Where to replace your Texas driver's license
You replace your Texas driver's license at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. These are the only places that issue replacements — you cannot do it by mail, online, or through a third-party vendor. DPS has about 130 locations across the state, including offices in most county seats and major cities.
Find your nearest office at the DPS website (dps.texas.gov) using their office locator tool. You can search by city or zip code. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to book an appointment through the online system. Check your specific location's policy before you go — appointment slots fill up quickly in urban areas, and wait times for walk-ins can run two to three hours.
Some DPS offices have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Call ahead or check the office listing to see what your location offers. Bring all required documents with you; if anything is missing, you will have to return another day.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS office in person; Texas does not offer mail-in or online license replacements.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or legal presence — missing documents will send you home empty-handed.
- The replacement fee is $16 for a standard five-year license or $32 for an eight-year license; you pay at the office when you explore.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can request a temporary paper license to use when ready.
- Book an appointment online if your office requires one, because walk-in wait times often exceed two hours.
What documents you need to bring
Bring three things: your current Texas driver's license, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or legal presence. If your current license is lost or stolen, you can still replace it — bring a government-issued ID instead (passport, military ID, or state ID card).
For proof of residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail (tax notice, voter registration card). A cell phone bill does not count. If you recently moved and have not received mail at your new address yet, bring a lease or purchase agreement instead.
For proof of citizenship or legal presence, bring one of these: a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, military discharge papers (DD-214), permanent resident card, employment authorization document (EAD), or visa with I-94 arrival/departure record. If your birth certificate is not certified, DPS will not accept it. If you were born outside the U.S., bring your naturalization certificate or green card.
If your name has changed since your current license was issued (through marriage, divorce, or court order), bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. DPS will not replace your license under a different name without this proof.
The replacement fee and what you get
A standard five-year Texas driver's license costs $16. An eight-year license costs $32. You pay the fee at the DPS office when you submit your process — they do not take payment online or by phone. Bring cash, debit card, or credit card; most offices accept all three.
Your new physical license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can request a temporary paper license at the office to use when ready while you wait. The paper license is valid for 45 days and looks like a printed receipt; it is not a full-size card, but it satisfies the legal requirement to carry a license while driving.
If you need your license faster, DPS does not offer expedited mail service. Your only option is to return to the DPS office after 7 business days and ask if your license has arrived; if it has, they can give it to you on the spot instead of waiting for the mail.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
The process is the same whether your license is lost, stolen, or damaged. Bring the same documents: proof of residency, proof of citizenship or legal presence, and a government-issued ID if your license is not available. You do not need to file a police report or report the loss to DPS first — just show up with your documents and pay the fee.
If your license was stolen and you are concerned about identity theft, you can place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) at the same time. This is separate from replacing your license and does not happen at DPS. You can place a fraud alert online at any of the three bureaus' websites, and it will appear on all three credit reports automatically.
If your license is damaged but still readable, you can still use it to drive legally. DPS will replace it if you want a new one, but you are not required to. If it is damaged beyond reading (torn, faded, or the photo is unrecognizable), replacement is practical even though it is not legally required.
Renewing versus replacing: which one do you need
A replacement means your current license is lost, stolen, or damaged, or your name has changed. A renewal means your license is still valid but expiring soon or already expired. The two processes are different and cost different amounts.
If your license is still valid and your name has not changed, you may be able to renew it by mail or online instead of visiting an office. Renewals by mail or online cost $16 for five years or $32 for eight years, the same as a replacement. Check the DPS website to see if you are may be able to access for mail or online renewal — you must have a current Texas license and no address changes or name changes since your last renewal.
If you are replacing a license (not renewing), you must go to a DPS office in person. There is no mail or online option for replacements.
What happens at the DPS office
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give them your documents. A staff member will verify that everything is in order. If anything is missing or incorrect, they will tell you what you need to bring back. If everything is complete, they will take your photo, ask you to sign, and collect your fee.
The photo is taken at the office — you cannot bring your own. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in. Avoid hats, sunglasses, and heavy makeup that obscures your face. The photo must show your face clearly enough for identification.
After you sign and pay, you will receive a receipt. Keep this receipt until your new license arrives. If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, call the DPS office or use the DPS website to check the status. You can also ask for a temporary paper license at this point if you did not get one when you applied.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if I do not have proof of residency dated within 60 days?
If you recently moved, bring a lease agreement or purchase agreement instead of a utility bill. If you have been at your address longer than 60 days but have not received mail yet, contact your utility company or bank to request a statement be mailed to you, or bring a lease. DPS will work with you on this — call your local office to ask what they will accept in your situation.
What if my birth certificate is not certified?
DPS requires a certified birth certificate for proof of citizenship. An uncertified copy will not work. Order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This usually costs $10 to $25 and takes one to two weeks by mail. You cannot replace your license until you have it.
Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?
It depends on your DPS office. Check the office listing on the DPS website to see whether appointments are required or recommended. If appointments are required and you walk in without one, you will be turned away. If they are recommended but not required, walk-in wait times are often very long.
Can I replace my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
DPS will not suspend your license or prevent replacement because of an unpaid traffic ticket. However, if a court has suspended your license for a different reason (such as failure to pay child support or a DUI conviction), you cannot replace it until the suspension is lifted. Contact the court or DPS to find out whether your license is suspended.
How long does the temporary paper license last?
The temporary paper license is valid for 45 days. After that, you need your physical card to drive legally. If your physical license has not arrived by day 45, return to the DPS office and ask them to check the status or issue another temporary license.