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. There are about 130 DPS driver license offices across the state, and you do not need an appointment — you walk in during business hours and take a number. You can also renew or replace your license by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked and you meet certain conditions, which we cover below.

The fastest route is usually your nearest DPS office. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. You can find your nearest office and check its hours on the DPS website at dps.texas.gov.

If you cannot visit an office in person, mail-in replacement is an option, but it takes longer and only works in specific situations. The mail-in process typically takes two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your process.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring your current license, proof of identity, and proof of Texas residency to replace your license in person at a DPS office.
  • Replacement by mail is only available if your license is not suspended or revoked and you meet age and renewal timing requirements.
  • A replacement license costs $16 for a standard four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license in Texas.
  • If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you will need to sign an affidavit or declaration stating what happened.
  • You can check the status of your replacement license online through the DPS website once you have submitted your process.

What documents you need to bring in person

Bring your current Texas driver's license if you still have it. If your license was lost or stolen, bring a government-issued photo ID instead — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. If your license was damaged but still readable, bring it anyway; DPS will accept it as your primary ID document.

You also need proof of Texas residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days. Your name must appear on the document. A cell phone bill or credit card statement will not work.

If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, bring a signed affidavit or declaration. DPS will provide the form at the office, or you can read it from dps.texas.gov before you go. This document states that your license was lost, stolen, or damaged and that you are not aware of anyone using it fraudulently.

Replacing your license by mail

Mail-in replacement works only if your current license is valid (not suspended or revoked), you are between 18 and 84 years old, and your license is not expiring within the next 60 days. If your license was lost or stolen, you cannot use the mail-in process — you must go to a DPS office in person.

To replace by mail, read the process for a Texas Driver License or Identification Certificate (Form DL-44) from dps.texas.gov. Fill it out completely and sign it. Include a photocopy of your current license (front and back) and a photocopy of your proof of residency. Mail everything to the DPS address listed on the form along with a check or money order for $16 (four-year license) or $32 (eight-year license). Do not send cash.

DPS will mail your replacement license to the address on your process. The process takes two to three weeks after DPS receives your packet. You can track the status of your replacement online using your driver's license number and date of birth on the DPS website.

Why you might need a replacement license

The most common reasons are loss, theft, or damage. If your license is worn, faded, or the photo is no longer legible, DPS will replace it. If your name changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, you will need a replacement with your new name — bring a certified copy of the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order along with your other documents.

If your address changed, you can update it without replacing the physical card by using the online address change service on the DPS website. However, if you want a new card with your current address printed on it, you can request a replacement. Some people do this for convenience; others do it because they moved and want their license to reflect their new location.

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot replace it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact DPS or the court that issued the suspension to find out how to restore your driving privileges.

Cost and what you get

A standard replacement license costs $16 and is valid for four years. An eight-year license costs $32. You choose which one you want when you explore. The eight-year license is more expensive but means you will not need to replace it again for eight years, so some people find it worth the extra cost.

Your replacement license will have a new expiration date based on your birth month and the license type you choose. The physical card will look the same as any other Texas driver's license — it will have your photo, name, address, date of birth, and driver's license number. If you ordered it by mail, it will arrive in a plain envelope with no tracking number, so allow extra time for delivery.

What happens after you submit your process

If you applied in person at a DPS office, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent card is being made. Keep this temporary license with you — it is valid for driving and identification during that time. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.

If you applied by mail, you will not receive a temporary license. Your replacement will be mailed to you, and you should not drive until it arrives, because you will have no valid license during the processing period. This is one reason the in-person route is faster for people who need to drive when ready.

You can check the status of your replacement license online at any time using your driver's license number and date of birth. The DPS website will tell you whether your process is being processed, your card is being printed, or it has been mailed.

Common reasons replacement takes longer

If you submitted incomplete paperwork — a missing document, a form that was not signed, or proof of residency that does not show your name — DPS will delay processing. Make sure every document is legible and that your name appears exactly the same way on all of them. If your name appears as "Robert" on your lease but "Bob" on your ID, DPS may ask you to clarify.

If DPS needs to verify your identity or residency, processing can take longer. This happens randomly and is not something you can predict, but it usually adds one to two weeks. If DPS contacts you asking for more information, respond as quickly as you can.

High volume at your local DPS office can also slow things down. If you go in person during lunch hours or on Fridays, you may wait longer. Early morning or mid-week visits are usually faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a temporary paper license while I wait for my replacement?

Yes. If you applied in person at a DPS office, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. This is a legal driving document and works for identification too. Keep it with you while you drive. If you applied by mail, you do not get a temporary license, so you should not drive until your permanent card arrives.

What if my replacement license arrives with the wrong address or name?

Contact the DPS office where you applied or call DPS customer service. Bring your incorrect license and the documents that show what the correct information should be. DPS will issue a corrected replacement at no additional charge if the error was their mistake.

Do I need to pass a vision test or written exam to replace my license?

No. A replacement is not a renewal or a new license — you are straightforward getting a duplicate of your existing license. You do not take any tests. If your current license is valid and not suspended, you can replace it without testing.

How long does a replacement license stay valid?

A four-year replacement license expires four years from the date it was issued. An eight-year license expires eight years from the date it was issued. Your expiration date is printed on the front of the card. You can renew your license before it expires by explore for a renewal, which is a separate process from replacement.

What if I need my replacement license before the two to three weeks are up?

If you applied in person, you have a temporary paper license you can use when ready. If you applied by mail and need your license sooner, you will need to go to a DPS office in person and explore for an in-person replacement instead. There is no expedited mail service for replacements.