Get a replacement license through the Texas Department of Public Safety
To replace a lost driver's license in Texas, you go to your local Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person with proof of identity and residency. You cannot replace a license by mail or online. The DPS will issue you a new license with the same number as your original, and you will pay a replacement fee (currently $11 for a standard license, though fees vary slightly by license type). Most offices process replacements the same day, though wait times depend on how busy your location is.
You do not need to retake the written or driving test unless your license was suspended or revoked. A straightforward replacement means you walk out with a temporary paper license and receive your plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS office in person with a valid ID and proof of Texas residency to replace a lost license.
- Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a birth certificate or tax return.
- The replacement fee is $11 for a standard five-year license, and you receive a temporary paper license on the spot.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days and carries the same number as your original.
- If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot replace it; you must resolve the suspension first through the DPS.
Documents you need to bring to the DPS office
Bring one form of valid photo ID, such as a passport, military ID, or state ID card. If you do not have a photo ID, bring two documents that prove your identity without a photo — a birth certificate and a Social Security card work. You also need proof that you live in Texas: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts.
Write down your Social Security number before you go, or bring a document showing it. If you have changed your name since your original license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change. Bring your current address if it differs from what is on file with the DPS.
Finding your nearest DPS office and checking wait times
Go to the Texas DPS website and use the office locator tool to find the DPS office closest to you. The site lists hours, phone numbers, and whether each office takes walk-ins or requires an appointment. Some offices operate by appointment only, especially in larger cities. Call ahead to confirm your office's current policy and to ask about typical wait times at the time you plan to visit.
Offices in rural areas and smaller towns often have shorter waits than those in Austin, Dallas, Houston, or San Antonio. Early morning visits — within the first hour the office opens — tend to have the shortest lines. If you cannot visit during business hours, some DPS offices stay open one evening per week.
What happens if your license was suspended or revoked
If your license was suspended or revoked, the DPS will not issue a replacement. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a conviction for driving under the influence. Contact the DPS directly or check your driving record online through the Texas DPS website to find out why your license is suspended.
Once you have paid outstanding fines, resolved the child support issue, or completed the required program (such as a DUI education course), you can request that the suspension be lifted. The DPS will tell you the exact steps and any fees involved. Only after the suspension is removed can you replace your lost license.
Temporary paper license and when your plastic card arrives
The DPS office will give you a temporary paper license before you leave. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and works for driving, voting, or other purposes where you need to show your license. Keep it in a safe place — you will need it if you are pulled over before your plastic card arrives.
Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If more than two weeks pass and you have not received it, contact the DPS office where you applied. Mail delays do happen, especially during holidays or bad weather. The DPS can reissue a card if yours is lost in the mail, though you will pay the replacement fee again.
Replacing your license if you are out of state
If you are living outside Texas but your license is still valid and you lost it, you have two options. You can return to Texas to visit a DPS office in person, or you can request a duplicate by mail through the Texas DPS website. The mail-in process takes longer — typically 2 to 3 weeks — and requires you to mail in a completed form with a check or money order. You will receive a temporary paper license by mail first, then your plastic card follows.
If you have moved to another state permanently and your Texas license has expired, you will need to get a license from your new state instead. A lost Texas license cannot be replaced once it has expired.
Replacing your license if you are under 18
If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must go with you to the DPS office. Bring the same documents you would normally bring, plus a birth certificate showing the parent or guardian's name. The process is the same as for adults — you pay the replacement fee and receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If you are 18 or older, you do not need a parent present, even if your license was issued when you were a minor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license online or by mail?
You cannot replace a lost license online. You must visit a DPS office in person, unless you are out of state, in which case you can request a duplicate by mail through the Texas DPS website. The mail-in process takes 2 to 3 weeks.
What if I lost my license and my Social Security card at the same time?
Bring your birth certificate instead of your Social Security card. You will need to write down your Social Security number on the DPS form, so have it memorized or bring another document showing it, such as a tax return or bank statement.
Do I have to retake the driving test to replace a lost license?
No. A replacement for a lost license does not require you to retake any test. You only retake the written or driving test if your license was suspended, revoked, or expired for more than two years.
How much does it cost to replace a lost driver's license in Texas?
The replacement fee is $11 for a standard five-year license. Commercial licenses and other types may cost more. You pay at the DPS office when you explore.
What if my plastic license does not arrive after two weeks?
Contact the DPS office where you applied and give them your temporary paper license number. They can check the status of your card or reissue one if it was lost in the mail. A reissued card will cost another replacement fee.