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. The DPS runs all driver's license services in Texas — there is no separate DMV. You have three ways to replace your license: in person at a DPS office, by mail if you meet specific conditions, or through a third-party license service center (some counties contract with private vendors to handle renewals and replacements).

In-person replacement is the fastest and most straightforward route. You walk in, provide your documents, pay the fee, and receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail-in replacement works only if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not had a name change, and you are not replacing a license lost to theft — you must be renewing or replacing a damaged or worn card. Third-party centers handle routine replacements in some areas but cannot process suspensions or complex cases.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas DPS offices handle all driver's license replacements; you cannot use a county clerk or courthouse.
  • In-person replacement costs $16 for a standard five-year license and takes 7 to 10 business days for the plastic card, though you get a temporary paper license when ready.
  • Mail-in replacement is available only if your license is valid (not suspended), undamaged by theft, and you have not changed your name.
  • You need your current license or a state ID, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and proof of Social Security number or a document showing your number.
  • If your license was stolen, you must report it to police and bring the report number to a DPS office; mail-in is not an option.

Documents you need for an in-person replacement

Bring your current Texas driver's license or Texas ID card. If you cannot locate it, bring an alternative form of photo ID — a passport, military ID, or tribal ID will work. You also need proof of your current Texas address dated within 90 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or a bank or insurance statement with your name and address. A cell phone bill or credit card statement does not count.

You must also prove your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a document issued by a government agency that shows your number. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a birth certificate plus one additional document from a list that includes a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS website lists the full set of acceptable documents under "Proof of Social Security Number."

The in-person replacement process and timeline

Go to your nearest DPS office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Check the DPS office locator on the Texas DPS website to find the office closest to you and confirm its hours before you go. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some high-traffic locations now offer online appointment scheduling to reduce wait times.

At the office, you will fill out Form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License). The staff will verify your documents, take your photo and signature, and process your replacement. You pay the $16 fee at this time. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Your permanent plastic license card is mailed to the address on file and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, some DPS offices offer expedited service for an additional fee, though availability varies by location.

Mail-in replacement: when it works and what to send

You can renew or replace your license by mail if your license is currently valid (not expired, suspended, or revoked), you are not replacing a lost or stolen card, and you have not changed your name since your last license was issued. To use mail-in replacement, read Form DL-43 from the Texas DPS website, fill it out completely, and include a color photocopy of both sides of your current license.

Mail your completed form and photocopy to the address listed on the DPS website (the address changes based on your county). Include a check or money order for $16 made payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Do not send cash. Mail-in processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DPS receives your envelope. You will not receive a temporary paper license with this method, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your new card arrives. Keep a copy of your mailed form and proof of mailing for your records.

Replacing a lost or stolen license

If your license was lost or stolen, you must report it to a police department or sheriff's office and obtain a case or report number. Bring that report number to a DPS office along with your other required documents. The DPS will flag your old license as invalid in the system to prevent someone else from using it. You cannot replace a lost or stolen license by mail — you must go in person.

Some people worry that reporting a lost license will create a record that affects their driving record or insurance. It will not. A lost or stolen license report is separate from your driving record. Your insurance company will not see it unless you tell them. However, if someone uses your lost license to get a ticket or commit a traffic violation, that violation could appear on your record. If you discover fraudulent activity linked to your lost license, contact the DPS when ready with documentation.

Cost and what affects the price

A standard five-year replacement license costs $16. This is the base fee for anyone aged 18 to 84. If you are 85 or older, a five-year license costs $8. A commercial driver's license (CDL) replacement costs $20. These prices are set by Texas law and do not vary by county or DPS office.

Expedited service, available at some DPS offices, adds $10 to $15 depending on the office and how quickly you need the card. Some offices offer rush processing that delivers your license within 3 to 5 business days instead of 7 to 10. Not all offices offer this option, so call ahead to confirm. Third-party license service centers may charge different fees; check your county's DPS website to see if a vendor operates in your area and what they charge.

What to do if your replacement does not arrive

If your plastic license does not arrive within 10 business days of your in-person visit, or within 6 weeks of mailing your form, contact the DPS by phone or through the online case inquiry tool on the Texas DPS website. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready. The DPS can check the status of your card and confirm the mailing address on file. If the address is wrong, you may need to visit a DPS office again to update it and request a replacement.

If your temporary paper license expires before your plastic card arrives, you can visit a DPS office to request an extension or a new temporary license. Bring your receipt from your original replacement visit. Do not drive on an expired temporary license — it is not valid once the 45-day period ends. If you are in this situation, go to a DPS office as soon as possible to get a new temporary or to confirm your permanent card is in the mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online?

No. Texas does not offer online replacement for driver's licenses. You must either visit a DPS office in person or mail in your process. Some third-party service centers in certain counties may accept applications online, but they still require you to visit in person for your photo and signature.

What if I have a suspended or revoked license?

You cannot replace a suspended or revoked license until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the DPS to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. Once it is restored, you can then replace the physical card at a DPS office.

Do I need an appointment at a DPS office?

Most DPS offices do not require appointments for replacements, but some high-traffic locations now offer online scheduling to reduce wait times. Check the DPS office locator for your location to see if appointments are available. Walk-ins are generally accepted, but you may wait longer during peak hours.

How long is my temporary paper license good for?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days from the date it is issued. It is a legal driving document during this period. Once it expires, you must have your permanent plastic card in hand to drive legally. If your card has not arrived by day 45, visit a DPS office to request an extension or new temporary license.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you cannot use mail-in replacement. You must visit a DPS office in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The staff will update your name in the system and issue your replacement license.