How to Replace a Texas Driver's License

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In Texas, replacing your lost or stolen driver's license is fairly simple. Fill out an application form for a new license and submit it in person to your local department of motor vehicles (DMV) office, with proper ID and a processing fee. If you are replacing your driver's license because of a change of address, visit the Texas Department of Public Safety Driver License Division's website to apply for a new card.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Replacing a Lost or Stolen License

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  1. To replace your lost or stolen license, you will have to show up to a DMV office in person. Use your city or postal code to search online for the nearest Texas location. For searchable listings of all Texas DMV offices, visit the DMV website at https://www.dmv.org/tx-texas/dmv-office-finder.php .
    • Check the operating hours of each office before visiting one, as they can vary between locations.
  2. You will need to submit a completed application for the renewal, replacement, or change of a Texas driver's license when you go to the DMV. Fill out your personal and contact information and answer all of the questions below by indicating "yes" or "no." Print out this form from the Texas Department of Public Safety website. [1]
    • If you don't have a printer you can obtain a copy of this form at the DMV and complete it in person.
    • Form DL-43 is available in English and Spanish.
    • Do not leave any fields on the form blank.
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  3. To confirm your identity, bring a primary document that proves who you are, such as a passport or military ID. If you do not have one of these forms of identification, bring 2 secondary forms of ID, like your birth certificate and health insurance card. If you only have 1 form of secondary ID, bring 2 supporting documents, such as a voter registration card and social security card. [2]
    • To view a complete list of all of the acceptable documents for both primary and secondary forms of ID, visit the Texas Department of Safety website at https://www.dps.texas.gov/internetforms/forms/dl-57.pdf .
    • Note that photocopies of these documents will not be accepted.
    • If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need to present a valid U.S. passport, permanent resident card, or foreign passport with an attached temporary I-551.
  4. Once your application form and ID have been reviewed and accepted by a DMV agent, pay the $11 fee for a replacement license. You can pay by cash, check, money order, or major credit card. Hold onto your receipt for proof of this payment. [3]
  5. Once you have paid for your new license, you will need to provide visual proof of identification for your new card. Follow the DMV agent's instructions for getting your picture taken. Submit a thumbprint that will also confirm your identity on the card. [4]
    • If you are required by law to wear glasses while driving, wear them for your ID photo as well. [5]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Changing the Address on Your Card

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  1. If you want to replace your Texas driver's license to update the address, do so on the official website of the state. To use this online service you will need a copy of your current driver's license. To access this service, visit the Texas Department of Public Safety Driver License Division's page at https://txapps.texas.gov/tolapp/txdl/ .
    • This online service can't be used to replace a lost or stolen license.
  2. To access the Driver License Renewal and Change of Address system, type enter your date of birth and the last 4 digits of your social security number when prompted to. Refer to your current license to enter your license number. Enter the audit number that appears towards the bottom of your license as well. [6]
    • Note that all of these fields are required. if you are missing any of this information, you will have to present yourself at DMV office to change your address on your license.
  3. Once you are logged in, select the option for changing your driver's license address. Type in your new address in full. Double check the information before proceeding to the next step. [7]
  4. Once you have updated your address and confirmed it, you will have to pay for your new card. Use a valid Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express card to pay the $25 fee. Carefully enter the credit card number as well as the cardholder's name and 3-digit security number. [8]
  5. Once you renew your license with the correct address, you can print a temporary license to use. This temporary license will be valid for 45 days. Use your temporary license until you receive the new one by mail, which should arrive within the same 45 day period.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Is there a hardship form for my teen driver?
    Maura Behan
    Community Answer
    Yes, there is a hardship form for teens to obtain a driver's license in certain circumstances. In Texas it's called the Minor Parental Request for a Hardship Driver License form. It allows a teen to apply for a hardship license if they meet specific eligibility criteria, such as needing to drive due to family hardship or medical necessity. You can obtain this form and get more information from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website or by visiting a local DPS office.
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  • Question
    What is the web address for replacing your driver's license?
    Maura Behan
    Community Answer
    The web address for replacing your driver's license in Texas is found on the official website of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Look for the specific section related to driver's licenses, or use their search feature to find the exact page for replacing a driver's license.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    I want to change the photo on my driver's license online. How do I accomplish this?
    Maura Behan
    Community Answer
    In Texas you cannot change your driver's license photo online. To update your photo, you must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver license office in person. Bring your current driver's license, fill out an application for a replacement license, pay the required fee, and have a new photo taken at the office. Check the Texas DPS website or contact them directly for specific instructions and to confirm what documents and fees are required for this process.
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      Tips

      • Report your missing or stolen driver's license to the police as soon as possible to prevent identity fraud.
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      • Note that when you replace a lost or stolen driver's license, the expiration date on the license will remain the same.
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      • To be safe, bring extra forms of ID to the DMV to make sure that you have enough acceptable documents to prove your identity.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.dmv.org/tx-texas/replace-license.php
      2. ↑ https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/identification-requirements
      3. ↑ https://www.dmv.org/tx-texas/replace-license.php
      4. ↑ https://www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/replace.htm
      5. ↑ https://driving-tests.org/beginner-drivers/top-7-tips-excellent-drivers-license-photo/
      6. ↑ https://txapps.texas.gov/tolapp/txdl/login.dl?locale=en
      7. ↑ https://www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/replace.htm
      8. ↑ https://txapps.texas.gov/tolapp/txdl/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you live in Texas, replacing your lost or stolen driver’s license is relatively simple. You’ll need to fill out an application form for a new license, which you can find on the department of motor vehicles website or at their local office. Submit your application in person so you can also present acceptable proof of ID, like a passport or military ID. If you don’t have either of these documents, bring 2 secondary forms of ID, like your birth certificate and health insurance card. If you only have 1 form of secondary ID, bring 2 supporting documents, like a voter registration card and a social security card. There’s also an 11 dollar processing fee that you’ll need to pay at that time. The DMV agent will give you instructions for getting your picture taken and having a thumbprint taken to confirm your identity on the card. To learn how to change your address on your driver’s license, keep reading!

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