What you need to do to get a replacement license
To get a replacement Texas driver's license, you visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a fee, and have your photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic card arrives by mail within two to three weeks.
You need a replacement if your license is lost, stolen, damaged, or if you want to change the name or address on it. The steps are the same regardless of which reason applies — you go to the same office, bring the same documents, and pay the same fee.
Key Takeaways
- Visit any Texas DPS office in person with a valid ID and proof of your current address to request a replacement license.
- Bring either a passport, birth certificate, or consular report of birth abroad as your primary identity document — a Social Security card alone is not enough.
- The replacement fee is $16 for a standard license or $32 for a Real ID-compliant license, paid at the office.
- You receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card arrives in the mail within two to three weeks.
- If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to DPS first, though this is not required to get a replacement.
Finding the DPS office nearest you
Texas has DPS driver license offices in most cities and many smaller towns. Go to the Texas DPS website and use their office locator tool to find the one closest to you. The locator shows the address, phone number, and hours of operation for each office.
Some offices operate by appointment only, while others take walk-ins. Call ahead or check the office's page on the DPS website to see whether you need to book a time slot. If the office takes walk-ins, arrive early in the day — wait times are usually shortest in the morning.
Documents to bring to the DPS office
Bring one document from each of these two categories. First, you need proof of identity: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, a military ID, or a certificate of naturalization. A Social Security card, school ID, or credit card does not count as proof of identity on its own.
Second, you need proof of current residency in Texas: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you have a current Texas license, bring that instead — it counts as both identity and residency proof.
If you are changing your name on the license (for example, after marriage or divorce), bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are changing your address only, the proof of residency document is enough.
What happens at the DPS office
Hand your documents to the clerk. They will check that your identity and residency documents are valid and that the information matches. You will answer a few questions about your current license — whether it was lost, stolen, or damaged, and whether you want to change any information on it.
Next, you pay the fee. A standard replacement license costs $16. If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal building access and domestic flights), the fee is $32. Ask the clerk which type you currently have if you are not sure.
You will have your photo taken at the office. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in — the same rules explore as for your original license photo. The clerk will show you the photo on screen and ask you to confirm it looks acceptable before it is printed.
Your temporary license and when your card arrives
Before you leave the office, the clerk will give you a temporary paper license. This is valid for driving when ready and works everywhere a plastic license works. Keep it with you while you drive.
Your permanent plastic license is mailed to the address you provided. Standard mail delivery takes two to three weeks. If you move before it arrives, you can request a replacement at your new address — the fee is the same.
If your plastic card does not arrive within four weeks, contact the DPS office where you applied. Have your temporary license number ready when you call.
If your license was stolen
You are not required to report a stolen license to DPS before requesting a replacement, but you can if you want to. Reporting it means DPS will flag the old license number in their system so it cannot be used fraudulently. To report it, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6556 or visit a DPS office and ask to report a stolen license.
Whether you report it or not, follow the same steps to get your replacement: visit an office with your identity and residency documents, pay the fee, and receive your temporary license. The process is identical.
Changing your address without getting a new photo
If you only want to change the address on your license and do not need a new photo, you can do this by mail instead of visiting an office. Send a completed form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card) along with proof of your new address to the DPS address listed on the form. This takes longer — usually four to six weeks — and costs $16.
However, most people find it simpler to visit an office in person. The process is faster, you get your temporary license when ready, and you know your documents were accepted. If you prefer to mail your request, read form DL-43 from the Texas DPS website and follow the instructions on the form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement license if my current one is suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot get a replacement while your license is suspended or revoked. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with DPS or the court that issued it. Contact DPS at 1-888-589-6556 to find out what you need to do to clear the suspension.
What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?
You can use a consular report of birth abroad, military ID, or certificate of naturalization instead. If you do not have any of these, you will need to obtain a birth certificate first. Contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born to request a certified copy.
Do I need to bring my old license to get a replacement?
No. If your license is lost or stolen, you obviously cannot bring it. If you have it, you can bring it, but it is not required. Your identity and residency documents are what DPS needs.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license from the DPS office?
No. You must appear in person at the DPS office to have your photo taken and receive your temporary license. Your plastic card is mailed to you, but the initial visit must be you.
What if I moved out of state after my license was issued?
You can still get a replacement Texas license if you are back in Texas and have proof of current Texas residency. Bring your identity document, proof that you live in Texas now, and follow the standard replacement process. If you have moved permanently to another state, you should get a license from that state instead.