Where to get a replacement Texas driver's license

You can replace your Texas driver's license at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. These are separate from your local DMV — Texas does not have a DMV. Instead, you visit a DPS Driver License office in person, bring the required documents, pay the fee, and have your photo taken on the spot.

You have three main routes: walk in to your nearest DPS office during business hours, schedule an appointment online through the DPS website, or use a DPS office kiosk if your location has one. Scheduling an appointment typically gets you through faster than walking in, though both options work.

Find your nearest DPS Driver License office by entering your zip code at the DPS website (dps.texas.gov). The site shows hours, services available at each location, and whether appointments are open. Some rural offices have limited hours or may require appointments only.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Texas DPS Driver License office in person — there is no mail-in or online replacement option for a lost, stolen, or damaged license.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and payment; your current license is not required if it is lost or stolen.
  • The replacement fee is $16 for a standard license and $32 for a Real ID-compliant license, paid at the time of your visit.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days in most cases.
  • If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot get a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted.

Documents you need to bring

Bring your Social Security number or Social Security card, one form of proof of residency, and a valid payment method. You do not need your current license if it is lost or stolen — in fact, you cannot bring it if you do not have it.

Proof of residency must show your current Texas address and be dated within 90 days of your visit. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail. A cell phone bill does not count. If you recently moved and have no document in your name at your new address yet, bring a lease or rental agreement signed by both you and your landlord.

Bring a valid payment method — cash, debit card, or credit card. DPS offices do not accept checks. If you are replacing a license because it was damaged, bring the damaged license itself; if it was lost or stolen, you do not need it.

The replacement fee and what you receive

A standard Texas driver's license replacement costs $16. A Real ID-compliant license (the kind with a gold star in the upper right corner) costs $32. Real ID licenses are required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting in 2025, though standard licenses remain valid for driving.

You pay the fee at the DPS office when you submit your documents. You will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot that is valid for driving when ready. Your permanent plastic card is mailed to the address on file and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer during high-volume periods.

Do not throw away your temporary license. Keep it with you while you drive until your plastic card arrives. If your plastic card does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DPS office where you applied and provide your process receipt number.

Replacing a lost or stolen license versus a damaged one

If your license is lost or stolen, you do not need to bring it to the DPS office. straightforward tell the staff member that you are replacing a lost or stolen license, and they will process it as a replacement rather than a renewal. There is no police report required, though you may want to file one if your license was stolen as part of identity theft.

If your license is damaged but you still have it, bring the damaged card with you. The DPS will take it and issue a replacement. Damage includes water damage, fading, cracking, or a magnetic strip that no longer works.

In both cases, the fee and process are identical — $16 for standard or $32 for Real ID, and you walk out with a temporary license the same day.

Scheduling an appointment versus walking in

You can schedule an appointment online at the DPS website by selecting your location and choosing an available time slot. Appointments are usually available within a few days to a week, depending on your area. Walk-ins are accepted at most offices, but wait times vary widely — some offices have 30-minute waits, others have two-hour waits during peak hours.

Scheduling an appointment is faster and more predictable. You know exactly when you will be seen. If you cannot schedule an appointment at your preferred location, try a nearby office — you can use any DPS Driver License office in Texas, not just the one closest to your home.

Peak times at DPS offices are typically Tuesday through Thursday mornings and lunch hours. If you must walk in, try going early in the morning or late in the afternoon on a Monday or Friday.

What happens if your license was suspended or revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted. The DPS office will tell you when ready if this is the case when you arrive.

Suspensions and revocations happen for reasons including unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, medical conditions reported to DPS, or accumulating too many traffic violations. Contact the DPS or the agency that suspended your license to find out how to restore it. In most cases, you must pay outstanding fines or fees, or resolve the underlying issue, before you can proceed.

Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can return to the DPS office and complete your replacement as normal.

Your temporary license and what to do while you wait

Your temporary paper license is valid for driving in Texas when ready after you receive it. It is not valid for air travel or federal building access — only your permanent plastic Real ID license is. If you need to fly or enter a federal building before your plastic card arrives, bring your temporary license plus a passport, military ID, or other federal ID.

Keep your temporary license in your wallet or vehicle at all times while driving. If you are pulled over, show it to the officer. If your plastic card does not arrive within two weeks, do not wait — call the DPS office where you applied and ask them to check the status. Provide your process receipt number if you have it.

If you lose your temporary license before your plastic card arrives, return to the DPS office and request a replacement temporary license. There is no additional fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license by mail or online?

No. Texas requires you to appear in person at a DPS Driver License office to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license. You must have your photo taken and verify your identity in person. There is no mail-in or online option for replacements.

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?

You can do either. Appointments are faster and available online at dps.texas.gov. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day. If your nearest office is busy, try a different DPS location — you can use any office in Texas.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

Proof of residency must be dated within 90 days and show your current Texas address. If you have none, bring a signed lease or rental agreement. If you have neither, contact the DPS office before you go — they may accept alternative documents in rare cases, but this is not may provide.

How long does it take to receive my plastic license in the mail?

Most plastic licenses arrive within 7 to 10 business days. During high-volume periods, it can take longer. Your temporary paper license is valid for driving in the meantime. If your card does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DPS office with your process receipt number.

Can I get a Real ID license instead of a standard license?

Yes. Real ID licenses cost $32 instead of $16 and are required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting in 2025. Tell the DPS staff member you want a Real ID license when you arrive, and bring the same documents. You will receive it by mail just like a standard replacement.