Texas lets you order a replacement license by mail, online, or in person at a DPS office
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) offers three ways to get a replacement license: mail in a form with documents, use the online portal on the DPS website, or visit a driver license office in person. The online method is fastest — you can complete it in minutes and receive your license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail-in takes longer because DPS must receive and process your envelope first. In-person visits are when ready if you bring the right documents, but you may wait in line.
Which method works for you depends on whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, and whether you need to change any information on it. A straightforward replacement — same name, address, and photo — qualifies for all three routes. If you need to update your address or other details, the online portal and in-person visits handle that; mail-in does not.
Key Takeaways
- The DPS online portal at dps.texas.gov is the fastest route and takes 7 to 10 business days from order to delivery.
- You will need your Social Security number, current address, and a payment method (debit or credit card) to order online.
- Mail-in replacement requires Form DL-44, a copy of your ID, and proof of your current address, mailed to the DPS address listed on the form.
- In-person replacement at a DPS office requires the same documents as mail-in but produces a license the same day.
- A replacement license costs $16 in Texas and is valid for the same expiration date as your original license.
Ordering online through the DPS portal
Visit dps.texas.gov and select "Driver License" from the main menu, then choose "Order a Replacement License." You will enter your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. DPS will verify your identity against its records. If verification succeeds, you proceed to a form where you confirm your current address and select whether the license is lost, stolen, or damaged.
Payment is by debit or credit card only — no cash, check, or money order. The fee is $16. After you submit payment, DPS sends a confirmation email with a reference number. Your replacement license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to upload documents or visit an office.
The online portal cannot process address changes. If you have moved since your license was issued, you must either mail in Form DL-44 with proof of your new address, or visit a DPS office in person.
Mailing in a replacement request with Form DL-44
read Form DL-44 from dps.texas.gov or pick one up at any DPS driver license office. Fill in your name, date of birth, driver license number, and current address. You must include a photocopy of a valid ID — your passport, military ID, or another state's driver license. You also need proof of your current address: a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government document dated within the last 90 days.
Mail the completed form, copies of your ID and address proof, and a check or money order for $16 to the DPS address shown on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after DPS receives your envelope, plus mail transit time in both directions. Keep a copy of everything you send.
Mail-in is slower than online but works if you do not have a debit or credit card, or if you prefer not to use the online system. It does not allow address changes — if you need to update your address, use the online portal or visit in person.
Getting a replacement license in person at a DPS office
Bring your Social Security card (or a document showing your SSN), proof of your current address, and a valid ID to any DPS driver license office. You can find office locations and hours at dps.texas.gov. No appointment is required, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Arrive early or check the office's website for current wait estimates.
Tell the clerk you need a replacement license. If your license was lost or stolen, you may be asked to sign a statement. If it was damaged, bring the damaged license itself. The clerk will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your request on the spot. You pay $16 by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Your new license is printed and handed to you before you leave.
In-person visits are the only option if you need to change your address, name, or other information at the same time. They are also the fastest if you need the license when ready.
What documents you need for each method
| Method | Documents Needed | Payment | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online portal | Driver license number, date of birth, last 4 SSN digits | Debit or credit card | 7–10 business days |
| Mail-in (Form DL-44) | Copy of valid ID, proof of address (within 90 days), completed form | Check or money order | 2–3 weeks processing + mail time |
| In-person at DPS office | Social Security card or SSN document, valid ID, proof of address | Cash, check, debit, or credit card | Same day |
Acceptable documents for identity and address proof
Valid ID documents include a U.S. passport, military ID, passport card, or another state's driver license or ID card. A photocopy is acceptable for mail-in; bring the original for in-person visits.
Proof of current address must be dated within the last 90 days and show your name and full address. Acceptable documents are a utility bill (electric, gas, water), lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank or credit card statement, government check, or tax return. A cell phone bill or insurance document does not count. For mail-in, send a copy; for in-person, bring the original.
If you do not have a document in your name at your current address, contact your local DPS office for other options. Some offices accept a notarized statement of residency or a letter from a government agency.
What happens if your license was damaged or defaced
If your license is damaged but still readable, you can order a replacement online or by mail without the damaged license itself. If it is severely damaged or defaced, bring it to a DPS office in person so the clerk can inspect it and confirm the damage before issuing a replacement.
Damage includes water damage, torn corners, faded printing, or a cracked card. Wear and tear from normal use does not may have access to — the license must be noticeably compromised. If DPS denies your replacement request, the clerk will explain why and tell you what to do next.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a replacement license valid?
Your replacement license is valid until the same expiration date as your original license. You do not get a new expiration date unless you renew your license. If your original license expires within 60 days, you may want to renew instead of replace.
Can I use a temporary license while I wait for my replacement?
Texas does not issue temporary paper licenses for replacements. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary driving permit at a DPS office, though this is not standard practice. Contact your local office to ask what options are available.
What if I moved and my address on the license is wrong?
The online portal and in-person visits both allow you to update your address at the same time you order a replacement. Mail-in does not. If you use mail-in, you will receive a license with your old address and must visit a DPS office later to change it.
Can I order a replacement if my license is suspended or revoked?
You can order a replacement of the physical card, but DPS will not issue it if your driving privilege is suspended or revoked. Contact DPS to check your status before ordering. If your privilege is suspended, you must resolve the suspension first.
What if DPS cannot verify my identity online?
If the online portal rejects your information, use the mail-in method or visit a DPS office in person. Verification failures usually happen when your address or name in DPS records does not match what you entered. Bring documents to an office and a clerk can help correct your record.