Where to go and what to bring

You replace a Texas driver's license at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, not at your local DMV — Texas does not have a DMV. You can visit any DPS Driver License office in the state, though going to the one nearest your home address on file is fastest. Find the office locations and hours on the DPS website at dps.texas.gov.

Bring your current license if you still have it, or a state ID card. You will also need proof of identity — a passport, birth certificate, or military ID all work. If your address has changed since your last license, bring proof of your current address: a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now use an online reservation system, so check before you go.

The fee for a replacement license is $16 for a five-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, check, or card at the office. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, the fee is the same — there is no extra charge for that circumstance.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit any DPS Driver License office with your current license or state ID, proof of identity, and proof of your current address if it has changed.
  • A replacement license costs $16 for five years or $32 for eight years, payable by cash, check, or card at the office.
  • You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now offer online reservations — check the DPS website before you go.
  • Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days after you visit the office.
  • If your license was suspended or revoked, you must resolve that status before you can renew or replace it.

When you need a replacement instead of a renewal

A replacement is different from a renewal. You get a replacement when your license is lost, stolen, damaged, or if your name has changed. You get a renewal when your current license is still valid but approaching expiration. The process is the same at the DPS office, but the reason matters for your records.

If your license was damaged — torn, faded, or the magnetic strip no longer works — bring what is left of it to the office. The staff will note that it was damaged and issue a replacement. If your license was lost or stolen, you do not need a police report to replace it, though having one can be useful if you need to dispute fraudulent charges later.

What happens after you leave the office

After you complete the transaction at the DPS office, your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use while you wait for the plastic card to arrive. That temporary license is valid for 30 days and has the same legal weight as your permanent license — police will accept it, and you can use it to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.

If you need your license faster, some DPS offices offer expedited service for an additional fee, though availability varies by location. Call the office directly to ask whether they offer this option and what the cost is.

Replacing a license with a different address

If you have moved since your last license was issued, bring proof of your new address to the DPS office. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.

The DPS will update your address in their system during your visit. Your new license will be mailed to the new address you provide. If you are moving soon but have not yet received mail at your new address, bring a lease or purchase agreement instead — the office staff can work with documents that show you have a legal right to live there.

If your license was suspended or revoked

Before you can replace your license, any suspension or revocation must be cleared. You can check your license status on the DPS website by entering your license number and date of birth. If there is a hold on your record, the website will tell you the reason — usually unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or a medical condition flagged by the state.

To clear a suspension, you typically need to pay outstanding fines, appear in court if required, or provide medical documentation if the suspension was health-related. Once the underlying issue is resolved, contact the DPS to confirm the suspension has been lifted. You can then visit a DPS office to replace your license. The DPS customer service line is 1-888-589-6556.

Replacing a license under a different name

If your name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you will need to bring documentation of that change. For marriage, bring your marriage certificate. For divorce, bring the divorce decree. For a legal name change, bring the court order. These documents must be originals or certified copies.

Bring these documents along with your current license and proof of identity to the DPS office. The staff will update your name in the system and issue a new license with your current legal name. The process takes the same amount of time as a standard replacement.

What to do if you need your license before it arrives

The temporary paper license you receive at the DPS office is valid for 30 days and works for most purposes — driving, boarding a domestic flight, entering federal buildings. If you need to travel internationally or need your permanent card for a specific reason before the 7 to 10 business days have passed, call the DPS office where you applied and explain your situation. They may be able to tell you whether expedited service is available or whether they can issue a replacement temporary license.

If your temporary license is lost or damaged before your permanent license arrives, return to the same DPS office and request a replacement temporary license. There is no additional fee for this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online or by mail?

No. Texas requires you to visit a DPS Driver License office in person to replace your license. You cannot do this by mail or online. However, you can check your license status and find office locations on the DPS website before you go.

What if I do not have proof of my current address?

If you cannot bring a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days, bring other documents that show your current address: a bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail. If you have none of these, ask the DPS office staff what alternatives they accept — some offices can work with you if you explain your situation.

Do I need to take a new photo for my replacement license?

Yes. The DPS will take a new photo of you when you visit the office, even if you are replacing a license that still has a valid photo. This is standard procedure for all replacements.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. Your replacement license will be mailed to your address on file, so you do not need to pick it up. If you need to change the mailing address before your license arrives, contact the DPS office where you applied as soon as possible.

What if my replacement license arrives damaged?

If your new license arrives cracked, bent, or with a defective magnetic strip, return to any DPS Driver License office with the damaged card and your temporary license. They will issue a replacement at no additional cost.