Where to get a replacement Texas driver's license

You can replace your Texas driver's license at any Driver License Office run by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). These are physical locations where you walk in, submit documents, take a new photo, and pay a fee. Texas has offices in most cities and many smaller towns — you do not have to go to the one that issued your original license.

You can also renew or replace your license online through the Texas DPS website if you meet specific conditions: your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions, and you are not changing your name or address. Online replacement takes about 7 to 10 business days and costs less than in-person replacement. If you do not meet those conditions, you must visit an office in person.

A third option is to use a License Service Center operated by a private vendor under contract with DPS. These are located in some grocery stores, pharmacies, and other retail locations. They handle routine replacements and renewals but cannot process complex cases like suspensions or name changes. Wait times are often shorter than at DPS offices.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or another state's driver's license), proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number to replace your license in person.
  • Replacement at a DPS office costs between $25 and $32 depending on the type of license, while online replacement costs $20 if you meet the may be able to access requirements.
  • In-person replacement at a DPS office usually takes 20 minutes to an hour depending on wait times, and you receive a temporary paper license when ready while your plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was lost or stolen, you do not need to file a police report first, but you should report the theft to the Texas DPS if you want to flag it in their system.
  • License Service Centers in retail locations offer shorter waits for routine replacements but cannot handle cases involving suspensions, name changes, or medical restrictions.

Documents you need to bring in person

Bring one government-issued photo ID. This can be a U.S. passport, military ID, passport card, or a driver's license from another state. If you do not have any of these, you can use a combination of documents — ask the DPS office what they will accept before you go, because the rules vary slightly by location.

Bring proof of Texas residency. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current Texas address works. The document must be dated within the last 90 days. If you have recently moved and your documents are not updated yet, bring a combination: an older utility bill plus a new lease, for example.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. You do not need to bring a card, but you must know the number. If you do not have a Social Security number, tell the DPS office staff when you arrive — they can process your replacement using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.

Steps to replace your license at a DPS office

First, find the DPS office nearest you. Go to the Texas DPS website, use their office locator tool, and note the address and hours. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. Call ahead if the office is far away, because some locations have walk-in limits or require you to arrive before a certain time to be seen that day.

Bring your documents and arrive early if possible. You will check in at the front desk, give your documents to the staff member, and answer questions about your address, any medical conditions, and whether you want to register as an organ donor. The staff member will verify your information against state records.

Next, you will take a new photo. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or heavy makeup that obscures your face. The photo is taken at the office — you do not bring one. After the photo, you will pay the fee (between $25 and $32 for a standard replacement) by cash, check, or card, depending on what the office accepts.

You will receive a temporary paper license when ready. This is valid for 45 days and works for driving and identification. Your plastic license card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DPS to check the status.

Online replacement if you are may be able to access

Log into your account on the Texas DPS website using your driver's license number and date of birth. You will answer questions about your current license, confirm your address, and review your information. The system will tell you whether you can renew or replace online or whether you must visit an office.

If you are may be able to access, you will upload a new photo. The photo must meet specific requirements: you must be facing the camera, your face must fill most of the frame, and you cannot wear a hat or sunglasses. If your photo does not meet the requirements, the system will reject it and ask you to try again.

Pay the $20 fee by debit or credit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need to change your address, you must do that in person at a DPS office or License Service Center — you cannot change your address online during a replacement.

What happens if your license was lost or stolen

You do not need to file a police report before replacing your license. The DPS will issue you a new one based on your request. However, if your license was stolen and you are concerned about identity theft, you can file a report with the Texas DPS or your local police department. This creates a record but does not speed up the replacement process.

When you replace your license at a DPS office, tell the staff member that it was lost or stolen. They will note this in the system. If you want to report it to police as well, you can do that separately — some people do this for insurance or fraud-tracking purposes, but it is not required to get a new license.

If your old license is later found, you should destroy it or turn it in to a DPS office. Do not try to use it — it will be flagged as replaced and will not work for identification or driving.

License Service Centers in retail locations

License Service Centers are located inside grocery stores, pharmacies, and other retail businesses in many Texas cities. They handle routine replacements and renewals without the wait times you might face at a DPS office. You bring the same documents (government ID, proof of residency, Social Security number) and pay the same fee.

These centers cannot process cases involving license suspensions, revocations, medical restrictions, or name changes. If your license falls into any of those categories, you must go to a DPS office. You can call the center ahead of time to confirm they can handle your specific replacement.

The process is the same as at a DPS office: you check in, provide documents, take a photo, pay the fee, and receive a temporary paper license. Your plastic card arrives by mail in the same timeframe. Wait times are typically shorter, especially during off-peak hours.

Fees and payment methods

A standard five-year driver's license replacement costs $25 at a DPS office. A commercial driver's license (CDL) replacement costs $32. Online replacement costs $20. License Service Centers charge the same fees as DPS offices.

Payment methods vary by location. Most DPS offices accept cash, check, and debit or credit card. Some License Service Centers accept only card or cash. Call ahead to confirm what the specific location accepts if you want to be certain.

If you are replacing your license because it was damaged or defective (not lost or stolen), you may not have to pay a fee. Bring the damaged license with you and ask the staff member whether you may have access to for a free replacement. Rules vary, so it is worth asking.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement license in the mail?

Your plastic license card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days after you complete your replacement at a DPS office or License Service Center. The temporary paper license you receive on the spot is valid for 45 days, so you can drive and use it for identification while you wait. If your card does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DPS to check the status.

Can I replace my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first by paying any outstanding fines, completing required courses, or meeting other conditions set by the DPS. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can replace your license. You must do this in person at a DPS office, not online or at a License Service Center.

What if I changed my name since my last license?

You must replace your license in person at a DPS office and bring proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot change your name online. Bring the proof document along with your other required documents (government ID and proof of residency).

Do I need an appointment at a DPS office?

Most DPS offices operate on a walk-in basis, but some locations now use an online appointment system. Check the Texas DPS website for your local office to see whether appointments are available or required. Even if appointments are not required, arriving early reduces wait times.

Can I get a replacement license the same day?

Yes, if you go to a DPS office or License Service Center in person. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 45 days. Your plastic card arrives by mail later. Online replacement takes 7 to 10 business days and does not include a temporary license.