Texas Issues Replacement Licenses Through DPS, Not Your Local County

To get a replacement driver's license in Texas, you submit your request to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), not your county clerk or local DMV. Texas has no county-level driver's license offices. You can request a replacement in person at a DPS Driver License office, by mail using Form DL-44, or online through the DPS website if you meet certain conditions.

The fastest route is usually online if your license was lost or stolen and you have a valid Social Security number on file. If your license was damaged, expired more than two years ago, or you need it for a specific reason (name change, corrected information), you may need to visit a DPS office or mail in your request instead.

Processing time varies by method. Online requests typically process within one to two business days. Mail requests take 10 to 15 business days from the date DPS receives your form. In-person requests at a DPS office are usually completed the same day, though you may wait several hours during peak times.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas DPS handles all driver's license replacements; there is no county office that issues them.
  • You can request a replacement online (fastest), by mail using Form DL-44, or in person at a DPS Driver License office.
  • Online replacement works only if your license was lost or stolen and you have a valid Social Security number on file with DPS.
  • Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to any in-person visit.
  • Replacement licenses cost $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license in Texas.

Online Replacement: The Fastest Option for Lost or Stolen Licenses

If your Texas driver's license was lost or stolen, you can request a replacement online through the DPS website without visiting an office. Go to the DPS Driver License Services page, select "Replace a Lost or Stolen License," and follow the prompts. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Online replacement is available only if your license was lost or stolen — not if it was damaged, expired more than two years ago, or suspended. You also cannot use online replacement if you need to update your address, name, or other information on the license itself. If any of those situations explore, you must use mail or in-person replacement instead.

After you submit your online request, DPS will email you a confirmation number. Your replacement license will arrive by mail within one to two business days in most cases. You can track the status of your order using your confirmation number on the DPS website.

Mail Replacement Using Form DL-44

To request a replacement license by mail, read Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License) from the DPS website, complete it, and mail it to the DPS address listed on the form. Include a copy of your proof of identity and proof of residency. You do not need to include your original license if it was lost or stolen.

Acceptable proof of identity includes a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a consular report of birth abroad. Acceptable proof of residency includes a recent utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement — all must show your current Texas address and be dated within the last 90 days.

Mail your completed form and documents to the DPS address on Form DL-44. Processing takes 10 to 15 business days from the date DPS receives your packet. There is no way to track a mail request once you send it, so keep a copy of everything you mailed and the date you mailed it. If you do not receive your replacement license within three weeks, contact DPS to confirm they received your request.

In-Person Replacement at a DPS Driver License Office

To get a replacement license in person, visit any DPS Driver License office in Texas. You do not have to visit the office in your county — you can go to any location. Bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. If your license was lost or stolen, you do not need to bring the original.

Bring documents that meet DPS requirements. For proof of identity, bring a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, or consular report of birth abroad. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days and showing your current Texas address. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your ITIN documentation.

Most DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location. You can check the hours and location of your nearest office on the DPS website. Arrive early if possible — wait times are longest mid-morning and mid-afternoon. You will receive your replacement license the same day in most cases, though the office may mail it to you if they are processing a high volume of requests.

What to Do If Your License Was Damaged or Expired More Than Two Years Ago

If your license is damaged but not lost, or if it expired more than two years ago, you cannot use online replacement. You must either mail Form DL-44 or visit a DPS office in person. The documents you need are the same: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN.

If your license is damaged, bring the damaged license itself to a DPS office, or include a photo of it with your mailed Form DL-44. DPS will note that the original was damaged and issue a replacement. If your license expired more than two years ago, DPS treats it as a new issuance rather than a straightforward replacement, so the process is the same as getting your first license.

Processing time is the same: same-day service at a DPS office, or 10 to 15 business days by mail. The cost is the same as any other replacement: $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license.

Address Changes and Name Changes on Your Replacement License

If you need to change your address or name when you get your replacement license, you cannot do it online. You must visit a DPS office in person or mail Form DL-44 with the updated information. When you visit in person, bring your proof of identity, proof of residency at your new address, and your Social Security number or ITIN.

For a name change, you must also bring documentation of the legal name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption decree. DPS will not process a name change without this document. If you are changing your address only, proof of residency at the new address is sufficient.

If you mail your request, include copies of your proof of identity, proof of residency at your new address, and your name change document if applicable. Mail everything to the DPS address on Form DL-44. Processing takes 10 to 15 business days.

Cost and Payment Methods

A replacement driver's license costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. If you are replacing a license that was lost, stolen, or damaged, the cost is the same as any other replacement — there is no additional fee for the replacement itself.

At a DPS office, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you are mailing your request, include a check or money order payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety." Do not send cash by mail. If you are requesting a replacement online, you will pay by credit or debit card during the checkout process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my replacement?

If you visit a DPS office in person, you can request a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days while your permanent replacement is being printed. The temporary license costs $5 and is issued the same day. If you are mailing your request or using online replacement, you cannot get a temporary license.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still request a replacement online or by mail using the same process. You do not need to be in Texas to request a replacement. Your replacement license will be mailed to your Texas address on file with DPS.

Do I need to take a new photo for my replacement license?

If you are replacing a license that was lost or stolen and you use online replacement or mail replacement, DPS will use your existing photo from your previous license. If you visit a DPS office in person, you can request a new photo, though it is not required. A new photo costs an additional $5.

How long is a replacement license valid?

A replacement license is valid for the same length of time as your original license. If you chose a four-year license, your replacement is valid for four years from the date it is issued. If you chose an eight-year license, it is valid for eight years.

What if DPS says they never received my mailed request?

Contact DPS by phone at 1-888-589-6789 to report that your request was not received. Have your confirmation number or the date you mailed your form ready. DPS can check their records and may ask you to resubmit your request. If you mailed it more than three weeks ago, ask DPS to investigate whether it was lost in the mail.