Replacement Options
Depending on your eligibility, you may replace a Texas driver’s license online, at a DPS office, or by mail while temporarily outside the state.
| Replacement Method | Best For |
| Online (TxT / Texas.gov) | Eligible drivers with an unexpired license and known 20-digit audit number. |
| In-Person (DPS Office) | Minors (<18), those missing an audit number, or victims of identity theft. |
| By Mail (Out-of-State) | Active-duty military and dependents, or Texas residents temporarily living out of state. |
Replacement vs. Renewal
Replacing and renewing a license are similar processes, but not exactly the same. Replacing a card essentially duplicates it (while generating a new, unique audit number). Replacement does not extend the license expiration date. If your card is within its standard 2-year renewal window, you might consider completing a renewal transaction instead to avoid paying twice.
Consider:
- Replacement ($11) gives you a new card, but keeps your original expiration date. If your license expires in 3 months, you’ll have to pay the $33 renewal fee when that date arrives (Total: $44).
- Renewal ($33) issues a brand-new physical card and resets your license for another 8 years in a single step (Total: $33).
If you are within your 2-year renewal window, selecting “Renew” instead of “Replace” can save you some money and keep you from having to make another license transaction soon. Note that renewal eligibility is separate from replacement eligibility, so confirm that you qualify before trying to renew your license.
Online
For most Texas drivers, ordering a duplicate card online through the official state portal is the easiest and fastest way to replace a lost license.
To complete your replacement online, you must meet the following criteria:
- You are at least 18 years old.
- Your license is not a Learner or Provisional License.
- Your Social Security Number is on file with DPS.
- You have the license number and audit number from your most recent card.
- You are not making changes to your legal name or identifying information.
What You Need to Complete the Online Application
Gather these items before starting your digital application:
- Your Texas Driver License number
- Your date of birth
- The last 4 digits of your Social Security Number
- The 20-digit audit number from your current card
- An accepted credit or debit card for fee payment
- A printer or device capable of saving a PDF receipt
Lost Your Texas License Audit Number?
The audit number (also listed as the “DD number” at the bottom of your physical card) is a 20-digit security code tied to your unique license card.
If your license is lost and you do not have the audit number, you cannot complete the online replacement process. You must schedule an in-person appointment at a DPS office. DPS policy is not to provide the audit number for security reasons.
Online License Replacement Steps
Follow these steps to replace your Texas driver’s license online through TxT or Texas.gov.
- Access a Texas state portal by navigating to Texas.gov or logging into the Texas by Texas (TxT) app, avoiding third-party sites that charge unauthorized processing fees.
- Authenticate your record by entering your Driver License number, date of birth, last 4 digits of your SSN, and 20-digit audit number to unlock your account.
- Confirm your residential and mailing address to ensure the address on file is current, keeping in mind that state law allows you to update your residential address at the same time as your replacement transaction.
- Submit your payment for the required $11 replacement fee using a major credit or debit card.
- Download and print your 60-day temporary permit immediately; this serves as your official driver’s license while your new card is in transit.
In Person
If you cannot complete a Texas driver’s license replacement online, you can visit a DPS office to have your identity verified and apply for a duplicate card.
You must complete your replacement in person if:
- You do not know your 20-digit audit number.
- You are under 18 years of age or hold a Learner or Provisional License.
- You are a non-U.S. citizen requiring updated lawful presence verification.
- You need to update your legal name (requires supporting court orders or marriage certificates).
- Your license is currently suspended, revoked, or disqualified.
- You suspect fraudulent use or identity theft involving your driver’s license.
Note for Non-Citizens: Non-U.S. citizens may qualify for online replacement (not renewal). An in-office replacement appointment is required if the DPS needs updated lawful-presence documentation or cannot verify the applicant’s status electronically.
What to Expect at Your DPS Visit
All DPS offices operate by appointment only, so your first move should be to schedule your visit online using the official Texas DPS Appointment Scheduler portal.
Once you have an appointment:
- Print and fill out Form DL-14A, the Application for Texas Driver License or Identification Card, but wait to sign the form in front of an agent.
- The DPS staff will collect your signature, thumbprints, and take a new digital photo.
- Pay the fee using cash, check, money order, or credit card.
- You will be given a temporary paper license that is valid for 60 days. Your plastic card will arrive in the mail within 2 to 3 weeks.
What to Bring to Your DPS Appointment
For a routine in-person replacement, the DPS instructs applicants to bring one acceptable primary, secondary, or supporting identity document. Proof of citizenship or lawful presence and your Social Security Number are required only if DPS has not previously received that documentation. However, you must bring original or certified copies of your identity documents. Uncertified photocopies and digital forms are not accepted.
| Identity Document Category | Accepted Examples |
| Primary Identity Document | • Valid U.S. passport • Permanent resident card (Form I-551) • Employment authorization card (Form I-766) • U.S. citizenship or naturalization certificate with photo • Unexpired U.S. military ID |
| Secondary Identity Document | • Original or certified U.S. birth certificate • Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) • Certified court order showing name and date of birth |
| Supporting Identity Document | • Social Security card • Form W-2 or 1099 • Out-of-state driver license or ID card • Voter registration card • School records or government-issued ID • Texas vehicle registration or title |
By Mail
If you are a Texas resident temporarily living outside the state or country, you can request a replacement card by mail if online processing is unavailable.
