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 state has over 130 locations, including full-service offices in major cities and smaller satellite locations in rural areas. You can also renew or replace your license through the mail if your license is not suspended or revoked and you meet certain conditions — mainly that you're not changing your address, name, or other key information.
The fastest route is usually your nearest DPS office, where you can walk in during business hours. Some offices accept appointments through the DPS website, which reduces wait time. If you want to check locations and hours before you go, visit the Texas DPS office locator at the official state website.
Mail-in replacement is an option only if your current license is valid (not expired more than two years) and you're keeping the same address and name. If either of those conditions doesn't explore to you, you must visit an office in person.
Key Takeaways
- You can replace your license at any Texas DPS office in person, or by mail if your license is not expired more than two years and you're not changing your address or name.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number or a document showing it.
- The replacement fee is $16 for a standard license valid for five years, or $32 for a Real ID-compliant license valid for eight years.
- Processing takes about 7 to 10 business days if you explore in person; mail-in processing takes longer and you should not plan to travel until you receive it.
- If your license was lost or stolen, report it to DPS at the time of replacement so it cannot be used fraudulently.
What documents you need to bring
Bring your current driver's license if you still have it. If it's lost or stolen, bring a government-issued photo ID instead — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. You also need proof of your current Texas address. A utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or insurance policy dated within the last 90 days will work. A phone bill does not count.
You'll need to provide your Social Security number. If you don't have it memorized, bring a document that shows it: a Social Security card, W-2, tax return, or 1099 form. You do not need to bring the original Social Security card itself — a copy is fine.
If you're replacing a license because it was lost or stolen, bring a police report if you filed one. It's not required, but it protects you if someone tries to use your old license fraudulently. If you're replacing a license because it was damaged, bring the damaged license with you.
The cost and what type of license to choose
A standard Texas driver's license costs $16 and is valid for five years. A Real ID-compliant license costs $32 and is valid for eight years. Real ID compliance means your license meets federal security standards and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings without a passport.
If you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal courthouse or military base in the next five years, the Real ID license is worth the extra cost because you won't need to carry a passport. If you rarely travel or already have a passport, the standard license is sufficient. You can upgrade to Real ID later if your plans change.
Both types are replaced using the same process and take the same amount of time. The only difference is the fee and the expiration date printed on the card.
What happens when you arrive at the DPS office
Check in at the front desk and tell the staff member you need a replacement license. They'll give you a number and direct you to wait. When your number is called, you'll go to a window where a DPS employee will review your documents, take a new photo of you, and collect your fee. Bring cash, debit card, or credit card — all are accepted.
The photo will be taken at the office, so wear something you're comfortable being photographed in. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or anything that obscures your face. If you wear glasses for vision correction, you can wear them in the photo.
After your photo is taken and payment is processed, you'll receive a receipt with a temporary license number. This temporary number is valid for 30 days and can be used for driving while your permanent card is being printed. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Mail-in replacement if you may have access to
If your current license is not expired more than two years ago, you're not changing your address or name, and your license was not suspended or revoked, you can mail in a replacement. You'll need to complete form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License), include a check or money order for the fee, and mail everything to the address listed on the form.
You do not need to include copies of your documents — DPS already has them on file. Include only the completed form, your payment, and your current license if you have it. Mail-in processing takes longer than in-person processing, usually 15 to 20 business days. Do not plan to travel or need your license for anything time-sensitive if you choose this route.
You can read form DL-44 from the Texas DPS website. Print it, fill it out by hand or type it, sign it, and mail it with your payment to the address on the form.
If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged
If your license is lost or stolen, report it to the DPS at the time you explore for a replacement. You can do this in person at the office or by calling the DPS customer service line. Reporting it prevents someone else from using your old license number fraudulently. You'll still pay the standard replacement fee — there is no extra charge for a lost or stolen license.
If your license is damaged but still readable, you can bring it with you to the office and it will be accepted as your current license for the replacement process. If it's too damaged to read, bring a government-issued photo ID instead and explain what happened to your license.
If your license was damaged in a natural disaster or accident, keep any documentation of the incident. Some DPS offices may waive fees in disaster situations, though this is handled case-by-case. Call your local DPS office to ask before you visit.
What to do while you wait for your new license
Your temporary license number is printed on your receipt and is valid for 30 days. You can drive legally using this number, but you should carry the receipt with you as proof. If you're pulled over, show the officer your receipt and explain that your permanent card is in the mail.
If you need to fly or enter a federal building before your permanent license arrives, bring your receipt and a government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or state ID). The TSA and federal security personnel will accept the receipt as proof that your replacement is in process.
If your permanent license does not arrive within 15 business days of your in-person visit, or within 25 business days of mailing in your replacement, contact the DPS customer service line. They can check the status of your card and reissue it if there was a problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license online?
No. Texas does not offer online replacement for driver's licenses. You must either visit a DPS office in person or mail in your replacement if you meet the conditions (license not expired more than two years, same address and name). You can renew your license online if it's not expired, but replacement requires in-person or mail submission.
What if I don't have proof of my current address?
You need a document dated within the last 90 days showing your name and address. If you don't have a utility bill, lease, or bank statement, ask your landlord for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your residency, or bring a recent mortgage statement. Call your local DPS office before you visit to confirm what they will accept in your situation.
How long does a replacement license last?
A standard license is valid for five years from the date it's issued. A Real ID license is valid for eight years. Both show the expiration date on the front of the card. You'll need to renew again after that date passes.
Do I need an appointment at the DPS office?
Appointments are not required, but they reduce wait time. Some DPS offices accept appointments through the state website; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Check your local office's website or call ahead to see if appointments are available in your area.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you cannot use the mail-in process. You must visit a DPS office in person and bring a document proving the name change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The replacement process is the same, but you'll need this additional document.