Where to get a replacement driver's license in Texas

You can replace your Texas driver's license at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. These are the official locations where you'll submit your documents and take a new photo. DPS has about 130 service centers across the state, including offices in major cities and smaller towns. You can find the location nearest you and check current wait times on the DPS website.

You can also renew or replace your license through a county tax assessor-collector's office in some counties. Not all counties offer this service, so check with your local tax assessor-collector first. If they do provide driver's license services, the process is the same as at a DPS office, and you may have shorter wait times than at a busy DPS location.

Some DPS offices allow you to schedule an appointment online before you go in. This can save you time, especially in urban areas where walk-in lines are long. If your office offers appointments, book one through the DPS website rather than showing up without one.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office or participating county tax assessor-collector in person to replace your driver's license; Texas does not allow online or mail-in replacements.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or legal presence — the exact documents depend on whether you're renewing or replacing.
  • A replacement license costs $16 if your current license is still valid, or $25 if it's expired; payment is cash, check, or card depending on the office.
  • You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks under normal circumstances.
  • If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, tell the DPS staff when you arrive so they can mark it as a replacement rather than a renewal.

Documents you need to bring

The documents required depend on whether you're replacing an expired license or one that's still valid. If your license is still valid and you're just replacing it because it's lost, stolen, or damaged, bring your current license, one proof of residency, and one proof of citizenship or legal presence. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address. Proof of citizenship can be a birth certificate, passport, or certificate of naturalization.

If your license has expired, you'll need the same documents plus you may need to pass a vision test. Some offices also require a new photo even if your current license photo is recent. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number — a tax return, W-2, or 1099 form works.

If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a document proving the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're replacing a license that was suspended or revoked, you'll need to resolve that issue with DPS before you can get a replacement.

The cost and payment methods

A replacement license costs $16 if your current license is still valid. If your license has expired, the cost is $25. Some DPS offices accept cash, check, and debit or credit card, but not all locations take all payment types. Call ahead or check the DPS website for your specific office's payment methods to avoid a wasted trip.

If you're replacing a license that was damaged by the state (for example, a printing error), DPS may waive the fee. Ask the staff when you arrive whether your situation qualifies.

What happens when you arrive at the office

When you check in, tell the staff member whether you're replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license or renewing an expired one. This matters because the system processes replacements and renewals differently. They'll take your documents, verify your information, and ask you to sit for a new photo. The photo is taken at the office, so you don't need to bring one.

You'll then be asked to sign the back of your new license. The staff will give you a temporary paper license that's valid when ready while your plastic card is printed and mailed. Keep this paper license with you until your plastic card arrives — it's your proof of a valid license if you're stopped by police or need to show it for employment or banking.

The entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is and whether you have all your documents. If you're missing a document, you'll be turned away and asked to return with it.

When your new license arrives by mail

Your plastic driver's license is mailed to the address you provided at the DPS office. Under normal circumstances, it arrives within two to three weeks. During high-volume periods or if there are printing delays, it can take longer. You can track your license status on the DPS website using your driver's license number and date of birth.

If your license doesn't arrive within four weeks, contact DPS to report it. They can check whether it was mailed and investigate if it was lost in transit. If it was lost, DPS can issue a replacement at no charge.

Once your plastic license arrives, the temporary paper license is no longer valid. Destroy it or keep it for your records — either way, you must carry your plastic license when you drive.

Replacing a license that was suspended or revoked

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot get a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted. You'll need to resolve the underlying issue first, which might involve paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a mandatory suspension period. Contact DPS or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do.

Once the suspension or revocation is cleared, you can follow the standard replacement process. Bring documentation showing that the suspension has been lifted — DPS can look this up in their system, but having a letter or court order with you speeds things up.

Replacing a license if you've moved out of state

If you've moved to another state and need to replace your Texas license before you get a license in your new state, you can still do so by mail or in person at a DPS office if you're visiting Texas. To replace by mail, contact DPS to request a replacement process. You'll mail in your documents and payment, and DPS will mail your new license to an address you provide — this can be your new out-of-state address or a Texas address if you have one.

This process takes longer than in-person replacement because of mailing time. If you need the license quickly, it's faster to get a license in your new state instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online or by mail?

Texas does not allow online replacement. You must visit a DPS office or county tax assessor-collector in person, except in limited cases where you can mail documents to DPS if you've moved out of state. Call DPS or check their website to see whether mail-in replacement is an option for your situation.

What if I don't have a proof of residency document?

You need at least one document showing your current address. If you don't have a utility bill or lease, ask DPS what other documents they accept — some offices take a notarized letter from a landlord, a recent tax return, or a bank statement. Call your local DPS office before you go to confirm what they'll take.

Do I need to take a written test or driving test to replace my license?

No. A replacement license does not require a written test or driving test. You'll take a vision test at the office, and that's the only test required. If your license was suspended for a safety violation, you may need to take a defensive driving course before you can replace it, but that's separate from the replacement process.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

Bring a document proving the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS staff will update your name in the system and issue a license with your new name. This doesn't cost extra — you pay the standard replacement fee.

How do I check if my new license has been mailed?

Go to the DPS website and use the license status tracker. Enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will show you whether your license has been printed and mailed. If it shows no status after four weeks, contact DPS to report it as potentially lost in the mail.