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. These are called Driver License offices, and they exist in most counties. 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 your license expired fewer than two years ago and you have no medical restrictions.

The fastest route is usually an in-person visit to your nearest DPS Driver License office. You can find the office closest to you and check its hours on the DPS website. Walk-in service is available, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Some offices accept appointments through their online system, which can cut your wait time significantly.

If you lost your license, it was stolen, or it is damaged, you will need to replace it in person. If your license straightforward expired and you want to renew it, you have the mail option — but only if your license expired within the last two years and you have no medical conditions listed on it.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS Driver License office in person if your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, or if it expired more than two years ago.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of Texas residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate).
  • A replacement license costs $16 and is valid for six years, or until age 85 if you are over 79.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.

Documents you need to bring

Bring your Social Security number and two forms of identification. One must be a primary ID — a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, or consular report of birth abroad. The second can be a primary ID or a secondary ID such as a school ID, employee badge, or military ID.

You also need proof that you live in Texas. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address works. The document must be dated within the last 90 days. If you do not have one of these, you can bring two documents that show your name and address, such as a voter registration card and a piece of mail from a government agency.

Bring your current license if you still have it, even if it is damaged or expired. If your license was lost or stolen, you do not need it, but you may want to file a police report first — some DPS offices ask for the report number.

What happens at the DPS office

When you arrive, you will check in and wait to be called. A DPS employee will verify your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fee. The entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as a plastic license — you can drive with it, use it as ID, and show it to police. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address on your process within two to three weeks. If you do not receive it after four weeks, contact the DPS to check the status.

If you need your license sooner than two to three weeks, you cannot expedite the plastic card itself. However, the temporary paper license is valid when ready, so you can drive and use it for identification right away.

The cost and validity period

A replacement license costs $16. This is the same price whether you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license, or renewing an expired one. Payment is cash, check, or card — the office will tell you which methods they accept.

Your new license will be valid for six years from the date you receive it, or until you turn 85 if you are over 79. If you are under 21, your license will expire on your 21st birthday. The expiration date will be printed on your new license.

Replacing your license by mail

You can renew your license by mail only if your current license expired fewer than two years ago, you have no medical restrictions, and your license was not suspended or revoked. You cannot replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license by mail — you must go in person.

To renew by mail, read and complete Form DL-44 from the DPS website, or request one by phone. Include a check or money order for $16, a copy of your proof of residency, and a copy of your primary ID. Mail everything to the address listed on the form. Processing takes four to six weeks.

The mail renewal option is slower than an in-person visit, so use it only if you have time and your situation meets all the requirements. If you are unsure whether you may have access to, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 before you mail anything.

If your license was suspended or revoked

You cannot replace a suspended or revoked license at a DPS office. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the agency that issued it — usually the DPS itself, a court, or the Texas Department of Insurance if it involves an insurance violation.

Contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what you need to do to clear it. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can then replace your license in person at any Driver License office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online?

No. You must either visit a DPS Driver License office in person or renew by mail if your license expired fewer than two years ago and has no medical restrictions. There is no online replacement option for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can still replace your license. Bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, or a document showing you are not required to have a Social Security number. Ask the DPS office what documents they will accept in your situation.

How long does a temporary paper license last?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license should arrive within two to three weeks. If it does not arrive within four weeks, contact the DPS to check on it.

Can I get a replacement license if I owe child support or have unpaid traffic fines?

Yes, you can still replace your license. However, if you owe child support, your license may be suspended, and you will need to resolve that first. If you have unpaid traffic fines, they do not prevent you from replacing your license, but the DPS may flag your record.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

Bring proof of your new Texas address to the DPS office. Your new license will show your current address. If you want to change your address without replacing your license, you can update it online through the DPS website if your license is still valid.