Where to go and what you need

In Texas, you replace a lost or damaged driver's license at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. You cannot do this online or by mail — you must appear in person with specific documents. The process takes about 30 minutes at the counter, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

You will need to bring your Social Security number, proof of Texas residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and a form of identification. If you have a passport, that works. If not, a birth certificate, military ID, or previous license will do. Bring the original documents, not copies — DPS staff will verify them on the spot.

The replacement license costs $16 if your current license is still valid but lost or damaged. If your license has already expired, you will pay $32 for a replacement plus renewal combined. Payment is cash, check, or card depending on the office location.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office in person with your Social Security number, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and a form of ID.
  • A replacement for a valid lost or damaged license costs $16; if your license has expired, the cost is $32.
  • You can find your nearest DPS office and check current wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go.
  • Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days; you can request a temporary paper license to use when ready.

Finding a DPS office near you

Texas has DPS offices in most cities and many towns. The fastest way to find the nearest one is to visit the Texas Department of Public Safety website and use their office locator tool. You can search by city or ZIP code and see the address, phone number, and hours of operation for each location.

Many DPS offices now show real-time wait times on their website or through the TxDPS app. Checking before you go saves you from arriving during peak hours. Early morning, mid-week visits typically have shorter waits than afternoons or Saturdays.

If you live in a rural area far from a DPS office, some county tax assessor offices can process license replacements as well. Call ahead to confirm whether your local tax assessor handles this service, since not all do.

Documents you must bring

DPS requires original documents, not photocopies. Bring your Social Security number written down or memorized — you will need to provide it at the counter. You do not need to bring your Social Security card itself.

For proof of residency, bring one document dated within the last 90 days that shows your current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a government notice. The name on the document must match the name on your ID.

For identification, bring one of the following: a valid passport, a birth certificate, a military ID, a previous Texas driver's license, a Texas ID card, or a tribal ID. If you do not have any of these, contact your local DPS office before you go — they can tell you what other documents they will accept.

What happens at the DPS office

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and take a number. A staff member will call you to a window and ask you to verify your information. They will scan your documents and take a new photo for your license. The photo is taken on the spot — you cannot bring one from home.

You will be asked to sign a form confirming your address and other details. Review this carefully before signing. If any information is wrong, tell the staff member when ready so they can correct it in the system.

After you pay the fee, the staff member will give you a receipt. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, ask for a temporary paper license — DPS will print one on the spot at no extra cost, and it is valid for 45 days.

If your license was stolen or you suspect fraud

If your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, or if you suspect someone has used your license information fraudulently, tell the DPS staff member when you arrive. They can flag your account and issue a replacement with a new number rather than reissuing the same number.

You should also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them. They will notify the other two automatically. A fraud alert makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name.

If you believe your identity has been used to commit a crime, file a report with the Texas Attorney General's Identity Theft Enforcement and Protection Division or with local law enforcement. Keep a copy of the police report for your records.

Replacing a license that expired while lost

If your license expired before you realized it was lost, you will pay $32 instead of $16 because you are renewing as well as replacing. The process is otherwise the same — you still visit a DPS office in person with the same documents.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you may need to pass a vision test and answer questions about traffic laws. DPS staff will tell you at the counter whether this applies to your situation. If it does, the vision test is done on-site and takes a few minutes.

Getting a duplicate license if you still have the original

If you have not lost your license but need a duplicate copy for your wallet or records, you can request one at any DPS office. A duplicate costs $11 and is processed the same way as a replacement — you visit in person, bring your documents, and receive it by mail in 7 to 10 days.

A duplicate is useful if you want to keep one license in a safe place and carry another in your wallet. Both copies are equally valid for driving and identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a temporary license to drive while I wait for my replacement?

Yes. When you finish your transaction at the DPS office, ask for a temporary paper license. DPS will print one when ready at no extra cost. It is valid for 45 days and works for driving and most identification purposes while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.

What if I moved and my address on file is wrong?

Tell the DPS staff member before you pay. They will update your address in the system and your new license will be mailed to your current address. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days) to verify the change.

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

Standard delivery is 7 to 10 business days from the date you visit the DPS office. Mail delivery times can vary depending on your location. If you need your license sooner, you can request a temporary paper license to use when ready, or visit a DPS office again to request expedited processing (fees explore).

Do I need an appointment to visit a DPS office?

Most DPS offices accept walk-ins, but some locations now require appointments. Check the Texas DPS website or call your local office before you go. If appointments are required and none are available, you can often schedule one for a later date or visit a different nearby office.

What if I cannot find one of the required documents?

Contact your local DPS office by phone before you visit. Explain which documents you have and which you are missing. Staff can tell you whether they will accept alternatives or what other options are available to you. Do not assume a document will not work — call first.