Where to replace your Texas driver's license

You can replace your Texas driver's license at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The DPS runs all driver's license services in the state, and they have about 130 locations across Texas. You cannot renew or replace a license at a county courthouse, city hall, or any other government office — it has to be DPS.

Find your nearest DPS office on the DPS website by entering your city or zip code. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to book an appointment online first. Check your specific location's policy before you go, because wait times vary widely. Some offices have same-day service; others have waits of several weeks if you do not reserve a time slot.

You can also request a replacement by mail if you lost your license and do not need it urgently. Mail-in replacement takes longer — typically three to four weeks — but you avoid the trip to an office.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas DPS offices are the only place to replace your driver's license; you will need a Real ID-compliant document like a passport or birth certificate plus proof of residency.
  • Replacement fees are $16 for a standard license or $32 for a Real ID license, and you pay at the DPS office when you submit your process.
  • Standard replacement takes one to two weeks by mail or same-day at some DPS offices; Real ID replacement takes longer because DPS verifies your documents with federal databases.
  • If your license was stolen, you should report it to local police and bring the police report number to the DPS office to speed up the process.
  • You can replace your license by mail, in person, or through a DPS office appointment, depending on how quickly you need it and whether you have all required documents.

Documents you need to bring

Texas requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of residency. For proof of identity, bring one document from this list: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa, or a consular report of birth abroad. If you are replacing a license you already had, you can also bring your expired Texas license as proof of identity.

For proof of residency, bring a document showing your current Texas address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a government check or tax return, or a vehicle registration. The document must show your name and current address, and it cannot be more than 90 days old. A utility bill is the easiest option because most people have one.

If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, bring a police report number if you filed one. This is not required, but it speeds up the process because DPS can flag your old license as compromised in their system.

Standard license versus Real ID license

Texas offers two types of replacement licenses: a standard driver's license and a Real ID-compliant license. The difference matters if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building. Starting May 7, 2025, the federal government will not accept a standard Texas driver's license for domestic air travel or entry to federal facilities — you will need a Real ID license or a passport.

A standard replacement license costs $16 and takes one to two weeks. A Real ID license costs $32 and takes longer because DPS must verify your identity documents against federal databases. Real ID processing typically takes two to four weeks, though it can be faster at some offices. If you are replacing your license now and do not fly or visit federal buildings, a standard license is cheaper. If you plan to fly after May 2025, order a Real ID license now to avoid delays.

When you go to the DPS office, tell the staff which type you want. They will not assume — you have to choose. If you change your mind later, you can upgrade a standard license to Real ID at any DPS office, but you will pay the Real ID fee again.

Replacement by mail versus in person

Mail-in replacement works if your license was lost or stolen and you do not need it in the next few weeks. You order a replacement kit from the DPS website, fill out the process form, include copies of your identity and residency documents, and mail everything to the DPS address on the form. Processing takes three to four weeks from the day DPS receives your package, plus mail time both ways.

In-person replacement at a DPS office is faster. If you go to an office that accepts walk-ins and arrive early, you can sometimes get a temporary license the same day and receive your permanent license by mail within one to two weeks. If you book an appointment, you know exactly when you will be seen. Real ID licenses take longer in person too, but you still avoid the mail delays.

Choose mail-in replacement if you have time and want to avoid the office visit. Choose in-person if you need your license within two weeks or if you want a temporary license to use while you wait for the permanent one.

What happens if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen, file a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office. You do not need to wait for the police to finish investigating — you can file a report and get a report number the same day. Bring that report number to the DPS office when you replace your license. DPS will flag your old license as stolen in their system, which prevents someone else from using it.

You can replace a stolen license in person or by mail. In-person replacement is faster if you want to use a temporary license while you wait. When you go to the DPS office, bring the police report number and your proof of identity and residency as usual. The process is the same as a regular replacement — the police report just adds a security flag to your old license.

If you did not file a police report, you can still replace your license, but DPS will not flag the old one. Filing a report takes 15 to 30 minutes and protects you if someone tries to use your stolen license.

Temporary license and how long replacement takes

When you replace your license in person at a DPS office, you can receive a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and works for driving, voting, and most other purposes while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. Not all DPS offices issue temporary licenses on the same day — ask when you arrive or when you book your appointment.

Your permanent license arrives by mail within one to two weeks for a standard license or two to four weeks for a Real ID license. DPS mails it to the address you provided on your process. If you do not receive it within the expected timeframe, contact the DPS to check the status. You can call the DPS customer service line or check your status online using your driver's license number and date of birth.

If you replaced your license by mail, you do not get a temporary license. Your permanent license arrives three to four weeks after DPS receives your process package. During that time, you cannot legally drive unless you have another form of ID that allows driving, such as a commercial driver's license or an out-of-state license.

Fees and payment methods

A standard Texas driver's license replacement costs $16. A Real ID license replacement costs $32. These are the only fees — DPS does not charge extra for processing, mailing, or appointments. You pay when you submit your process at the DPS office or when you order your mail-in replacement kit online.

At DPS offices, you can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card. Some offices also accept checks. If you are replacing by mail, you pay online when you order the replacement kit, and DPS accepts credit and debit cards. Do not send cash by mail.

If you are a Texas resident over 85 years old, you do not pay a fee to replace your license. Bring proof of age (such as your expired license or birth certificate) to the DPS office, and the fee is waived.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online?

No. You must replace your license either in person at a DPS office or by mail. You can order a mail-in replacement kit online, but you cannot complete the entire replacement through a website. DPS requires you to submit original or certified copies of your identity and residency documents, which cannot be done digitally.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?

You can use other documents for proof of identity. A military ID, a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa, or a consular report of birth abroad all work. If you have an expired Texas driver's license, that counts as proof of identity too. If you have none of these, you will need to obtain a birth certificate or passport before you can replace your license.

How do I check if my replacement license is on the way?

Go to the DPS website and use the license status tool. Enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will tell you whether your license has been mailed, is in process, or has been delivered. You can also call the DPS customer service line, though the online tool is faster.

Can I replace my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot replace a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with DPS or the court that issued it. Once it is cleared, you can replace your license. Contact DPS to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to clear it.

What if I moved to Texas from another state?

You need to get a Texas license, not replace your old one. This is a new license process, not a replacement. You will need your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of residency in Texas, and proof of your Social Security number. The process is similar to replacement, but DPS treats it as a new license. Go to a DPS office with these documents, or order an process kit online if you prefer to explore by mail.