To qualify for processing by mail, Texas must remain your permanent legal residence. This method typically applies to:
- Active-duty military members and their dependents
- Out-of-state college students whose parents reside in Texas
- People temporarily residing outside Texas for employment
Your Mail-In License Replacement Request Packet
To request a duplicate license by mail, submit the following:
- Completed Application for Change of Address or Replacement on a Valid Texas Driver License, CDL, or ID Card (Form DL-64)
- Supporting documentation, following the current Form DL-16P instructions and providing the documents that apply to your situation, such as military orders, a military-dependent ID, student enrollment verification, an employer letter, or Texas residency documents
- A check or money order for $10 payable to the “Texas Department of Public Safety”
Mail your completed packet and payment to:
Texas Department of Public Safety
Alternate Issuance I – MSC-0300
P.O. Box 149008
Austin, TX 78714-9008
Mail processing and delivery take longer than online or in-person replacement.
How to Request an Emergency Temporary Driving Permit
If you are stranded out of state without a physical license while waiting for your mail-in request to process, you can request a temporary driving permit via email.
To request a temporary Texas driving permit, email OutOfState@dps.texas.gov with:
- Your full legal name, date of birth, and Texas Driver License number
- Statement explaining your situation and confirming that your Form DL-64 packet and payment have been mailed
The DPS may choose to issue a temporary permit via return email.
License Replacement Fees
The cost to replace a Texas driver’s license depends on whether the transaction is completed online, in person, or by mail. The current DPS fee schedule is:
- Replacement Driver License (Class A, B, C, or M): $11.00
- Replacement Commercial Driver License (CDL): $11.00
- Replacement state identification (ID) card: $11.00
- Out-of-state mail replacement: $10.00
Stolen Licenses & Identity Theft
A lost driver license is an inconvenience, but a stolen license exposes you to identity fraud and more serious problems. If your card was stolen or used fraudulently, you may also need a police report and an in-person DPS review.
When a Police Report is Recommended
If you suspect your license was stolen, it is wise to file a police report. Doing so creates a legal paper trail that protects you from liability if a thief uses your license to open lines of credit, write bad checks, or commit crimes in your name.
A police report is not mandatory, but you should file a report with your local law enforcement agency if:
- You suspect someone is impersonating you using your license details.
- You receive traffic tickets or a court summons for violations you did not commit.
When to Request a Brand New Driver’s License Number
A standard replacement transaction simply prints a new physical card with your existing driver’s license number, while generating a new audit number. If your license information has been used fraudulently, file a police report and bring a copy of the report to a DPS office. DPS staff will evaluate the circumstances and determine whether a new driver-license number is necessary.
If your driver’s license number has been compromised through theft:
- Schedule an in-person DPS appointment.
- Bring a certified copy of your official police report detailing the theft or fraudulent use.
- Request an identity theft review. DPS staff will evaluate the documentation and, if fraud is verified, issue you a completely new Driver License Number.
- Contact the major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit reports.
Steps to Protect Against Identity Fraud
If your license has been stolen, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from identity theft and fraud.
Try the following:
- Place a free fraud alert. Contact one major credit bureau (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit reports. Notifying one automatically alerts all three.
- Report it to the Federal Trade Commission. File a report at IdentityTheft.gov to get a recovery plan.
- Monitor your credit. Request free credit reports to ensure no unauthorized loans or credit cards have been opened in your name.
Special Rules (Minors, CDLs, Non-Citizens)
Minors, commercial drivers, and non-citizens may need to follow different rules for requesting a duplicate license card.
Minors (Under 18)
Minors with a learner’s permit or Provisional License cannot replace their card online. They must visit a DPS office in person accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who must sign the request.
Commercial Driver License (CDL) Holders
CDL holders can request duplicates online provided their medical certificate, self-certification status, and hazardous materials endorsements remain active and clear. If any of these are in question, they will need to visit the office.
Non-Citizens and Temporary Residents
Individuals with limited-term status can request duplicate cards online if their lawful presence documentation is verified and current in the DPS system. If immigration documents require updated verification, an in-person visit with original federal papers (e.g., green card, EAD, I-94) is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive legally if my Texas license is lost?
Texas law requires you to carry your drivers license while operating a motor vehicle and display it when requested by law enforcement. If you’ve lost your license, request a replacement promptly rather than waiting to see if it turns up. When your replacement transaction is approved online or in person, the DPS issues a temporary paper license that will keep you legally compliant.
Can the DPS office give me my audit number over the phone?
The DPS strictly prohibits staff from disclosing license audit numbers over the phone or via digital messaging because of anti-fraud protocols.
What should I do if my lost Texas driver’s license was expired?
Expired cards cannot be replaced; they must be renewed. However, if your card has been expired for over two years, Texas requires you to re-apply as a new driver and retake your exams. You can skip taking the written test at the DPS by completing the TDLR-approved NextDoorDriving Texas Adult Driver’s Ed Course (License #C3424)—featuring the official online DPS test, free audio read-along, interactive video lessons, and instant digital certificate delivery.
How do I replace a lost Texas license if I am under 18?
Drivers under 18 must replace their license in person at a DPS office. Online processing is not permitted for minors. A parent or legal guardian must attend the appointment to sign the required application consent forms.
How long does it take for a replacement Texas license to arrive in the mail?
Your new card will typically arrive in the mail within 3 weeks. You can track card production and shipping progress online using the official DPS “Where’s My Driver License?” tracking tool.
Can I really renew my Texas license 2 years before it expires?
Texas has generous renewal windows for standard adult drivers licenses. Eligible drivers can renew their Texas license up to 2 years before, and up to 2 years after, the expiration date.
Can I Use a Temporary Paper License for Air Travel?
A temporary Texas license is valid for driving, but TSA does not accept it as identification at airport security. Travelers age 18 or older should bring another TSA-accepted ID, or you may need to complete additional identity verification and screening.
