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 county office or third-party vendor. You will find DPS locations in most cities and towns; the DPS website has a location finder that shows hours, wait times, and whether you need an appointment.

Some DPS offices operate by appointment only, while others take walk-ins. During busy periods, wait times can stretch to two hours or more at walk-in locations. Booking an appointment online through the DPS website typically gets you in faster and is free. If you cannot reach a nearby office, you can travel to any DPS location in the state — your replacement will be processed the same way.

A few DPS offices also offer mobile services in rural areas on specific days. Check the location finder or call ahead to see if a mobile unit serves your county.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Texas DPS office in person; replacements cannot be ordered by mail or online.
  • Bring your current license, passport, or other government-issued ID, plus proof of your Social Security number and current address.
  • A replacement license costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, paid at the DPS office.
  • Standard processing takes about two weeks; you can request a temporary paper license to drive while you wait.
  • If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you will need to report it and may face a small additional fee.

Documents you need to bring

The DPS requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address. You do not need all three from the same source — you can mix and match.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: your current Texas driver's license (even if expired), a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a permanent resident card. If your license was lost or stolen, bring whatever government-issued photo ID you have. If you have none of these, you will need to explore for a new license rather than a replacement, which requires additional documents and a written test.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a benefit statement from Social Security or the Veterans Administration. A birth certificate does not count as proof of Social Security number.

For proof of current address, bring a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, or a government document (such as a voter registration card or tax notice) dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail addressed to you works if it is from a government agency or financial institution. A phone bill or cable bill counts only if it shows your service address.

Cost and payment methods

A replacement Texas driver's license costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You choose the term when you explore. The eight-year license costs twice as much but lasts twice as long, so the per-year cost is the same either way — the choice depends on how long you want to wait before renewing.

The DPS accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at all offices. Some offices also accept checks. You pay at the counter after your process is processed, not before. If you request a temporary paper license (see below), there is no additional charge.

If your license was lost or stolen, there is no extra fee for the replacement itself. However, if your license was suspended or revoked, you may owe reinstatement fees to the DPS or to the court that issued the suspension — these are separate from the replacement fee and must be paid before you can get a new license.

How long it takes and what you get

Standard processing takes about two weeks. The DPS will mail your new license to the address you provide at the office. You can track your replacement through the DPS website using your driver's license number and date of birth.

While you wait, you can request a temporary paper license at the DPS office. This is a printed document that lets you drive legally for up to 45 days while your permanent license is being made. The temporary license has the same restrictions and endorsements as your permanent license. You do not need to ask for it — the DPS will offer it to you at the counter. If you decline it and your permanent license is delayed, you cannot drive until the permanent one arrives.

Your new license will look the same as your old one and will have the same number, expiration date, restrictions, and endorsements. If you need to change any of that information — your address, your name, your endorsements, or your restrictions — you will need to explore for a new license instead of a replacement, which requires additional steps and fees.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license

If your license was lost or stolen, report it to the DPS before you explore for a replacement. You can report it online through the DPS website or by phone. Reporting it creates a record that protects you if someone tries to use your old license number fraudulently. The DPS will flag your old license as invalid in their system.

When you arrive at the DPS office to replace a lost or stolen license, tell the staff member that you are replacing a lost or stolen license, not renewing. Bring whatever identity documents you have. If you have no government-issued photo ID at all, you will need to bring additional documents such as a birth certificate, a school or work ID, or a utility bill in your name — the staff member will tell you what they need.

If your license is damaged but still readable, you can bring it with you. The DPS will accept it as proof of identity even if it is torn, faded, or water-damaged. If it is so damaged that your photo or information cannot be read, treat it as a lost license and report it first.

What happens if you cannot visit in person

Texas does not allow mail-in replacements or online replacements. You must visit a DPS office in person. If you are unable to travel due to a medical condition or disability, you can request a mobile unit visit or a disability accommodation. Call the DPS at 1-888-589-6556 to discuss your situation. The DPS may be able to send a mobile unit to your location or arrange an appointment at a specific time when you can be assisted more quickly.

If you are out of state temporarily, you can still replace your license by visiting any DPS office when you return to Texas. Your old license remains valid for driving until it expires, even if it is lost or stolen, unless it was suspended or revoked by a court.

If you are a Texas resident living outside the state permanently, you will need to return to Texas to replace your license in person. You cannot do this by mail or through a Texas consulate or embassy.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You must clear the suspension or revocation first by paying any fines, completing any required courses, or satisfying the court's requirements. Once the suspension is lifted, you can replace your license. Call the DPS at 1-888-589-6556 to find out what you owe.

What if my name has changed since my old license was issued?

A replacement keeps your old name. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you need to explore for a new license, not a replacement. Bring your old license, your identity documents, and proof of the name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order). This requires a new photo and costs the same as a replacement.

How do I replace my license if I lost it out of state?

You can report it lost to the DPS online or by phone before you return to Texas. When you get back, visit a DPS office with your identity documents and proof of address. The DPS will process it as a lost license replacement. If you need to drive before you return to Texas, you can get a temporary license from the state where you are currently located.

Can I get a replacement the same day?

No. The DPS does not issue licenses on the spot. Standard processing takes about two weeks. The temporary paper license you receive at the office lets you drive when ready, but your permanent license will arrive by mail. Some offices may process faster during slow periods, but you cannot count on same-day service.

What if my replacement does not arrive after three weeks?

Contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6556 with your driver's license number and the date you applied. They can track your replacement and tell you where it is in the mail. If it was lost in the mail, they can reissue it. Your temporary paper license remains valid while you wait for a reissue.