How to Replace Your Texas Driver's License

Where to go and what you need to bring

You can replace your Texas driver's license at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The DPS runs all driver's license services in Texas — there is no separate county office or third-party vendor. You will need to visit in person; Texas does not allow you to renew or replace a license by mail or online.

Bring your current license if you still have it, or a government-issued photo ID if your license is lost or stolen. You will also need proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), proof of Texas residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 30 days), and proof of your legal name if it has changed since your last license (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

If your license was lost or stolen, you do not need a police report, but you should know that you can request a replacement with a new number if you are concerned about identity theft. Ask the DPS employee about this option when you arrive.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a DPS office in person — Texas does not process replacements by mail or online.
Bring your current license or another government photo ID, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency dated within 30 days.
The replacement fee is $16 for a standard license valid for six years, or $32 for a Real ID-compliant license valid for eight years.
You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days in most cases.
If your license was suspended or revoked, you must resolve that issue before you can get a replacement.

Finding the DPS office nearest you

The DPS maintains a list of all driver's license offices on its website at dps.texas.gov. You can search by city or county. Most large cities have multiple offices; smaller towns may have only one. Hours vary by location, but most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, with some offering limited Saturday hours.

Call ahead or check the office's hours online before you go. Many DPS offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, but some allow you to reserve a time slot through the DPS website. During busy periods — typically mid-month and mid-week — wait times can exceed an hour. Early morning visits tend to be faster.

What the replacement costs and what you receive

A standard Texas driver's license replacement costs $16 and is valid for six years. A Real ID-compliant license costs $32 and is valid for eight years. Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and are required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings as of May 2025. If you are unsure which type you have, the DPS employee can tell you when you arrive.

You will receive a temporary paper license when ready after your appointment. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used for driving and identification. Your permanent plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days under normal circumstances. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the DPS to check the status.

Replacing a lost or stolen license

If your license was lost or stolen, the process is the same as a standard replacement — you still visit a DPS office with the documents listed above. You do not need a police report, though filing one is your choice if you are concerned about identity theft or fraud.

When you arrive at the DPS office, tell the employee that your license was lost or stolen. Ask whether you can request a new license number as part of the replacement. Some people choose this option to reduce the risk that someone else could use their old number fraudulently. The DPS can issue a new number at no extra cost, though it takes the same 7 to 10 days to arrive.

If your license was suspended or revoked

You cannot get a replacement license while your driving privileges are suspended or revoked in Texas. Before you visit the DPS office, you need to resolve whatever caused the suspension or revocation — this might mean paying outstanding traffic fines, completing a defensive driving course, or satisfying child support obligations.

You can check your driving record status on the DPS website or by calling the DPS at 1-888-589-6556. The website will tell you the reason for any suspension and what steps you need to take to restore your privileges. Once you have completed those steps, you can then visit a DPS office to replace your license.

Replacing a license that expired while you were out of state

If you were living outside Texas and your license expired, you will need to renew rather than replace it. Renewal requires the same documents as a replacement and costs the same amount. The main difference is that the DPS will not issue you a new license number — your number stays the same.

If you have been out of state for more than two years, you may need to pass the written driving test again. The DPS employee will tell you whether this applies to you based on how long you were gone and when your license expired. Bring your out-of-state ID or passport as proof of residency in the other state if asked.

What to do if you cannot visit in person

Texas does not allow anyone to replace a driver's license by mail or through a representative. You must appear in person at a DPS office. If you are unable to travel due to a medical condition or disability, contact the DPS directly at 1-888-589-6556 to ask about accommodations or exceptions. The DPS may be able to arrange a mobile unit visit or provide guidance on your options.

If you are temporarily out of state, you will need to wait until you return to Texas to replace your license. Some people in this situation choose to renew their license by mail if it has not yet expired, which buys them time to return to Texas before the replacement becomes necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online or by mail?

No. Texas requires all driver's license replacements to be done in person at a DPS office. You cannot use a third party, mail service, or online portal to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license.

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

The plastic card usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 30 days. If your card does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DPS to check on the status.

Do I need a police report if my license was stolen?

No. The DPS does not require a police report to replace a stolen license. Filing a report is your choice and may be useful if you are concerned about identity theft, but it is not necessary for the replacement process.

What if I have a suspended license?

You cannot replace a suspended license until the suspension is lifted. Check your driving record status on the DPS website or call 1-888-589-6556 to find out what you need to do to restore your privileges, then return to the DPS office once that is complete.

Is Real ID required for driving in Texas?

Real ID is not required for driving. It is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. A standard Texas driver's license is sufficient for driving. You can choose which type to get when you replace your license.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.