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) driver license office. The state operates about 130 locations across Texas, including offices in major cities and smaller towns. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the DPS website at dps.texas.gov.
You have three ways to replace your license: in person at a DPS office, by mail if your license is still valid and you meet certain conditions, or through a third-party vendor in some counties. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the replacement and whether your current license is still usable.
If you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license, you must go in person or use mail service. If you are renewing an expired license at the same time, you have more options. The DPS website lists which counties have third-party vendors and their locations.
Key Takeaways
- You can replace your Texas driver's license in person at any DPS office, by mail if your current license is still valid, or through a third-party vendor in select counties.
- You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or a document showing it; the exact documents depend on your citizenship status.
- A replacement license costs $16 if your current license is still valid, or $32 if it is expired; fees are higher if you also need a Real ID upgrade.
- Processing times vary: in-person replacements are usually ready the same day or within a few days, mail service takes two to three weeks, and third-party vendors may have different timelines.
- You can check the status of a mailed replacement or order online through your DPS account if you created one during the request process.
Documents you need to bring
Texas requires you to prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. Bring your current driver's license if you still have it — this is the easiest proof of identity. If your license is lost or stolen, bring a passport, military ID, or state ID card instead.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A phone bill or insurance statement also works if it shows your name and address.
You will need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have your Social Security card, bring a document that shows it — a W-2 form, tax return, or Social Security statement from ssa.gov all work. If you were born outside the United States, you may need additional documents; the DPS website lists what is required by citizenship status.
Costs and processing times
A replacement license costs $16 if your current license is still valid. If your license is expired, the replacement costs $32. These prices cover a standard driver's license valid for six years. If you want to add Real ID compliance at the same time, add $16 to the cost.
In-person replacements are usually ready the same day or within a few business days. You can ask the DPS office when to pick up your license. Some offices issue temporary paper licenses on the spot while your permanent card is being made.
Mail service takes two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your request. Third-party vendors vary by location; call ahead to ask how long they take. If you need your license urgently, going in person is fastest.
How to replace by mail
You can mail in a replacement request only if your current license is still valid and you have not had more than one replacement in the past 12 months. You cannot use mail service if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond use.
read the process for a Texas Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-43) from the DPS website. Fill it out completely, including your current license number. Attach a copy of your proof of identity and proof of residency — photocopies are fine. Do not send your original documents.
Mail the form and copies to the address listed on the DPS website. Include a check or money order for $16 (or $32 if your license is expired). Do not send cash. DPS will mail your new license to the address on your current license unless you include a written request for a different address.
You can track your replacement online if you create a DPS online account before mailing your request. Log in to check the status. If you do not create an account, you can call the DPS customer service line to ask about your replacement, though wait times can be long.
Replacing a lost or stolen license
If your license is lost or stolen, you must report it to DPS in person or by phone. Call the DPS customer service line to report the loss and ask whether you need to file a police report. Some situations require a report; others do not. DPS will tell you what is needed for your case.
After reporting the loss, go to a DPS office with your proof of identity and residency. You will fill out a replacement form and pay the fee. DPS will issue a new license number and send you a new card. Your old license number is no longer valid.
If your license was stolen along with other documents, consider placing a fraud alert with the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). This does not cost money and makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name. You can place an alert online at any of the three bureaus' websites.
Real ID compliance and upgrades
Texas driver's licenses issued after January 2010 are Real ID compliant if they have a gold star in the upper right corner. A Real ID license meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. If your current license does not have the star, you can add it during a replacement.
Adding Real ID costs an extra $16. You will need to bring the same documents as for a standard replacement, plus proof of your Social Security number. The process is the same whether you replace in person, by mail, or through a vendor.
If you do not add Real ID now, you can do so later when you renew. However, if you want to use your license for federal purposes before your renewal date, upgrading during a replacement is the faster route.
What to do if you need a license before your replacement arrives
If you replaced your license in person, ask the DPS office for a temporary paper license. Many offices issue these on the spot while your permanent card is being made. A paper license is valid for 45 days and works for driving and identification purposes.
If you mailed in your replacement and need to drive before it arrives, you have limited options. You cannot get a temporary license by mail. Your best choice is to go to a DPS office in person and request an expedited replacement, though this costs more and availability varies by location.
If you are traveling and need a license for identification at a hotel or airport, bring your Social Security card, passport, or military ID instead. These work for most identification purposes even if your driver's license is not yet in hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license online?
Texas does not offer full online replacement. You can renew a valid license online through the DPS website, but replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license requires going in person or using mail service. You can start the mail process online by downloading the form, but you must print it, sign it, and mail it with documents and payment.
How long is a replacement license valid?
A replacement license is valid for six years from the date it is issued, the same as a new license. Your expiration date is printed on the front. If your original license was set to expire sooner, your replacement uses the same expiration date unless you renew at the same time.
What if I moved and my address changed?
You can update your address during a replacement. Bring proof of your new residency (a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days). If you are mailing in a replacement, include a written note with your new address. The new license will be mailed to your updated address.
Do I need an appointment at the DPS office?
Appointments are not required at most DPS offices, but you can schedule one online to reduce wait time. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait an hour or more during busy times. Scheduling ahead is faster, especially at offices in large cities.
What if my name changed since my current license was issued?
Bring a document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. DPS will issue a new license with your current legal name. This counts as a replacement, not a renewal, so the fee and process are the same.