Key Takeaways:
- You can replace a lost Texas driver’s license online or in person.
- If you choose to replace it online, you must set up a Texas by Texas (TxT) account and provide basic identifying information, such as your ID card number.
- Drivers who don’t want or cannot apply for a replacement driver’s license online can book an appointment with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
- Whether you apply online or in person, you’ll get a temporary driver’s license. Expect to receive your permanent license by mail within two to three weeks.
Losing your Texas driver’s license can be nerve-wracking, no matter the circumstances. It’s even worse if you’re the only driver in the family and depend on your car to get around.
Luckily, replacing a lost Texas driver’s license is fairly simple and shouldn’t take longer than a few hours. Plus, you may be able to apply online, which can shorten the processing time.
Here’s how to get a new license.
What You Need to Replace Your Lost Texas Driver’s License
The government agency responsible for driver’s licenses in Texas is the Department of Public Safety (DPS). To request a new license in person, schedule an appointment at a local DPS office and then take the following steps:
- Fill out an application form (DL-14A) prior to your appointment or while at the DPS office.
- Bring proof of identity, such as your ID card, passport, or birth certificate.
- Provide your thumbprint at the driver license office.
- Have your photo taken.
- Pay an application fee.
You must also provide your SSN and proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence if you haven’t already submitted them to the DPS. The latter may include a valid U.S. passport, permanent resident card, or documents that prove your citizenship.
Note that you may go to any driver’s license office in Texas, not just the one in the county where you live. Therefore, if you lose your license while traveling the state, you can still book an appointment with the DPS.
If everything looks good, you’ll get a temporary driver’s license on the spot. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.
How to Replace a Lost Texas Driver’s License Online
Texas drivers can request a new license online via an app. This option is only available to those who don’t need to change their names, home addresses, or other information on the front of the card.
First, access Texas by Texas (TxT) on your computer or download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple Store. Next, follow these steps:
- Enter your email address and driver’s license or ID card number.
- Confirm your email address and phone number.
- Choose three security questions.
- Link your driver’s license and other services to your TxT account.
- Look for the option to replace a lost Texas driver’s license.
- Enter your date of birth and the last four digits of your SSN
- Enter your audit/document discriminator (DD) number.
- Pay the application fee.
When you’re done, print your temporary driver’s license. This document is valid for 60 days, but, in the meantime, you should receive your permanent license by mail. Contact the DPS if it doesn’t arrive within two to three weeks.
Online applications require an audit number. Look for it at the bottom of your most recently issued ID card or driver’s license (assuming you have a copy, photo, or screenshot).
If you can’t find your audit number, make an appointment with the DPS or request a copy of your driving record. The latter option involves filling out Form DR-1 and then mailing it to the Texas DPS. Note that it can take a long time to get a Texas DPS appointment and plan accordingly.
How Much Will It Cost to Replace My Lost Driver’s License in Texas?
The application fee is $11, whether you replace a lost Texas license online or in person.
What If My Texas Driver’s License Was Stolen?
If your driver’s license has been stolen, you must file a police report. After that, submit a copy of the report to your local DPS office. They will review the police report to determine whether they should replace your license or issue one with a new number.
Remember to book an appointment with the DPS, as walk-ins are not available. If your local driver’s license office is overbooked, schedule an appointment at another location.
Be aware that criminals can use your driver’s license number for illicit purposes, such as identity theft or financial fraud. They may open a bank account and make purchases in your name, create fake IDs, sell your data on the dark web, and more.
If you suspect your license has been stolen rather than lost, it’s best to contact the police. Also, set up fraud alerts and consider freezing your credit until you get a new driver’s license number.
How Do I Replace My Texas Driver’s License from Out of State?
Most drivers don’t need to return to Texas to replace their licenses. This process can be completed online or by mail, depending on your individual circumstances.
Request a Replacement Online
With this option, you must log in to your TxT account and enter the required information, including:
- Your date of birth
- Your audit number
- The last four digits of your SSN
Next, pay the application fee and print your temporary license.
Request a Replacement from Out-of-State by Mail
If you don’t have your audit number, you can order a replacement for your driver’s license by mail. This option is also available to Texans who lose their licenses while out of state and want to request a new license with a different address.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Form DL-16P (filled and signed)
- Proof of Texas residency
- Check or money order to pay the application fee
Mail these documents to:
Texas Department of Public Safety
PO Box 149008
Austin, TX 78714-9008
The DPS will require additional documents if you also want to change the name on your driver’s license.
For example, you may need to submit a certified court order, a divorce decree, or an annulment along with your signature in black ink on white paper.
Eligibility Requirements for Out-of-State Driver’s License Replacement
The above options are only available to U.S. drivers aged 17 to 78 who meet the following requirements:
- Hold a valid non-commercial driver’s license
- Have their residency in Texas
- Are not registered sex offenders
- Don’t have a medical condition that affects their ability to drive
- Their driver’s licenses are not suspended, canceled, or revoked at the time of the application
- Their driver’s licenses are set to expire in less than two years and have not been expired for more than two years (doesn’t apply to military members on active duty)
- Their SSNs are registered with the DPS
If you don’t meet the eligibility criteria, you must go to a DPS office in Texas to request a new license.
Final Thoughts
The process of replacing a lost driver’s license in Texas is quite straightforward – just make sure you have the necessary documents.
To save time, sign up for a TxT account and file your request online. If that’s not an option, visit a local DPS office. Once there, complete an application form and submit proof of identity. You’ll also have your photo and fingerprints taken.
Getting a traffic ticket dismissed in Texas is just as easy.
All you need to do is plead guilty, pay your fine, and take a defensive driving course that takes less than six hours to complete.
And, if you register with Traffic Safety Institute, we’ll submit your certificate of completion to the court and Texas DPS the same day you finish the course.
Need one more to choose Traffic Safety Institute?
Our students pay only when they pass. This means you can start the course for free and go through the modules as many times as you need.
Plus, our course is accepted by all Texas courts and could lower your auto insurance premiums by up to 10%.
Start our Driver Safety course for FREE today.
FAQs about Replacing a Lost Driver’s License in Texas
Need more information on how to replace a lost Texas driver’s license? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions.
Can I replace my Texas driver’s license without the audit number?
If you don’t have your audit number, book an in-person appointment at a DPS office to apply for a driver’s license replacement.
Alternatively, fill out Form DR-1 and mail it to the DPS to request a copy of your driving record. This document will contain your audit number, which you can use to replace your driver’s license online.
How do I find my driver’s license number online in Texas?
If you don’t know your driver’s license number, you may retrieve it online from:
- Your TxT account
- Your auto insurance policy
- A screenshot or copy of your driver’s license
- Home or car lease contracts
- Other legal documents that can be accessed online
Why am I not eligible to replace my license online in Texas?
You may not request a driver’s license replacement online if you don’t have your driver’s license / ID card number or an audit number. Other possible reasons include:
- You need to update your name, address, or other information on your driver’s license
- Your license is expired, suspended, or revoked
- Your SSN is not on file with the DPS
- System glitches in the DPS database
If none of these applies to you, contact the DPS online or by phone at (512) 424-2600 for more information. Or book an appointment at a local DPS office to replace your driver’s license in person.
Does your Texas driver’s license audit number change?
The audit number is unique to each driver’s license. This 20-digit number will change if you replace or renew your license, even if your personal information remains the same. The goal is to prevent fraud, identity theft, and other security issues.
