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

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) charges a flat fee to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged driver's license. You pay $16 if you want a license valid for five years, or $32 for an eight-year license. These are the only two options available — Texas does not offer a shorter or longer validity period for replacements.

The fee covers the license itself and the processing. You cannot reduce the cost by choosing a different method or location. Whether you replace it in person at a DPS office or by mail, you pay the same amount.

If your license was lost or stolen, you may also want to report it to prevent identity theft, but that is a separate step and does not affect the replacement fee.

Key Takeaways

  • A five-year Texas driver's license replacement costs $16; an eight-year license costs $32.
  • You can replace your license in person at any DPS office or by mail through the DPS website.
  • In-person replacement usually takes a few minutes, while mail replacement takes one to two weeks.
  • You will need your Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of identity to replace your license.
  • If your license was stolen, file a report with DPS at the same time you request a replacement.

How to replace your license in person at a DPS office

Walk into any Texas DPS Driver License office with your documents and pay the fee on the spot. You will receive your new license the same day. Bring your Social Security number (memorized or written down), a document proving your current address, and a document proving your identity — a passport, military ID, or birth certificate all work.

You do not need to make an appointment at most DPS offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less crowded on weekday mornings. Check the DPS website to find the office nearest you and see if that location accepts walk-ins or requires a reservation.

Bring cash or a debit card — not all offices accept credit cards. If you are replacing a license that was lost or stolen, tell the staff member at the counter so they can flag it in the system.

How to replace your license by mail

Visit the Texas DPS website and read the process for a Duplicate Driver License or Identification Card (form DL-44). Fill it out completely, including your driver's license number if you still have it. If you do not have your license number, you can leave that field blank — DPS will look it up using your name and date of birth.

Mail the completed form along with a check or money order for $16 or $32 (made payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety) to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your proof of identity and proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement all work. Do not send original documents; DPS will not return them.

Your replacement license will arrive by mail in one to two weeks. If you need it faster, in-person replacement is your only option.

What documents you need to bring or send

You must provide proof of identity and proof of residency. For identity, DPS accepts a U.S. passport, military ID, birth certificate, or certain other government-issued documents. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Texas address.

You also need your Social Security number. If you do not know it, bring your Social Security card or a document that shows it. If you are replacing a license that was lost or stolen, you do not need the original license itself — DPS can look up your information by name and date of birth.

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.

If your license was stolen or lost

Report the theft or loss to DPS at the same time you request a replacement. When you replace your license in person, tell the staff member that it was stolen or lost — they will file the report as part of the replacement process. When you replace by mail, write "LOST" or "STOLEN" clearly at the top of your process form.

Reporting it prevents someone else from using your license number for fraud. DPS will deactivate the old license in their system so it cannot be used for identification.

If you are concerned about identity theft beyond the license itself, you may also want to place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), but that is separate from the DPS replacement process.

Replacing a license that is damaged or unreadable

If your license is still in your possession but damaged, worn, or unreadable, you can replace it using the same process and paying the same fee. Bring the damaged license with you if you replace in person, or mention the damage on your mail process. DPS will destroy the old license and issue a new one.

A damaged license does not count as lost or stolen, so you do not need to file a separate report — just pay the replacement fee and provide your documents as usual.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

If you replace your license in person, you receive the new license when ready — there is no waiting period. If you replace by mail, DPS does not issue a temporary license. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request an expedited replacement in person at a DPS office instead.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

You must provide proof of residency to replace your license. If you have recently moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name yet, bring a bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail addressed to you at your current address. If you cannot provide any of these, contact your local DPS office to ask what alternative documents they accept.

Do I have to choose between a five-year and eight-year license?

Yes. When you replace your license, you must choose one or the other. The five-year license costs $16 and the eight-year license costs $32. There is no middle option. Most people choose based on how long they plan to keep their current address and whether they want to renew sooner or later.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

If you replace by mail, your license will be mailed to the address you provide on the process. If you replace in person, you must be present to receive it — DPS will not give it to someone else without written authorization. If you cannot go in person, mail replacement is your option.

What if my replacement license arrives damaged in the mail?

Contact the DPS office that processed your process and explain the damage. They can issue a replacement at no additional cost. Bring the damaged license with you or mail it back to DPS with a note explaining what happened.