Texas driver's license replacement costs $16 for a standard five-year license or $32 for an eight-year license

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) charges a flat fee to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged driver's license. You cannot reduce this fee or find a cheaper alternative — the price is set by state law and applies whether you renew in person or by mail. The eight-year license costs twice as much because it remains valid longer.

You pay at the moment you submit your replacement request, either at a DPS office or through the mail. If you choose to renew in person, bring cash, debit, or credit card. If you mail your request, include a check or money order made out to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

The replacement fee covers only the license itself. If you need a duplicate copy of your birth certificate or other documents to prove your identity, those have separate costs through the vital records office or the county clerk.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard five-year Texas driver's license replacement costs $16; an eight-year license costs $32.
  • You pay the fee when you submit your replacement request, whether in person or by mail.
  • The DPS does not offer payment plans or reduced fees for financial hardship.
  • Getting a replacement by mail takes longer than renewing in person but costs the same amount.
  • Additional documents like birth certificates have their own fees and are not included in the license replacement cost.

Replacing your license in person at a DPS office

Walk into any Texas DPS Driver License office with your payment method and identification documents. You will pay the $16 or $32 fee at the counter when you hand in your paperwork. The office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards — no checks at the counter.

Bring your Social Security number, proof of Texas residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 90 days), and proof of identity (passport, military ID, or birth certificate). If your license was stolen, bring a police report. If it was lost or damaged, bring the damaged license itself if you still have it.

Processing takes about 20 minutes at the counter. Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally during this wait if you ask for a temporary paper license at the office — this is free and valid for 45 days.

Replacing your license by mail

Mail a completed DL-44 form (the standard driver's license process) to the DPS along with your payment and supporting documents. Include a check or money order for $16 or $32 made out to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Do not send cash through the mail.

The mailing address is on the DPS website under "Mail Renewal." Processing by mail takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DPS receives your envelope. You cannot request a temporary paper license by mail, so plan ahead if you need to drive during the wait.

Mail replacement makes sense only if you do not need your license urgently. The fee is identical to in-person replacement, but the timeline is much longer. If your license was stolen, you should report it to the DPS by phone or online before mailing your replacement request — this creates a record in case someone tries to use the stolen license.

What happens if you need documents you do not have

If you cannot find your birth certificate or other proof of identity, you will need to order copies before you can replace your license. A certified birth certificate from the Texas Vital Statistics Unit costs $23 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy. You can order by mail or online at the vital records website.

If you need proof of residency and do not have a recent utility bill or lease, a bank statement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 90 days will work. These are free — you already have them at home.

The time to gather these documents is separate from the time to replace your license. If you order a birth certificate by mail, add 2 to 3 weeks to your timeline. Ordering online is faster — you can print a certified copy within 24 hours, but you pay a higher fee (around $30 instead of $23).

Replacing a license that expired more than two years ago

If your license has been expired for more than two years, the DPS treats it as a new license process rather than a replacement. You will pay the same $16 or $32 fee, but you must take a new written test and vision test at a DPS office — you cannot renew by mail.

Schedule an appointment online or call your local DPS office. Bring all the same documents you would for a standard replacement: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The written test covers Texas traffic laws and takes about 15 minutes. The vision test is quick.

You pay the license fee at the counter after you pass both tests. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at no extra charge, though some offices limit retakes to once per visit. Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Replacing a commercial driver's license (CDL)

A commercial driver's license replacement costs $65 for a five-year license or $100 for an eight-year license. These fees are higher than standard licenses because CDLs require more testing and oversight.

You must replace a CDL in person at a DPS office — mail renewal is not an option. You will need to pass a written test on commercial driving rules, a vision test, and a skills test (backing up, parallel parking, and basic maneuvers in a commercial vehicle). The entire process takes 1 to 2 hours.

Bring your current CDL, proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. If your CDL has been expired for more than two years, the DPS may require a medical examination certificate as well. Pay the $65 or $100 fee at the counter after you pass all tests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license the same day I explore?

No. The DPS does not issue licenses on the spot. You receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days when you explore in person, and your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you explore by mail, the wait is 4 to 6 weeks.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still replace it by mail or in person at any Texas DPS office, even if you are currently out of state. If you are out of state, mailing your request is your only option. You will need to provide the same documents and pay the same $16 or $32 fee.

Do I have to pay the full fee if I'm replacing a damaged license?

Yes. The DPS charges the same $16 or $32 fee whether your license is lost, stolen, or damaged. There is no reduced rate for damage. Bring the damaged license with you if you have it — this helps the DPS process your request faster.

Can I get a refund if I change my mind after paying?

No. Once you pay the replacement fee, it is non-refundable. If you decide not to proceed, contact the DPS office where you applied to explain, but the fee will not be returned. Plan carefully before you submit your payment.

What if the DPS loses my process or documents?

Contact the DPS office where you applied or mailed your request. Ask them to search their records by your driver's license number or Social Security number. If documents were lost, the DPS will ask you to resubmit them. You do not pay the replacement fee twice — the original payment covers the resubmission.