Lost Your Texas Driver’s License? Here’s What to Do

Losing your Texas driver’s license can be rather stressful. It doesn’t have to be, though. Replacing a lost Texas driver’s license is surprisingly easy. You can obtain a new Texas license online or at a driver’s license office. Here’s what you need to do.

It’s happened to the best of us! If it hasn’t yet happened to you, surely a friend of yours has experienced the agony of misplacing their driver’s license. They’ve probably scared you with their travails while attempting to obtain a new one. Even so, if you recently discovered that you don’t have your driver’s license, take a deep breath.

Yes, we know it can be incredibly upsetting to lose or have your driver’s license stolen. However, your priority absolutely must be getting a new or duplicate license as quickly as possible. That is because Texas driving regulations require you to have a current, legal driver’s license with you at all times. Quick action will protect your safety and get you back on the road.

How do I replace my lost driver’s license in Texas?

If you’ve misplaced your wallet and license while out for a night out on the town or while traveling, you should request a replacement as soon as possible. As we mentioned above, if you’re discovered driving without a valid license in Texas, you’ll face harsh legal repercussions.

There are two ways to replace your lost driver’s license in Texas. For a relatively low cost of $11, you can obtain a new license online or at a driver’s licensing office.

How to replace a lost Texas driver’s license online

As per the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), you can obtain a new license using the Online Card Replacement feature. What you’ll need are:

• The number on your driver’s license or ID card
• Your birth date
• Social Security number’s last four digits
• Most recently issued card’s audit number
• Don’t worry if you don’t have the audit number! You can still replace your card online if you have the following verification information:
• Your given name and surname (as they appear on your most recent license or ID)
• Your postal address (as it appears on your most recent license or ID)
• Four security questions and answers

You should get your new license within 45 days of completing this process and paying the $11 replacement charge. Make sure you have a printer handy, so you can print your temporary driver’s license, which is valid for 60 days!

How to replace a lost Texas driver’s license in person at the DPS

Let’s say you don’t have all of the information you need to renew it online, or you prefer to do things face-to-face. The easy seven-step procedure is as follows:

1. Before you go there, complete the driver’s license application.
2. Make an appointment with a licensing authority in your area.
3. Submit your application and identity verification.
4. Present proof of citizenship (or legal presence) and your Social Security number.
5. Leave your fingerprint.
6. Have your photo taken.
7. Pay the replacement price of $11.

And that’s the end of it! Following these procedures, you should be able to obtain a temporary driving license valid for 60 days. Then, within 45 days, your new license will arrive in the mail.

Note: If you are not a citizen of the United States, you must carry one of the following extra pieces of identification:

• A valid US passport with the words “THE BEARER IS A UNITED STATES NATIONAL, NOT A UNITED STATES CITIZEN.”
• A Permanent Resident Card that is valid (often called a green card)
• A valid foreign passport with an immigrant visa and an ADIT stamp is required.

How do I report a lost driver’s license in Texas?

After losing or having your license stolen, the first step is to notify your local TX Police Department. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires you to notify your local police department that your license has been lost or stolen. You can utilize the police report to seek a new license or ID number further to secure your identity rather than a duplicate license.

How long does it take to replace a lost Texas driver’s license?

Your new driving license will be mailed to you in two to three weeks. If you renewed, updated, or modified your driver’s license address, you must print your temporary driver’s license (valid for 60 days) from the receipt page.

What should you do if you lose your Texas license out of state?

If you lose your Texas license while out of state, you should be able to receive a new license online or by mail.

If you don’t have the information needed to seek a replacement online, you can obtain one by mail by completing these four steps:

1. Submit an out-of-state application
2. Show verification of Texas residence
3. Provide proof of your Social Security number.
4. Include the $11 replacement fee (payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety).

Finally, please mail these to the Texas Department of Public Safety PO Box 149008 Austin, TX 78714-9008.

All done? You’ve done well in successfully applying for a new driver’s license. Now that your license is all in order how about some pretty large vehicle insurance savings? After all, everything’s larger in Texas, right?

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