original birth certificate or certified copy plus two additional documents that prove your identity, such as a Social Security card or original bank statement.
For proof of address, bring an original utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If your current address is different from what is on file with DPS, bring the address proof even if your photo ID shows an old address.
If you have changed your name since your last license, bring the original document proving the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. DPS will not accept certified copies for name changes.
Finding and visiting a DPS driver's license office
Use the DPS office locator at dps.texas.gov to find the office nearest you and check its hours. Not all offices are open the same days or hours. Many offices close for lunch between noon and 1 p.m., and some are closed on certain weekdays. Call ahead if you are traveling more than 30 minutes, because some offices close without notice for staffing shortages.
Arrive early or visit on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday morning. Mondays and Fridays draw the longest lines. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some high-traffic locations now use an online reservation system. Check your local office's page on the DPS website to see if reservations are required or recommended.
Bring all original documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get separated. DPS staff will make copies at the office, so you will get your originals back.
The cost and payment methods
A standard replacement license costs $16. If you want a Real ID—a federal-compliant license that works for domestic air travel and federal building entry—the cost is $32. Real ID requires one additional document proving your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form, Social Security card, or tax return. You do not have to upgrade to Real ID; a standard license is still valid for driving.
DPS offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices do not accept checks. If you are unsure whether your local office takes a specific payment method, call before you go.
Getting a temporary license while you wait
If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, ask the DPS staff member to issue a temporary paper license. This costs $5 and is valid for 45 days. The temporary license is printed on the spot and looks like a receipt, but police will recognize it as a valid driving document. Write down the temporary license number in case you are pulled over.
The temporary license is not a substitute for your permanent one—you still need to carry it every time you drive. Once your permanent replacement arrives in the mail, the temporary license expires automatically.
What happens after you leave the office
DPS will mail your new license to the address you provided at the office. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, call the DPS customer service line at 1-888-589-6789 to check the status. Have your driver's license number ready when you call.
Your new license will have the same number and expiration date as your lost license. If your license was set to expire soon, you can renew it at the same time you replace it for an additional fee, but this is optional.
If your license was suspended or revoked, DPS will not issue a replacement. You will need to resolve the suspension or revocation first. Call customer service or check your status online at dps.texas.gov before you visit an office.
If your license was lost out of state
You can replace your Texas license at any DPS office in Texas, even if you lost it in another state. You do not need to report it lost to the other state's DMV. However, if you lost it in a foreign country, DPS recommends reporting it to the U.S. State Department's passport agency in case someone tries to use it for identity theft.
If you lost your license and your vehicle registration at the same time, you will need to replace both separately. Vehicle registration is handled by your county's tax assessor-collector office, not DPS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
No. DPS will not issue a replacement if you have an unpaid traffic fine or an active warrant. You must pay the fine or resolve the warrant first. Contact the court listed on your ticket to find out the balance owed and payment options.
What if I lost my license and my Social Security card at the same time?
You can still replace your license. Bring your other identity documents and proof of address. If you want a Real ID, you will need to provide your Social Security number another way, such as a W-2 or tax return. You can replace your Social Security card separately through the Social Security Administration.
Do I need to report my lost license to the police?
No, reporting to police is not required. However, if you are concerned about identity theft, you can file a report with the Texas Attorney General's office or contact the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit file.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. DPS mails all replacement licenses to the address on file. You cannot have it mailed to someone else's address or pick it up at an office. If you are moving, update your address with DPS before you explore for the replacement so it is mailed to your new home.
What if my name has changed since I got my last license?
Bring the original document proving the name change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. DPS will update your name in the system and print it on your new license at no extra cost. Certified copies are not accepted; the document must be an original.