What you need to do right now
To replace a lost or damaged Texas driver's license, you must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person with proof of identity and residency. You cannot renew or replace a license by mail or online in Texas. The process takes about 20 minutes at the office, and you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
The cost is $16 for a standard replacement. If your license was damaged rather than lost, bring the damaged card with you — some offices will accept it in place of one identity document. If you lost it, you'll need to bring two forms of ID instead.
Key Takeaways
- You must go to a DPS office in person; there is no online or mail option for replacements in Texas.
- Bring one government-issued photo ID plus one proof of residency, or bring your damaged license plus one photo ID.
- The replacement fee is $16 and you receive a temporary paper license when ready.
- Your new plastic license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; check the DPS website to find the office nearest you.
Documents to bring to the DPS office
You need either your damaged license plus one photo ID, or two separate forms of ID if your license is lost. A photo ID can be a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID card. A Texas ID card counts as a photo ID for this purpose.
You also need one document proving your current address in Texas. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy — the document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill or credit card statement does not count as proof of residency.
If you've changed your name since your license was issued (through marriage, divorce, or court order), bring the document that proves the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, your new license will be issued under your old name.
Finding a DPS office and what to expect
Go to the Texas DPS website and use their office locator tool to find the nearest location. Type in your city or zip code and the tool shows you every DPS office within a reasonable distance, along with their hours. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. A few large cities have multiple offices, so you can choose the one most convenient to you.
Arrive during business hours with your documents. You do not need an appointment — DPS offices operate on a walk-in basis. Bring the originals of your documents, not copies. The staff will take your photo at the office, so you cannot bring a photo from home.
The process itself is straightforward: you'll fill out form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License), hand over your documents, pay the $16 fee, have your photo taken, and receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and works anywhere a regular license does while you wait for your plastic card.
When your new license arrives by mail
Your plastic driver's license will be mailed to the address you provided at the DPS office within 7 to 10 business days. USPS delivers it as regular mail, not certified or tracked mail, so it may take a few extra days depending on your location. Once it arrives, your temporary paper license is no longer needed, though you can keep it.
If your new license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DPS by phone at 1-888-589-6789 to report it. Have your temporary license number ready when you call. DPS can check the status of your card and reissue it if it was lost in the mail.
If your license was suspended or revoked
Before you go to a DPS office, check whether your license has an active suspension or revocation on it. If it does, DPS will not issue a replacement until the suspension is lifted or the revocation is resolved. You can check your license status on the DPS website using your driver's license number and date of birth.
Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or unpaid child support. If your license is suspended, you must resolve the underlying issue first — pay the fine, appear in court, or work out a payment plan with child support enforcement. Once the suspension is cleared, you can return to DPS and get your replacement.
Replacing a license if you're not a U.S. citizen
Texas issues driver's licenses to people who are not U.S. citizens, including people with valid work visas, student visas, or temporary protected status. The documents you need are the same as for citizens, except your proof of identity must be your passport or visa documentation instead of a state ID or military ID.
You will also need to show proof that you are lawfully present in the United States. This can be your visa, employment authorization document (EAD), I-94 arrival/departure record, or other USCIS documentation. Bring the original document to the DPS office.
What to do if you need your license before the mail arrives
Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days and works for all purposes — driving, identification, boarding a domestic flight. If you need to drive before your plastic card arrives, the temporary license is sufficient. You do not need to request anything special; you receive it automatically when you complete your replacement at the DPS office.
If you lose your temporary license before your plastic card arrives, you can return to the same DPS office and request a replacement temporary license for another $16. Bring your documents again. This is rare, but it is an option if the paper license is damaged or lost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license at any DPS office or only the one in my county?
You can go to any DPS office in Texas, regardless of which county you live in. The office will mail your new license to the address you provide, so you do not have to use a local office. Many people choose an office near their workplace or on their commute for convenience.
What if I moved to Texas from another state and lost my old license?
You cannot replace an out-of-state license in Texas. Instead, you must get a new Texas license. Bring your out-of-state license (if you still have it), proof of identity, proof of residency in Texas, and proof of your Social Security number. The fee is $16, the same as a replacement. The process is otherwise identical.
Do I have to pay the $16 fee if my license was damaged by DPS's fault?
DPS does not waive the replacement fee for damaged licenses under any circumstance. The $16 fee applies whether your license was damaged by wear and tear, water damage, or any other cause. If you believe DPS damaged your license through their error, you would need to contact DPS directly to discuss the situation, but a fee waiver is not standard practice.
How long does the temporary paper license last?
Your temporary license is valid for 45 days from the date it is issued. After 45 days, it expires and you cannot drive with it, even if your plastic license has not arrived yet. If your plastic license has not come by day 45, return to a DPS office and request another temporary license for $16.
Can someone else pick up my new license from the DPS office instead of waiting for it in the mail?
No. DPS mails all replacement licenses to the address on file. You cannot pick it up at an office or have someone else retrieve it. The mail delivery time is 7 to 10 business days, and there is no way to expedite it or change the delivery method.