Get a replacement license by visiting a Texas DPS office in person with your ID and fee
You can replace your Texas driver's license at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. You'll need to bring a valid form of identification, pay the replacement fee (currently $16 for a standard license), and complete an process. The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes at the office, and you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your permanent card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
Texas does not allow you to renew or replace your license online or by mail, so an in-person visit is required. You cannot use a third-party service or kiosk — you must go directly to a DPS office.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS office in person with a valid ID and $16 to replace your license; no online or mail options exist.
- Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, as you'll need to verify it during the process.
- You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was lost or stolen, report it to DPS at the same time you explore for the replacement.
What to bring to the DPS office
Bring one valid form of identification. Acceptable IDs include a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, state ID card, or another current driver's license from any state. If you don't have any of these, you can bring two documents that together establish your identity and residency — for example, a birth certificate plus a utility bill or lease agreement in your name.
You'll also need your Social Security number. If you don't have it memorized, bring your Social Security card, a W-2, a 1099 form, or a bank statement showing your number. Bring your $16 fee in cash or card — DPS offices accept both.
If your license was lost or stolen, bring a police report if you have one. This isn't required, but it speeds up the process and protects you against fraud. If you're replacing a license that was suspended or revoked, you may need additional documents depending on the reason — call your local DPS office before you go to confirm what they need.
Finding your nearest DPS office and checking wait times
Use the DPS office locator on the Texas Department of Public Safety website (texas.gov/dps). Enter your city or ZIP code to see all offices near you, their hours, and phone numbers. Many offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Hours vary by location, so check before you go.
Call ahead to ask about current wait times. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times can range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the time of day and day of the week. Early morning visits (right when the office opens) and weekday visits typically have shorter waits than afternoons or Saturdays. A few DPS offices offer online appointment scheduling through their website — check your local office's page to see if yours does.
Completing the process at the DPS office
When you arrive, you'll fill out Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License). The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and basic health information. You'll also answer questions about traffic violations, suspensions, or revocations on your record. Answer these honestly — DPS verifies this information against their database.
A DPS employee will review your form, check your ID, and take your photo and fingerprints. The photo is taken at the office, so you don't need to bring one. You'll also take a vision test at the office. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.
Once everything is complete, you'll pay your $16 fee and receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and works as a legal ID while you wait for your permanent card. Write down the number on your temporary license in case you need to reference it.
What happens after you leave the office
Your permanent driver's license card will be mailed to the address you provided on your process within 7 to 10 business days. Mail delivery times vary, so it may take a few extra days to arrive. If you don't receive it within two weeks, call the DPS office where you applied and provide your temporary license number.
Your temporary paper license expires 45 days after it's issued. If your permanent card hasn't arrived by then and you need to drive, you can visit a DPS office again to request an extension of your temporary license. Bring your temporary license and a valid ID.
Once your permanent card arrives, destroy your temporary license. You don't need to return it to DPS — just keep it safe until the permanent one comes, then throw it away.
Replacing a license that was lost, stolen, or damaged
If your license was lost or stolen, report it to the DPS by calling 1-888-589-6556 or visiting a DPS office. Reporting it prevents someone else from using it fraudulently. You can report it over the phone, but you still need to visit an office in person to get the replacement card.
If your license is damaged (torn, faded, or unreadable), you can replace it the same way as a lost or stolen license. Bring the damaged card with you to the DPS office if you have it — this speeds up the process. If you don't have it, just tell the DPS employee it's damaged and explain what happened.
The replacement fee is the same ($16) whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. Some DPS offices waive the fee if you report a lost or stolen license within a certain timeframe, but this varies by office. Ask when you call or visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if it's expired?
Yes. A replacement and a renewal are different transactions in Texas. If your license is expired, you can still replace it at a DPS office using the same process. You'll pay $16 for the replacement. If you also need to renew it (extend the expiration date), that's a separate step you can do at the same visit — ask the DPS employee about renewal options when you arrive.
What if I've moved and my address on my license is wrong?
You can update your address at the same time you replace your license. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement in your name dated within the last 60 days). The DPS employee will update your address during the replacement process at no extra cost.
How much does it cost to replace a license in Texas?
The standard replacement fee is $16. If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and flights), the fee is $27. Ask the DPS employee which type you need when you arrive. Some offices may charge a small additional fee for services like address changes, but the base replacement is $16.
Do I need an appointment to replace my license?
Appointments are not required at most DPS offices, but some locations offer online scheduling. Check your local office's website to see if appointments are available. Walk-ins are always accepted, though you may wait longer during busy times. Calling ahead to ask about wait times helps you plan when to visit.
What if I can't find my Social Security number before I go?
Bring a document that shows it instead of memorizing it. Acceptable documents include your Social Security card, a W-2, a 1099, a tax return, or a bank statement. The DPS employee will verify the number from the document you bring. You don't need to have it memorized.