Texas Lost Learner's Permit Replacement: In-Person Only, $11 Fee

Lost your Texas learner's permit or instruction permit? Learner's permits require in-person replacement at a DPS office. The replacement fee is $11.

Lost Your Texas Permit? In-Person Replacement Is the Only Option

A learner license is not eligible for the ordinary Texas.gov online replacement route. Texas.gov says online replacement requires the driver to be at least 18 and the license cannot be provisional or learner.

Schedule an in-person DPS appointment for the replacement. Use DL-14B if you are under 17 years 10 months, or DL-14A if you are 17 years 10 months or older. The replacement fee is $11.

If the permit was stolen, report the theft when appropriate. The key replacement rule is that the learner credential itself must be handled through DPS rather than the standard online replacement flow.

Official online eligibility: Texas.gov.

Can I drive while waiting for my replacement Texas learner permit?

Do not rely on a photo or photocopy of the lost card. Once DPS completes the replacement transaction, use any temporary credential DPS issues while the replacement card is mailed. Texas temporary driver licenses are generally valid for 60 days. See DPS temporary-permit FAQ.

Do I need a police report if my Texas learner permit was stolen?

Not for every ordinary loss or theft. DPS specifically says to file a police report when the stolen license has been used fraudulently, then bring a copy so DPS can decide whether a new license number is needed. See DPS lost/stolen FAQ.

Documents Required at the DPS Counter

For an in-person replacement, bring the replacement application and proof of identity. DPS may also require citizenship/lawful-presence or Social Security documentation when that information is not already on file.

Do not treat two residency documents, a VOE, a DE-964 certificate and proof of the knowledge test as automatic requirements for every lost learner-license replacement.

Check the current DPS replacement instructions before the appointment.

Does a parent need to bring the teen to DPS for a replacement permit?

The learner-license holder should appear for the in-person replacement because DPS's replacement process includes identity review, biometric information, and a new photo. The public replacement page does not say that every teen replacement always requires a parent, so bring a parent or guardian when the office needs under-18 authorization or supporting residency information.

Common Problems When Replacing a Lost Permit

Replacement problems usually come from using the wrong application form, not being able to prove identity, or having outdated address information on file. Use the form for your age and check your DPS record before the appointment.

Tips That Prevent the Most Common Replacement Delays

• Book the replacement through the Texas DPS appointment system.
• Use DL-14B if under 17 years 10 months; use DL-14A if 17 years 10 months or older.
• Bring the identity proof required for the replacement and any additional citizenship/lawful-presence or SSN documents DPS says are missing from your record.
• Use the separate DPS Hours & Best Times page for office-volume advice rather than relying on a fixed day or time here.

Replacement Process Summary

Does replacing a lost permit restart the six-month holding period?

No. A replacement is a duplicate of the existing license record, not a new learner-license start date. Texas lists the replacement as keeping the current expiration date, so replacing the card does not restart the original holding period.

Will my permit number or expiration date change after replacement?

The expiration date normally stays the same on a replacement. If a stolen credential was used fraudulently, DPS may decide to issue a new license number after reviewing the police report and identity-theft circumstances. See Texas DPS replacement guidance.

What should I do if I find my old permit after the replacement arrives? Use the most recently issued credential. Do not continue using the old card after DPS has replaced it; keep it secure until you can destroy it so it cannot be mistaken for the current credential.