How to Replace a Lost or Damaged Driver License in Texas

Where to replace your Texas driver license

You can replace a lost or damaged Texas driver license at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The DPS runs all driver license services in Texas — there is no separate county office or third-party vendor. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website by entering your city or zip code.

You also have the option to renew or replace your license by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked and you meet certain conditions. Mail replacement is slower than in-person service but saves you a trip. The DPS will send you a replacement license to your mailing address within two to three weeks after they receive your request.

Some DPS offices are busier than others. If you go in person, arriving early in the day or on a weekday morning typically means shorter wait times than afternoons or Saturdays.

Key Takeaways

You must go to a Texas Department of Public Safety office in person or request replacement by mail, and you will need to bring your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of residency.
Replacement by mail takes two to three weeks and costs less than in-person replacement, but you cannot use it if your license is suspended or revoked.
In-person replacement at a DPS office usually takes 20 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is, and you receive your new license the same day.
The replacement fee is $16 for a standard license and $32 for a Real ID-compliant license, and you can pay by cash, check, or debit card at most offices.

What documents you need to bring

Bring your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of residency. You do not need to bring your old license if it is lost, but bring it if you have it.

For proof of identity, the DPS accepts a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a consular report of birth abroad. If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your visa, work permit, or other immigration document that shows your name and date of birth.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government document with your current address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 90 days. A cell phone bill or credit card statement does not count.

In-person replacement at a DPS office

Walk into any DPS office during business hours with your documents. You will fill out form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License) at the office — you do not need to fill it out beforehand. A DPS employee will take your photograph, verify your documents, and process your replacement.

The whole process usually takes 20 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You will pay the replacement fee at the counter. Most offices accept cash, debit card, and check, but a few accept only cash, so call ahead if you want to be sure.

You will receive your new license before you leave the office. It is valid when ready, so you can drive home with it.

Mail replacement if you are may be able to access

You can request replacement by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not had more than one license issued in the past 12 months, and your license was not issued for a commercial vehicle. You must also have a valid Texas address on file with the DPS.

read form DL-44 (process for Duplicate Driver License) from the DPS website or request it by phone at 1-888-589-6789. Fill it out, sign it, and mail it to the address shown on the form along with a check or money order for $16 (or $32 for Real ID). Do not send cash.

The DPS will mail your replacement license to your address within two to three weeks after they receive your request. You cannot drive legally until the new license arrives. This option is useful if you are not in a hurry and want to avoid a trip to the office.

Real ID versus standard license

A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. A standard license does not have the star and cannot be used for these purposes after May 7, 2025, though you can still use it to drive.

When you replace your license, you can choose either type. Real ID replacement costs $32 instead of $16, and you must bring additional proof of residency — the same documents work, but the DPS checks them more carefully. If you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building, Real ID is worth the extra cost and time.

What happens if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost, you should report it to the police and get a report number. Bring the police report number to the DPS office when you replace your license. The DPS uses this information to flag your old license number in case someone tries to use it fraudulently.

You do not need to do anything else. The DPS will not charge you extra, and the replacement process is the same as for a lost license. If you are concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them.

Replacement fees and payment methods

A standard driver license replacement costs $16. A Real ID-compliant license costs $32. These are the only fees — there are no process fees, processing fees, or other charges.

At a DPS office, you can pay by cash, debit card, or check. A few offices accept only cash, so call ahead if you want to confirm. If you are replacing by mail, send a check or money order only — do not send cash through the mail.

The DPS does not accept credit cards at most offices, though a few locations may have different payment options. If you are unsure, call the office you plan to visit or check the DPS website for that specific location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while I wait for my replacement license in the mail?

No. Once you request replacement by mail, your old license is no longer valid, and you cannot drive legally until the new one arrives. If you need to drive before then, go to a DPS office in person instead.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still replace it by mail or in person at any Texas DPS office. You do not need to be in Texas to request replacement by mail. Bring the same documents (Social Security number, proof of identity, proof of residency) whether you are in Texas or elsewhere.

How long is a replacement license valid?

A replacement license is valid for the same length of time as your original license. If your original license was set to expire in 2028, your replacement license will also expire in 2028. You do not get a new expiration date just because you replaced it.

Do I need an appointment at a DPS office?

No appointment is required at most DPS offices — you can walk in during business hours. However, some offices offer online appointment scheduling to reduce wait times. Check the DPS website for your local office to see if appointments are available.

What if my name has changed since my license was issued?

Bring proof of your name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your other documents. The DPS will issue a new license with your current legal name. This counts as a replacement, not a renewal, so you pay the replacement fee.

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.