Get a replacement license by mail or in person at a Texas DPS office
You can replace a lost Texas driver's license through the Department of Public Safety (DPS) in two ways: by mail if your license is not expired, or in person at any DPS driver license office. The mail route takes about two weeks and costs $11. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and costs the same $11 fee, but you will need to bring original documents and get a new photo taken on the spot.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew it in person rather than straightforward replace it — the process is similar but includes a vision test and updated information. For a lost license that is still valid, either method works, so choose based on how quickly you need it and whether you can visit an office.
Key Takeaways
- A lost license that is still valid can be replaced by mail for $11 if you send the right documents, or in person at a DPS office for the same fee.
- The mail route requires a completed DL-44 form, proof of identity, proof of residency, and a check or money order — it takes about two weeks.
- The in-person route requires the same documents plus your Social Security number and takes about 30 minutes, and you will receive your license the same day or within days.
- If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot use the replacement process and must renew instead, which includes a vision test.
- You can check the status of a mailed replacement by calling DPS at 1-888-589-6556 or visiting the DPS website after five business days.
Replace by mail if your license is current
The mail route is the slowest option but requires no office visit. You will need to fill out form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License), which you can read from the DPS website or request by mail. Along with the form, send an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or other government-issued ID that proves your identity. You also need proof that you live in Texas — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days works.
Include a check or money order for $11 made payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety." Do not send cash. Mail everything to the DPS address listed on the form — there are regional offices, so check the DPS website to find the correct one for your region. After you mail it, allow 10 to 14 business days for processing. You can track your replacement by calling 1-888-589-6556 after five business days have passed.
Replace in person at a DPS driver license office
Visiting a DPS office is faster and you walk out with a temporary license the same day. Find your nearest office on the DPS website and check its hours — many offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some have different schedules. You do not need an appointment at most offices, though some allow you to reserve a time slot online to reduce wait time.
Bring your original or certified birth certificate, passport, or other government ID, plus proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage, or recent bank statement). Bring your Social Security number — you will need to provide it. Pay the $11 fee with cash, check, or card, depending on what the office accepts. A staff member will take a new photo, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
What to bring to a DPS office
| Document Type | What Counts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Birth certificate, passport, military ID, or certified copy | Must be original or certified — a photocopy does not work |
| Proof of Residency | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement | Must be dated within the last 90 days and show your name and Texas address |
| Social Security Number | Your SSN or a document showing it | You will provide this verbally or on a form |
| Payment | $11 in cash, check, or card | Exact amount varies slightly by office — call ahead to confirm |
If your license expired more than two years ago
You cannot use the replacement process if your license has been expired for more than two years. Instead, you must renew your license, which is a more involved process. Renewal requires an in-person visit to a DPS office, a vision test, and updated information — you cannot renew by mail if your license is that old.
The renewal process costs more than replacement (the fee depends on how long you want the license valid for) and takes longer because of the vision screening. Schedule an appointment online through the DPS website if possible, as walk-ins for renewals often face longer waits. Bring the same identity and residency documents as you would for a replacement, plus your Social Security number.
Track your replacement and handle delays
If you mailed your replacement, call 1-888-589-6556 after five business days to check the status. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The DPS website also has a status checker where you can enter your information and see where your license is in the process.
If more than 14 business days have passed and you have not received your license, call the same number or visit a DPS office in person. Bring proof that you mailed the replacement (a receipt or tracking number if you sent it certified mail). If you received your temporary paper license at an office and more than 10 business days have passed without your permanent license arriving, contact DPS to request a reprint — this is usually done at no extra charge.
What happens if you need to drive before your replacement arrives
If you replaced your license in person at a DPS office, you received a temporary paper license that day. This temporary license is valid for driving in Texas while you wait for your permanent card to arrive by mail. Keep it with you whenever you drive — it serves the same purpose as your permanent license until the card arrives.
If you mailed your replacement, you do not have a temporary license. You cannot legally drive without a valid license. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you have two options: visit a DPS office in person to get a temporary license while you wait for the mailed one to arrive, or wait for the mail replacement to arrive. There is no other legal workaround.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if it was stolen instead of lost?
Yes, the process is identical whether your license is lost or stolen. You do not need to file a police report first. If you are concerned about identity theft, you can place a fraud alert with the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) separately, but this is not required to replace your license.
Do I need to report my lost license to DPS before I replace it?
No, you do not need to report it lost first. straightforward start the replacement process — mailing the form or visiting an office. DPS will cancel your old license when they process your replacement request.
What if I do not have an original birth certificate or passport?
You can use other government-issued ID such as a military ID, state ID from another state, or a certified copy of your birth certificate from the vital records office in the county where you were born. Call DPS at 1-888-589-6556 to ask whether a specific document will work before you visit an office.
Can I replace my license online?
No, Texas does not offer online replacement for lost licenses. You must either mail the form with documents or visit a DPS office in person. Some states offer online renewal for current licenses, but Texas requires in-person replacement for lost licenses.
How much does it cost to replace a lost Texas driver's license?
The fee is $11 whether you replace by mail or in person. This is the replacement fee only and does not include any additional charges. If you need a duplicate or a corrected license, the fee may differ — call DPS to confirm the exact cost for your situation.