Texas driver's license replacement costs $16 for a standard five-year license or $32 for an eight-year license

The fee depends on how long you want the license to last. A standard replacement gives you five years of validity and costs $16. If you choose the eight-year option, you pay $32. You cannot get a license longer than eight years unless you are over 85, in which case you can get a five-year license for $16 or an eight-year license for $32 — the same price as anyone else.

These are the only fees the Texas Department of Public Safety charges for a replacement license. You do not pay extra for processing, mailing, or any other service. If you are replacing a license because it was lost, stolen, or damaged, the cost is the same as a routine renewal.

You will need to pay in person at a Texas DPS office or an authorized license service center. Most offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards, though a few smaller locations may take cash only — call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods.

Key Takeaways

  • A five-year Texas driver's license replacement costs $16; an eight-year replacement costs $32.
  • The fee is the same whether you lost your license, it was stolen, or it is damaged.
  • You must pay in person at a DPS office or authorized service center; online payment is not available for replacements.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of Texas residency, and proof of identity to complete the replacement.

What documents you need to bring

You will need three things: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency. A passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate works for identity. For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a tax return. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days.

If you do not have your Social Security card, you can bring a document that shows your number — a tax return, W-2, or 1099 form all work. The DPS office will not accept a screenshot or photo; you need the physical document or an official copy.

If your license was stolen, bring a police report if you have one. It is not required, but it can speed up the process. If your license was damaged, bring what is left of it.

Where to go and how long it takes

You can replace your license at any Texas DPS office or at an authorized license service center. DPS offices are run by the state; service centers are private businesses licensed by DPS. Both charge the same $16 or $32 fee. Service centers are often faster and have more convenient hours, but they are not in every town — use the DPS office locator on the Texas DPS website to find the nearest location to you.

Processing time varies. At a DPS office, you typically wait 30 minutes to an hour, though busy locations can take longer. At a service center, waits are often shorter. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you need it sooner, some DPS offices offer a rush option for an additional fee, but this is not available at all locations.

You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that you can use while you wait for the plastic card to arrive in the mail. This temporary license is valid for 45 days.

Replacing a license online is not an option

Texas does not allow you to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license online. You must go in person to a DPS office or service center. You can renew a license online if it is still valid and you have not changed your address, but that is different from a replacement.

If you cannot get to an office in person, you can mail in a replacement process, though this is slower. You will need to fill out Form DL-44, include copies of your documents, and mail everything to the DPS address listed on their website. This takes several weeks and requires you to get notarized copies of some documents, which adds cost and time. Going in person is almost always faster and simpler.

What happens if your license was suspended or revoked

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward replace it. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with DPS. This might mean paying a reinstatement fee, completing a defensive driving course, or handling a traffic court issue. Once that is cleared, you can replace the license itself.

Check your status on the Texas DPS website or call the DPS customer service line to find out whether your license is suspended or revoked. If it is, the DPS staff can tell you what you need to do before you can get a replacement.

Replacing an expired license versus a lost one

If your license expired and you want to renew it, the process is different and may be cheaper. A standard renewal of an expired license costs $16 for five years or $32 for eight years — the same as a replacement. However, you can renew online if your license expired less than two years ago and you have not changed your address. A replacement, by contrast, always requires you to go in person.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you must go in person to renew it, just as you would for a replacement. The fee is the same either way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a temporary license to use while I wait for my replacement?

Yes. When you complete your replacement at a DPS office or service center, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. You can use this to drive, get on a plane, or show as ID while your plastic card is mailed to you. The temporary license is free.

What if I move before my replacement license arrives?

Contact DPS with your new address before the license arrives. You can update your address online through the Texas DPS website or by calling their customer service line. Your license will be mailed to your new address. If it has already been mailed to your old address, you may be able to have it forwarded, but it is faster to update your address right away.

Do I have to replace my license in person, or can someone else do it for me?

You must go in person. DPS requires you to be present for identification and to have your photo taken. No one can do this on your behalf, even with a power of attorney.

Is there a fee if I replace my license multiple times in one year?

Each replacement costs the full $16 or $32 fee. There is no discount for multiple replacements. If you lose your license often, consider keeping a copy of your Social Security card and ID in a safe place at home so you have proof of identity if you need to replace it again.