Get a replacement license by visiting a Texas DPS office in person with proof of identity and residency
You cannot replace a lost Texas driver's license online or by mail. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires you to appear in person at a driver's license office, bring specific documents, and pay a replacement fee. The process takes about 30 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 replacement fee is $16 for a standard license and $32 for a Real ID-compliant license (the kind with a gold star). You pay this fee whether your license expired, was lost, or was damaged. If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police first — this creates a record and protects you if someone tries to use it fraudulently.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Texas DPS driver's license office in person with a government-issued ID and proof of your current address.
- Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card or tax return.
- The replacement fee is $16 for a standard license or $32 for a Real ID license, paid at the office.
- You receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was stolen, file a police report first so you have documentation in case someone misuses it.
Documents you need to bring to the DPS office
Bring an original or certified copy of one document from each of these three categories. The DPS website lists all acceptable documents, but the most common ones are listed below.
| Category | Common Documents |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or another state's driver's license |
| Proof of Social Security Number | Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or tax return |
| Proof of Current Address | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days |
If you don't have a Social Security card, bring a document that shows your number instead — a recent tax return or W-2 works. If you've moved recently and your utility bill or lease is older than 90 days, bring the most recent one you have plus a newer document with your name on it, such as a bank statement or credit card statement.
Do not bring originals of documents you cannot replace easily, such as your passport. The DPS will return them, but bring copies when you can. If you're unsure whether a document meets the requirements, call the DPS office you plan to visit before you go — they can tell you over the phone whether what you have will work.
Finding a DPS office near you and checking wait times
Visit the Texas DPS website and use their office locator tool to find the driver's license office closest to you. Enter your city or zip code, and the tool shows all nearby offices, their hours, and whether they're currently open. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. A few large offices stay open until 6 p.m., while most close by 5 p.m.
Wait times vary widely by location and time of day. Urban offices like those in Austin, Houston, and Dallas often have longer waits, especially on Fridays and during lunch hours. Rural offices typically move faster. The DPS website does not show real-time wait times, but you can call the office directly to ask how busy they are before you drive there. Going early in the morning on a Tuesday or Wednesday usually means a shorter wait than going on a Friday afternoon.
Some DPS offices allow you to reserve a time slot online through the Texas DPS website. Check whether your local office offers this option — if it does, booking a slot in advance can save you an hour or more of waiting.
What happens when you arrive at the office
When you check in, tell the staff member that you need to replace a lost license. They will give you a number and direct you to a waiting area. When your number is called, you'll go to a window where a DPS employee will review your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fee. Bring cash or a debit card — not all offices accept credit cards, so calling ahead to confirm payment methods is wise.
The staff member will ask you to confirm your address and other information from your old license. If anything has changed — your name, address, or height — tell them now. They will print a temporary paper license on the spot with your photograph and signature. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and works anywhere a regular license does, including for driving and identification purposes.
Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address you provided. If you move before it arrives, you can update your address with the DPS online or at another driver's license office, and they can remail it to your new address. Do not throw away the temporary license until your plastic card arrives.
If your license was stolen or used fraudulently
File a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office if your license was stolen. Provide them with your license number if you remember it, or describe the license and when you last saw it. The police will give you a report number — keep this for your records. Having a police report protects you if someone uses your stolen license to commit fraud or get pulled over.
After you file the police report, contact the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — and ask them to place a fraud alert on your credit file. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place a fraud alert for free by calling one bureau and providing your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number; that bureau will notify the other two.
If you discover that someone has used your stolen license to open accounts or make purchases, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov. The FTC will create a recovery plan and provide you with documents to show to creditors and banks as proof of the theft.
Renewing versus replacing: which one do you need?
A replacement is what you get when your license is lost, stolen, or damaged but has not expired yet. A renewal is what you get when your license has expired or is about to expire. The process is the same — you visit a DPS office with the same documents — but the fee is different. A replacement costs $16 or $32; a renewal costs $25 or $50 depending on whether you want a standard or Real ID license.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you may need to retake the written test and vision test in addition to providing documents. Call your local DPS office to ask whether your specific situation requires testing. If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can usually renew without testing.
Real ID versus standard license: which should you choose?
A Real ID is a driver's license with a gold star in the top right corner. It meets federal identification standards and can be used to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. A standard license cannot be used for these purposes as of May 2025, though you can still use it to drive and for most other identification needs.
If you fly domestically or need to enter a federal courthouse or military base, get a Real ID. The fee is $32 instead of $16, and you need one additional document: proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate. If you don't fly or enter federal buildings, a standard license is fine and costs less.
You can upgrade from a standard license to a Real ID later, so if you're unsure now, you can get the standard license and come back to upgrade when you need it. The upgrade process is the same as replacement — you visit an office with your documents and pay the difference in fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement license if my license is suspended or revoked?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the DPS or the court that issued the suspension to find out how to resolve it. Once it's cleared, you can then replace your lost license.
How long does the plastic license take to arrive in the mail?
The DPS says 7 to 10 business days, but it can take longer during busy periods or if mail is delayed. Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days, which gives you time to receive the plastic card. If your plastic license doesn't arrive within 30 days, call the DPS office where you applied and ask them to check the status.
What if I moved and my address on the old license is wrong?
Tell the DPS staff member at the office your current address, and they will print it on your temporary license and send your plastic license to that address. You don't need to update your address separately — the replacement process handles it.
Can I replace my license if I'm not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, if you have a valid visa or immigration status. You'll need to bring your passport and immigration documents along with proof of identity, Social Security number, and current address. Call your local DPS office to confirm which immigration documents they accept, as requirements vary.
What if I lost my license and my Social Security card at the same time?
Bring another document that shows your Social Security number, such as a tax return, W-2, or 1099 form. If you don't have any of these, you can request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration before you go to the DPS, or you can ask the DPS office whether they can proceed without it — some offices have workarounds for this situation.