Where to get a replacement license in Texas
You can replace your Texas driver license at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The DPS runs all driver license services in the state — there is no separate DMV. You have three ways to replace your license: in person at a DPS office, by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked, or online through the DPS website if you meet specific conditions.
In-person replacement is the fastest route and works for any situation. Mail replacement takes longer but works if your license expired fewer than two years ago and you have no suspensions. Online replacement through the DPS website is available only if your license expired within the last two years, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not had a name change since your last license was issued.
Key Takeaways
- Texas driver licenses can be replaced in person at any DPS office, by mail if your license expired within two years, or online through the DPS website under certain conditions.
- You will need your Social Security number, proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your current license or ID to replace your license in person.
- In-person replacement usually takes 20 to 30 minutes at a DPS office, while mail replacement takes two to three weeks and online replacement takes one to two weeks.
- The replacement fee is $16 for a standard five-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, payable by cash, check, or card at DPS offices.
- If your license was lost or stolen, report it to DPS before replacing it so the old number is flagged in the system.
In-person replacement at a DPS office
Walk into any DPS office with your documents and you can walk out with a temporary paper license the same day. Bring your Social Security number, proof of Texas residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days), and your current license or ID card. If you do not have your current license, bring a second form of ID such as a passport or military ID.
DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The DPS website has a location finder that shows hours and current wait times for offices near you. Processing takes 20 to 30 minutes on average. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent card is mailed to you, which arrives within two weeks.
Mail replacement for recently expired licenses
If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can mail in a replacement without visiting an office. You will need to complete form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License), which you can read from the DPS website or pick up at any DPS office. Include a copy of your proof of residency, your Social Security number written on the form, and a check or money order for $16 (five-year license) or $32 (eight-year license) made payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Mail your completed form and documents to the address listed on the DPS website for your region. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your envelope. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so you cannot drive legally during this period. Mail replacement does not work if your license is suspended, revoked, or if you have had a name change since your last license was issued.
Online replacement through the DPS website
The DPS website offers online replacement for licenses that expired within the last two years, as long as you have no medical restrictions on your license and your name has not changed since your last license was issued. You will need your driver license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $16 for a five-year license or $32 for an eight-year license.
The online process takes about 10 minutes. You will receive a confirmation number when ready, and your new license will be mailed to the address on file within one to two weeks. You will not receive a temporary license, so you cannot drive legally during this period. If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements, the DPS website has a tool that checks your may be able to access before you start the process.
What to do if your license was lost or stolen
Report your lost or stolen license to DPS before you replace it. You can report it online through the DPS website, by phone at 1-888-589-6900, or in person at any DPS office. Reporting flags your old license number in the system so it cannot be used fraudulently. This step takes five minutes and costs nothing.
After you report it, proceed with replacement using any of the three methods above. In-person replacement is the fastest option if you need to drive when ready, since you will receive a temporary paper license the same day. If you reported your license stolen and someone uses it before you replace it, contact DPS again and provide the details — DPS can note the fraudulent use in your file.
Fees and payment methods
A standard five-year Texas driver license costs $16 to replace. An eight-year license costs $32. These are the only two options available for replacement. At DPS offices, you can pay by cash, check, or debit or credit card. By mail, you must send a check or money order. Online, you must use a debit or credit card.
If you are replacing your license because it was damaged or defaced, DPS may waive the fee if you bring the damaged license to an office in person. Bring your damaged license and ask the DPS employee whether a fee waiver applies to your situation.
Timeline and what to expect after replacement
In-person replacement is fastest: you leave with a temporary paper license valid for 45 days, and your permanent card arrives by mail within two weeks. Online replacement takes one to two weeks for your card to arrive by mail. Mail replacement takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your envelope.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file in your DPS record. If you have moved since your last license was issued, update your address through the DPS website or at a DPS office before you replace your license. If you replace your license and then move, you can update your address online or at an office without paying another replacement fee — address changes are free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if it is suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot replace a suspended or revoked license through any method. You must first contact DPS to understand why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps are required to lift the suspension or revocation. Once that is resolved, you can replace your license in person at a DPS office.
What if I have changed my name since my last license?
You must replace your license in person at a DPS office. Bring your current license, proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Mail and online replacement do not work for name changes.
Do I need an appointment to replace my license at a DPS office?
Most DPS offices do not require appointments for license replacement. However, some locations may offer appointment slots during busy times. Check the DPS website location finder for your nearest office to see whether appointments are available or recommended in your area.
What happens if my replacement license arrives damaged or with errors?
Contact DPS when ready with your confirmation number or receipt. DPS will issue a corrected license at no additional charge if the error was made by DPS. If the damage occurred after you received it, DPS may charge a replacement fee, though you can ask about a fee waiver in person.
Can I replace my license if I am not a Texas resident?
No. You must be a Texas resident to hold a Texas driver license. If you have moved out of Texas, you need to obtain a driver license from your new state. If you are moving to Texas, you have 30 days after establishing residency to replace your out-of-state license with a Texas license.