How to Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Texas Driver's License

Where to replace your Texas driver's license

You can replace your Texas driver's license at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The DPS runs all driver's license services in Texas — there is no separate county or municipal office for this. You can find the nearest location on the DPS website by entering your zip code, or call the DPS at 1-844-DPS-5555 to confirm hours before you go.

You have three ways to replace your license: in person at a DPS office, by mail if your license was lost or stolen, or online through the DPS website if you meet certain conditions. Each route has different requirements and timelines, so the right choice depends on why you need a replacement and how quickly you need it.

Key Takeaways

You must go to a DPS office in person unless your license was lost or stolen, in which case you can request a replacement by mail or online.
Bring your Social Security number, proof of Texas residency (a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days), and payment — the fee is $16 for a standard replacement.
If your license was damaged but not lost or stolen, you must replace it in person at a DPS office.
Processing times vary: in-person replacements are usually ready within one to two weeks, mail replacements take four to six weeks, and online replacements take five to seven business days.
You can check the status of a replacement you ordered by mail or online using your case number on the DPS website.

Replacing your license in person at a DPS office

Walk-in service is available at all DPS offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices in rural areas often have shorter waits than those in cities. You can also schedule an appointment online through the DPS website, which reserves a time slot and usually reduces your wait to 15 to 30 minutes.

Bring your Social Security number, proof of Texas residency dated within the last 90 days (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement works), and $16 in cash or card. You will also need to provide your current address. If your license was damaged, bring the damaged license with you. If it was lost or stolen, you do not need to bring it, but you should report the loss or theft to local police and bring the police report number if you have one.

The DPS will take a new photo and print your replacement on the spot or mail it to you within one to two weeks. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, ask the DPS office for a temporary paper license — they issue these at no extra cost and they are valid for 45 days.

Replacing your license by mail if it was lost or stolen

If your license was lost or stolen, you can request a replacement by mail without visiting a DPS office. Go to the DPS website, select "Replace a Lost or Stolen License," and fill out the online form. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and the date you discovered the loss or theft.

Pay the $16 fee online using a credit or debit card. The DPS will mail your replacement to the address you provide. Processing takes four to six weeks from the date they receive your request. You can track your replacement using the case number the DPS sends you by email after you submit the form.

While you wait, you cannot drive legally unless you have a temporary paper license. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you must visit a DPS office in person to request a temporary license. Some offices will issue one on the same day if you show proof that you have already ordered a replacement by mail.

Replacing your license online if it was lost or stolen

The DPS also offers online replacement for lost or stolen licenses through their website. This route is faster than mail replacement — processing takes five to seven business days instead of four to six weeks. You will need a valid email address, your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to pay the $16 fee.

The DPS will mail your replacement to your address on file. You can check the status using the case number they email you. Like the mail route, you cannot drive legally while you wait unless you obtain a temporary paper license in person at a DPS office.

Online replacement is not available if your license was damaged, suspended, or revoked. It is only for lost or stolen licenses. If you are unsure whether you are may be able to access, the DPS website will tell you when you start the process.

What to do if your license was damaged

Damaged licenses — torn, faded, or with a photo that no longer looks like you — must be replaced in person at a DPS office. You cannot use the mail or online routes. Bring your damaged license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, your Social Security number, and $16.

The DPS will issue a temporary paper license on the spot if you ask, and your replacement will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. If the damage makes your license unreadable, bring any other form of ID you have so the DPS can verify your identity.

Fees and what they cover

A standard replacement license costs $16, whether you replace it in person, by mail, or online. This is the same fee for all three routes. The fee covers the new license card and postage if you choose mail or online replacement.

If you need a temporary paper license while you wait, there is no extra charge — the DPS issues it at no cost. If you want your replacement mailed to an address different from the one on your current license, there is no extra fee for that either.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while I wait for my replacement license?

Not legally, unless you have a temporary paper license. If you replaced your license in person, ask for a temporary license and you can drive when ready. If you ordered by mail or online, you must visit a DPS office to get a temporary license. Some offices will issue one on the same day if you show proof that you have already ordered a replacement.

What if I moved to Texas recently and my old license is from another state?

You cannot replace an out-of-state license in Texas. You must get a new Texas license instead. Visit a DPS office with your out-of-state license, proof of Texas residency, Social Security number, and $16. The process is the same as a replacement, but the DPS will issue a new Texas license rather than renew your old one.

How do I check the status of a replacement I ordered by mail or online?

The DPS sends you a case number by email after you submit your request. Go to the DPS website, select "Check process Status," and enter your case number and date of birth. The website will show you whether your replacement is being processed, has been mailed, or is ready for pickup.

What if I lost my license and my Social Security card at the same time?

You can still replace your license. Bring your proof of residency and any other form of ID you have. The DPS can look up your Social Security number using your name and date of birth. If you cannot remember your Social Security number, call the DPS at 1-844-DPS-5555 before you visit and they can confirm it for you.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. If you ordered by mail or online, the DPS mails your replacement to the address you provided — you do not pick it up at an office. If you need someone to collect it from your mailbox, that is between you and that person, but the DPS will not release it to anyone else. If you ordered in person and asked for it to be mailed, only you can collect it when it arrives.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.