Where to order your new Texas driver's license
You can order a replacement Texas driver's license through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail, or in person at a DPS driver license office. The online option is the fastest if your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago. If your license is older than that or was suspended or revoked, you will need to visit an office or mail in your request with additional documents.
The Texas DPS website lets you order online at dps.texas.gov under the "Driver License" section. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. If you order online, the new license ships to the address on file, usually within 7 to 10 business days after approval.
For mail orders, read the DL-44 form from the DPS website, fill it out, and mail it with a copy of your ID and proof of address to the address listed on the form. Mail processing takes longer — typically two to three weeks — because DPS has to receive your documents, process them, and then mail your new license back to you.
Key Takeaways
- Online ordering through dps.texas.gov is fastest if your license expired less than two years ago and you have not had it suspended or revoked.
- You will need proof of identity and proof of your current address, whether you order online, by mail, or in person.
- Online orders ship within 7 to 10 business days; mail orders take two to three weeks total.
- If your license is very old or has a suspension or revocation on it, you must visit a DPS office in person or include court documents with your mail request.
- DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, and some locations offer Saturday hours — check your local office's schedule before you go.
What documents you need to bring or send
For any method — online, mail, or in person — you need proof of identity and proof of your current address. Proof of identity can be your expired Texas driver's license, a passport, a birth certificate, or a military ID. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and current address.
If you are ordering online and your information matches what DPS has on file, you may not need to upload documents. The system will tell you during the process whether documents are required. If you are ordering by mail or in person, bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone are usually not accepted.
If your license was suspended, revoked, or cancelled, you will need additional documents proving the reason for the suspension has been resolved. This might include a court order, proof of payment for traffic fines, or a letter from the agency that initiated the suspension. Call your local DPS office before mailing or visiting to confirm what specific documents they need.
Ordering in person at a DPS office
Walking into a DPS driver license office is the most direct route if you need your replacement quickly or if your situation is complicated. Bring your documents, fill out the DL-44 form on site, and a staff member will process your request while you wait. You will pay the replacement fee — currently $16 for a standard license — and receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.
DPS offices are busiest in the morning and on Mondays and Fridays. If you can go mid-week in the afternoon, you will usually wait less. Many offices do not take appointments, so you arrive and take a number. Some larger cities have opened express offices with shorter wait times — check the DPS website to see if your area has one.
Hours vary by location. Most offices open at 8 a.m. and close between 5 and 6 p.m. on weekdays. Some locations have Saturday hours from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Look up your nearest office on dps.texas.gov and call ahead if you want to confirm hours or ask about current wait times.
Fees and what they cover
A replacement driver's license costs $16 in Texas. This is the standard fee for a regular Class C license. If you need a Real ID-compliant license — which is required for federal buildings and domestic flights starting May 7, 2025 — the fee is $32. The difference is that a Real ID requires additional identity verification and proof of citizenship or lawful presence.
The fee covers the license itself and shipping if you order online or by mail. There are no additional processing fees or rush fees through the standard DPS process. If you use a third-party service or vendor, they may charge extra, but ordering directly through DPS does not.
Payment methods depend on how you order. Online orders accept credit and debit cards. Mail orders require a check or money order. In-person orders accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most locations, though some offices may have different payment options — call ahead if you want to confirm.
When your license is suspended or revoked
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward order a replacement and start driving again. A suspension or revocation is a separate action from the physical license card. Ordering a new card does not lift the suspension. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension — paying traffic fines, completing a defensive driving course, paying child support arrears, or whatever the specific cause is — and then request that DPS reinstate your driving privileges.
Once your suspension is lifted, you can order a replacement license. If you order before the suspension is resolved, DPS will reject your request or issue a license that is not valid for driving. Contact the DPS Enforcement Division or the agency that suspended your license to find out what steps you need to take. The DPS website has a tool to check your driving record and see if there are any holds or suspensions on your account.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
The process for ordering a replacement is the same whether your license is lost, stolen, damaged, or straightforward expired. You do not need to file a police report for a lost or stolen license before ordering a replacement, though you may want to for your own records. Just order through the method that works best for you — online, mail, or in person.
If your license was stolen and you are concerned about identity theft, you can place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) at the same time you order your replacement. This is a separate step from ordering your license and does not delay the process. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.
How long it takes and what to expect
Online orders are fastest: DPS approves your request and ships your new license within 7 to 10 business days. You should receive it within two weeks of ordering. Mail orders take longer because DPS must receive your documents, process them, print your license, and mail it back — typically two to three weeks total, sometimes longer if documents are missing or unclear.
In-person orders give you a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 45 days. Your permanent license ships separately and arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, the temporary license is valid for all driving purposes.
If your new license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact DPS to check the status. You can call the DPS Driver License Division or check your order status online if you ordered through the website. Keep your temporary license or your order confirmation number handy when you call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a new license if mine is suspended?
No. A suspension is a separate action from the physical card. You must resolve the reason for the suspension first — paying fines, completing a course, or settling arrears — and request reinstatement from DPS. Only then can you order a replacement license that is valid for driving.
What if I moved and my address changed?
When you order a replacement license, you can update your address at the same time. Provide your new address during the online order, on the DL-44 form if mailing, or tell the staff member if you are in person. Your new license will be mailed to your updated address.
Do I need a Real ID license, or is a regular license okay?
A regular Texas driver's license is fine for driving and most everyday uses. A Real ID is required only if you want to use your license for federal buildings or domestic flights. Real ID requires additional identity verification and proof of citizenship. If you do not need it, a regular license is cheaper and faster to order.
How much does it cost to order online versus in person?
The license itself costs the same — $16 for a regular license, $32 for Real ID — no matter how you order. Online and mail orders include shipping at no extra charge. In-person orders do not have a shipping fee because you receive a temporary license when ready and your permanent license is mailed separately.
What if I ordered online but never received my license?
Contact the DPS Driver License Division with your order confirmation number. They can check whether your license was mailed and provide tracking information. If it was lost in the mail, DPS can reissue it. If your order was rejected, they will tell you why and what documents or steps are needed.