Get a replacement license at a Texas DPS office with your ID and payment
To replace a lost driver's license in Texas, you visit a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, 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. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
You cannot replace a license online or by mail in Texas — the state requires you to appear in person for a new photo. This is different from some states that allow mail-in replacements for lost licenses. The good news is that DPS offices are open six days a week in most locations, and the fee is a flat $16 for a standard replacement.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS office in person with a valid ID and proof of Texas residency to get a replacement license.
- Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, because DPS will verify it before issuing a new license.
- The replacement fee is $16, and you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and a permanent one by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- DPS offices are open Monday through Friday and Saturday mornings at most locations, but hours vary by office — check the DPS website for your nearest location.
- If your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to file a police report first, though it is not required to get a replacement.
What documents you need to bring
Bring one valid form of primary ID and one form of proof of residency. Primary ID means a passport, military ID, or another government-issued photo ID. If you don't have a passport or military ID, you can use a certified copy of your birth certificate plus a Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Texas address on it. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. A driver's license renewal notice from DPS also counts as proof of residency. If you've recently moved and don't have a document in your new name yet, a utility bill in your spouse's name at your address will work.
Bring your Social Security number written down or on a card. DPS will ask for it and verify it against Social Security Administration records before issuing your replacement license. If you don't know your number, you can request a Social Security statement online at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 before your DPS visit.
Finding and visiting a DPS office near you
Go to the Texas DPS website (dps.texas.gov) and use the office locator tool to find the nearest Driver License office. The locator shows hours, address, and phone number for each location. Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon, but some locations have different hours or are closed on Saturday.
You do not need an appointment at most DPS offices — you walk in and take a number. However, some high-traffic offices now offer online check-in through the DPS website, which lets you reserve your spot and skip the waiting room. Check your local office's page to see if this option is available. Arriving early in the day, especially on weekday mornings, usually means a shorter wait.
If you cannot reach your nearest office by car, some rural counties have mobile DPS units that visit smaller towns on a schedule. The DPS website lists mobile unit dates and locations. You can also call your local DPS office directly to ask about mobile visits or to confirm their current hours, since some locations have reduced hours during certain seasons.
What happens at the DPS office
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give them your documents. A clerk will verify your identity and residency, check your Social Security number, and ask you to confirm your current address. They will also ask whether you want to renew any endorsements on your license — for example, a motorcycle endorsement — or make changes like updating your height or correcting your name.
Next, you'll go to the photo station for a new photo. Wear something you're comfortable in; the photo will be taken against a plain background. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or anything that obscures your face, and you cannot smile with your teeth showing (a neutral expression is required). If you wear glasses for driving, wear them for the photo.
After the photo, you'll pay the $16 replacement fee at the cashier. DPS accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. You'll receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot — this is valid for driving when ready and expires when your permanent license arrives. Keep this paper license in your wallet until the permanent one comes in the mail.
When your replacement license arrives
Your permanent license will be mailed to the address you provided at the DPS office. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you visited. If you need your license faster, some DPS offices offer expedited mail for an additional fee, though this is not available at all locations. Ask the clerk at your office whether expedited service is an option.
The temporary paper license is valid for driving the entire time you're waiting for the permanent one. You do not need to do anything else — DPS will mail it automatically. If your permanent license does not arrive within 10 business days, call the DPS office where you got the replacement and provide your case number (printed on your temporary license). They can check the status and remail it if needed.
Once your permanent license arrives, destroy the temporary paper license by shredding it or tearing it up. Do not throw it in the trash whole, since it contains your personal information. Your new permanent license is valid for six years if you're under 85 years old, or five years if you're 85 or older.
If your license was stolen instead of lost
If someone stole your license rather than you straightforward losing it, you can file a police report before or after getting a replacement. Filing a report is not required to get a replacement license, but it creates a record in case the thief uses your license for fraud. You can file a report online through your city or county police department's website, or visit a local police station in person.
When you file the report, mention that your driver's license was stolen and provide the license number if you remember it (or DPS can look it up for you). The police report gives you documentation if someone later tries to use your stolen license to open accounts or commit fraud. Keep a copy of the report number for your records.
After filing a report, follow the same steps to get a replacement license at DPS. The replacement process is identical whether your license was lost or stolen. Some people also place a fraud alert with the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) after a theft, which makes it harder for someone to open new accounts in your name, though this is a separate step from replacing your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement license if my current one is suspended or revoked?
No. DPS will not issue a replacement if your license is suspended or revoked. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation — usually by paying a fine, completing a defensive driving course, or serving a waiting period — and then you can get a replacement. Call DPS or visit the office to find out what you need to do to clear the suspension.
What if I don't have a Social Security number?
You can still get a replacement license, but you'll need to bring additional documents. Bring your passport or a certified copy of your birth certificate, plus a letter from your employer or a government agency stating that you don't have a Social Security number. DPS will verify your identity through other means and issue the license without a Social Security number on it.
Do I need to bring my old license if I still have it?
No, you do not need to bring your old license. In fact, if you still have it, you should keep it — DPS does not collect it. If your old license is damaged or you want to turn it in, you can, but it is not required. DPS will straightforward issue a new one with a new number.
How much does a replacement license cost if I'm over 85?
The replacement fee is still $16 regardless of age. However, licenses for people 85 and older are valid for five years instead of six years, so you'll need to renew more frequently. The fee for renewal is the same as the replacement fee.
Can I get a replacement if I'm not a Texas resident but my license is from Texas?
Yes, but you'll need to bring proof of your current out-of-state address along with your Texas residency documents. DPS will update your address to your current location and issue a replacement. If you've moved out of Texas permanently, you may want to consider getting a license in your new state instead, since Texas will eventually deactivate your license if you don't renew it.