What you need to do to get a replacement Texas driver's license
To replace your 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 entire process takes about 15 to 30 minutes at the office. You leave with a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while the permanent card is mailed to you, which typically arrives within two to three weeks.
Texas does not issue replacement licenses by mail or online. You must appear at a DPS driver's license office yourself — you cannot send someone else on your behalf. The fee for a replacement license is $16 if your license is still valid, or $25 if it has expired.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS driver's license office in person with a valid form of ID and proof of your current address.
- Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card or tax return.
- The replacement fee is $16 for a valid license or $25 for an expired one, paid by cash, check, or card at the office.
- You receive a temporary paper license when ready and the permanent card arrives by mail in two to three weeks.
- DPS offices do not require an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day.
Documents to bring to the DPS office
Bring one document that proves your identity. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, military ID, state ID card, certified birth certificate, or a foreign passport with a U.S. visa. If your license is not expired, you can bring the expired license itself as proof of identity.
You also need proof that you live in Texas. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address works. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a recent document in your name, you can bring a notarized affidavit of residency, which you can obtain from a notary public.
Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it. A Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form satisfies this requirement. If you do not have your Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your number.
Where to find a DPS driver's license office near you
Texas has DPS driver's license offices in most cities and many smaller towns. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website at dps.texas.gov. Search by city or county, and the site shows the office address, phone number, and hours of operation.
Some offices are busier than others. Offices in large cities often have longer waits during lunch hours and late afternoon. If you have a choice of locations, visiting an office in a smaller town or going early in the morning may mean a shorter wait. You do not need an appointment, but some offices offer optional appointment scheduling through the DPS website.
What happens at the DPS office
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give your documents to the staff member. They will verify your identity and residency, check your Social Security number against DPS records, and ask you a few questions about your address and any name changes. This verification process takes a few minutes.
Next, you will have your photo taken. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in. The photo will appear on your license for the next eight years, so the DPS staff will ask you to remove hats, sunglasses, and other items that cover your face. You will then pay the replacement fee — $16 or $25 depending on whether your previous license was valid or expired.
Before you leave, the staff member will give you a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and has the same legal weight as a permanent card. You can use it to drive, board a plane, or present it as ID. Your permanent plastic card will be mailed to the address you provided and should arrive within two to three weeks.
Replacing a license if yours was lost, stolen, or damaged
The process is the same whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. You do not need to file a police report or provide proof of loss. straightforward bring your documents to the DPS office and tell the staff member what happened to your old license. If your license was stolen and you are concerned about identity theft, you can place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — by contacting any one of them.
If your license was damaged but still readable, you can bring it with you. The DPS staff will take it and issue a replacement. If it is too damaged to bring, just explain the situation at the office.
Replacing an expired license
If your license has expired, the replacement fee is $25 instead of $16. You still bring the same documents and follow the same process. The DPS will not ask you to retake a written or driving test — a replacement is not the same as a renewal, which requires testing if your license has been expired for more than two years.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you will need to take the written test and driving test to restore your license, not just replace it. In that case, you should contact the DPS office directly to understand what tests you need and how to schedule them.
What to do if you cannot visit an office in person
Texas does not offer mail-in or online replacement for driver's licenses. If you are unable to visit an office due to a disability or medical condition, you can request a home visit by calling the DPS office in your area. Home visits are available in limited circumstances and must be scheduled in advance. Call the DPS office nearest you to ask whether a home visit is an option for your situation.
If you are out of state temporarily, you can still use your expired Texas license as ID in most situations. When you return to Texas, visit a DPS office to replace it. If you have moved out of Texas permanently, you will need to obtain a driver's license from your new state instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a replacement license in the mail?
The permanent plastic card usually arrives within two to three weeks of your visit to the DPS office. Mail times can vary depending on where you live in Texas and current postal delays. You can use the temporary paper license during this time.
Can I replace my license if it is suspended or revoked?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot replace it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the DPS or the court that issued the suspension to find out how to restore your driving privileges.
What if I have changed my name since my license was issued?
Bring a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS will update your name in their system and issue a replacement license with your new name.
Do I need to bring my old license if I still have it?
You do not need to bring your old license if it is lost or stolen. If you still have it and it is not expired, you can bring it as proof of identity, which may speed up the process slightly. If it is expired or damaged, bringing it is optional.
Can I get a replacement license the same day?
Yes. The temporary paper license is issued the same day you visit the DPS office and is valid when ready. The permanent plastic card arrives by mail later. The temporary license has the same legal validity as the permanent card.