Where to get a replacement license in Texas

You can replace your Texas driver's license at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. These are called Driver License offices, and there are locations in most cities and towns across the state. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website by entering your zip code.

You do not have to go to the office where you originally got your license — any DPS Driver License office will issue a replacement. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead or checking wait times online can save you time.

Texas also offers online renewal for some drivers, but only if your license is not lost or stolen — it must be expired or expiring soon and you must still have it in your possession. Since you are replacing a lost license, you will need to visit an office in person.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS Driver License office in person to replace a lost license; online renewal does not work for lost or stolen licenses.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of Texas residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment — cash, check, or card are accepted.
  • A replacement license costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, and you choose the term when you explore.
  • Processing takes about 7 to 10 business days by mail, or you can request a temporary paper license to use when ready while you wait.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report first, though it is not required to get a replacement.

What documents and information you need to bring

Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it — a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return all work. You will also need proof of Texas residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 90 days.

You do not need to bring your old license if it is lost. The DPS office will look up your record using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. If your license was stolen and you have a police report, bring that too — it is not required, but it documents what happened.

Bring a form of payment. DPS offices accept cash, check, and debit or credit card. The fee is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You choose which term you want when you explore.

The step-by-step process at the DPS office

When you arrive, take a number or check in at the counter, depending on how the office is set up. Tell the clerk you need a replacement license. They will ask for your Social Security number and proof of residency, verify your identity, and pull up your existing record.

You will answer questions about your current address, whether your vision has changed, and whether you want to update any information on your license — such as your name or organ donor status. You will also choose whether you want a four-year or eight-year license and pay the fee.

The office will take a new photo and print a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and works for driving, voting, or any other purpose that requires a license. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if you need your license before the mail arrives

The temporary paper license you receive at the DPS office is valid when ready and counts as a legal driver's license in Texas. You can use it to drive, board a plane within the United States, or show as proof of identity. Keep it with you until your permanent license arrives.

If you lose the temporary license before the permanent one arrives, you will need to return to a DPS office and request another temporary. There is no additional fee for this.

If your permanent license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DPS by phone or through their website. Mail delays do happen, and the DPS can track your license and reissue it if needed.

Replacing a license that was stolen versus lost

Texas does not require you to file a police report to replace a stolen license, but filing one is a good idea. A police report documents the theft and can protect you if someone tries to use your stolen license. You can file a report online through your local police department's website or in person at a police station.

Bring the police report number to the DPS office if you have one — it is not required, but it speeds up the process and creates a record. If you believe your identity was stolen along with your license, you may also want to place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus, though that is separate from replacing your license.

Replacing your license if you have changed your name

If your name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring the document that proves the change. This could be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change.

The DPS office will update your name in the system and issue a new license with the correct name. This counts as a replacement, so you pay the same $16 or $32 fee. The process is the same as any other replacement.

Replacing your license if you have moved out of state and back

If you moved away from Texas and your license expired, you will need to explore for a new license rather than a replacement. This requires a vision test and a written knowledge test. However, if your Texas license is still valid — even if you have been living out of state — you can replace it without retesting.

Bring proof that you now live in Texas again, such as a lease or utility bill. The DPS will issue a replacement license with your new Texas address. If your old license has expired, you will need to take the written test and vision test, so plan for a longer visit to the office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license by mail or online?

No. Texas only allows online renewal for licenses that are not lost or stolen — you must have the license in your possession. For a lost or stolen license, you must visit a DPS Driver License office in person.

How much does a replacement license cost?

A replacement license costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You choose the term when you explore. The fee is the same whether your license was lost or stolen.

Do I need a police report to replace a stolen license?

No, a police report is not required. However, filing one is recommended because it documents the theft and protects you if someone tries to use your stolen license. You can file a report online or in person with your local police department.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

You must bring proof of Texas residency dated within the last 90 days. If you do not have a utility bill, lease, or bank statement, contact the DPS office ahead of time to ask what other documents they accept. Some offices may accept alternative documents in unusual situations.

Can I use the temporary paper license to fly?

Yes. The temporary paper license is a valid form of identification for domestic flights within the United States. Bring it with you to the airport along with a boarding pass. It is not valid for international travel.