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. The DPS runs all driver's license services in Texas — there is no alternative agency. You will need to visit in person; Texas does not offer mail-in replacements or online processing for a new license card.
Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website by entering your city or zip code. Most urban areas have multiple locations. Rural counties may have only one office, sometimes shared with other services. Check the office hours before you go — many close for lunch or operate limited hours on certain days.
You can also renew or replace your license at a DPS office inside some H-E-B grocery stores and other retail partners in Texas. These satellite locations have the same services as standalone DPS offices. Call ahead to confirm the location nearest you offers replacements, since some satellite offices handle renewals only.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS office in person with a valid form of ID and proof of residency to replace your license.
- The replacement fee is $16 for a standard license, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot.
- Your new plastic license card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days in most cases.
- If your license was lost or stolen, you do not need a police report to replace it, but you should report the theft to police separately if identity theft is a concern.
Documents you need to bring
Bring one valid form of ID and one proof of residency. Your current Texas driver's license counts as valid ID even if it is expired, lost, or damaged. If you do not have your current license, bring a passport, military ID, or state ID card instead.
Proof of residency must show your current Texas address. Acceptable documents include a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A phone bill or credit card statement also works. Bring the original or a copy — DPS will not accept a photo of the document on your phone.
If your name has changed since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or court order), bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you changed your name and do not have the original document, bring a certified copy from the county clerk's office where the change was recorded.
What happens at the DPS office
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and tell the clerk you need a replacement license. You will be given a number and asked to wait. The wait time varies by location and time of day — early mornings and weekday afternoons are usually shorter than lunch hours or Saturday mornings.
When your number is called, go to the window and hand over your ID and proof of residency. The clerk will ask you to confirm your address, date of birth, and whether your vision or medical information has changed since your last license. Answer honestly — these details affect your license restrictions. You will be asked to sign a form confirming the information is correct.
Next, you will have your photo taken. Wear something you are comfortable with — the photo will be on your license for years. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or anything that obscures your face, but religious head coverings are permitted. The photo is taken against a plain background and you will see it before the transaction is final.
Pay the $16 replacement fee by cash, debit card, or credit card. The clerk will print a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready and remains valid for 45 days while you wait for your plastic card. Keep it with you — it is your proof of a valid license.
When your new license arrives in the mail
Your plastic license card is mailed to the address you provided at the DPS office. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you move before the card arrives, you can update your address with DPS online or at another DPS office, and they will remail the card to your new address at no extra charge.
Once your plastic license arrives, the temporary paper license is no longer valid. Destroy the paper license or keep it as a record — it has no legal value after your plastic card arrives. Your new license is valid for six years from the date it was issued (or until your next birthday if you are over 79).
If your license does not arrive within 15 business days, contact the DPS by phone or visit a DPS office in person. Bring your temporary license and ask them to check the status. They can reissue the card if it was lost in the mail, though this may take another week.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
The process is the same whether your license is lost, stolen, or damaged. You do not need a police report to replace it at DPS. If your license was stolen and you are concerned about identity theft, file a report with local police separately — this creates a record but is not required to get a new license.
If your license is damaged but still readable, you can bring it to DPS along with your proof of residency. The clerk will take the damaged license and issue a replacement. If your license is completely destroyed or illegible, just bring your proof of residency and valid ID instead.
If your license was lost or stolen outside of Texas, you can still replace it at any Texas DPS office. Bring your proof of residency (which must show a Texas address) and a valid form of ID. If you do not have proof of residency yet because you just moved to Texas, bring a lease agreement or a letter from your landlord on letterhead stating your move-in date.
Special situations and exceptions
If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must accompany you to the DPS office. Bring their ID as well. The process is otherwise the same, and the fee remains $16.
If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), you cannot replace it at a satellite location — you must go to a full DPS office. Bring the same documents as for a standard license replacement.
If your license has medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only), the DPS clerk will ask whether these restrictions still explore. If your vision or medical situation has changed, tell the clerk. You may need to take a vision test or provide a medical form from your doctor. This can add time to your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license online or by mail?
No. Texas requires you to appear in person at a DPS office for a replacement license. You cannot complete this transaction online, by phone, or by mail. However, if your license is expiring soon and you have not lost it, you may be able to renew by mail — that is a different process.
How much does a replacement license cost?
A standard replacement license costs $16. This is the same price whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. Payment is due at the time of replacement. No additional fees explore unless you request a duplicate card or expedited mail delivery, which some DPS offices offer for an extra charge.
What if I do not have proof of residency?
You must have proof of residency to replace your license. If you do not have a utility bill or lease, bring a bank statement, mortgage statement, or other document showing your name and current Texas address dated within the last 60 days. If you have none of these, contact your DPS office to ask what alternative documents they accept.
Can I use my temporary paper license to drive out of state?
Your temporary paper license is valid for driving in all 50 states and is recognized as a valid Texas license. However, some states and agencies may not recognize it — for example, some airlines may not accept it as ID for boarding. If you are traveling and need a photo ID, wait for your plastic license to arrive or bring your passport.
What if my address is wrong on my temporary license?
The address on your temporary license is the one you provided at the DPS office. If it is wrong, return to the DPS office with your temporary license and proof of your correct address. They will issue a new temporary license with the correct address at no charge. Your plastic license will be mailed to the corrected address.