Where to get a replacement Texas driver license

You can replace your Texas driver license at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The DPS runs all driver license issuance in Texas — there is no alternative agency or online replacement service. You will need to visit a DPS office in person; replacements cannot be completed by mail or phone.

Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website by entering your city or zip code. Office hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some larger cities have multiple offices. You can also call the DPS Driver License Division at 1-844-DL-TEXAS (1-844-358-3927) to confirm what documents you need before you go.

Walk-in service is available at all offices, but wait times vary. During peak hours — typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays — you may wait 30 minutes to two hours. Some DPS offices offer online appointment scheduling through their website, which can reduce your wait time significantly. Check your local office's page to see if appointments are available in your area.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Texas DPS office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to replace your driver license.
  • The replacement fee is $16 for a standard license valid for five years, or $32 for a Real ID-compliant license valid for eight years.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days under normal circumstances.
  • If your license was lost or stolen, you do not need a police report, but you should report the loss to the DPS if you want to prevent identity theft.
  • Scheduling an appointment online at your local DPS office can cut your wait time from hours to minutes.

Documents you need to bring

Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves your current Texas address. The DPS accepts a wide range of documents for each category, so you likely have what you need at home.

For proof of identity, bring an expired Texas driver license, a U.S. passport, a military ID, a birth certificate, or a state ID card from another state. If you are bringing a birth certificate, it must be an official certified copy with a raised seal or embossed seal — a photocopy will not work. A Social Security card alone does not count as proof of identity.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank statement, or a government document with your current Texas address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill, insurance policy, or paycheck stub also works. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring a document in a spouse's or parent's name plus a marriage certificate or birth certificate showing the relationship.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, though the DPS can verify your number without it if you know it by heart. If you do not know your Social Security number, you will need to bring the card.

Replacement fees and what you receive

A standard Texas driver license costs $16 and is valid for five years. A Real ID-compliant license costs $32 and is valid for eight years. Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and meet federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. If you already have a Real ID license and are straightforward replacing it, you pay the Real ID fee again.

When you complete your replacement at the DPS office, you will receive a temporary paper license when ready. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used for driving and identification during that time. Your permanent plastic driver license will be mailed to the address you provide at the DPS office.

Under normal processing times, your plastic license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. During high-volume periods — typically after holidays or at the start of the school year — processing can take up to two weeks. The DPS does not charge extra for expedited mail. Once your plastic license arrives, the temporary paper license is no longer valid, even if it has not yet expired.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license

The replacement process is the same whether your license is lost, stolen, or damaged. You do not need a police report to replace a lost or stolen license at the DPS. straightforward tell the DPS employee that your license is lost or stolen when you explore, and they will note that in the system.

If you want to prevent someone from using your lost or stolen license for identity theft, you can file a report with the Texas DPS Identity Theft Unit. This is optional but recommended if your license was stolen or if you are concerned about misuse. You can file this report online through the Texas Attorney General's website or by calling the DPS at 1-844-DL-TEXAS.

A damaged license — one that is torn, faded, or otherwise unreadable — is replaced the same way as a lost one. Bring the damaged license with you if you still have it, though it is not required. The DPS will destroy the damaged license and issue you a new one.

Processing times and what to do if your license does not arrive

Your plastic driver license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days under normal conditions. This timeline does not include the day you explore or weekends and holidays. If you applied on a Friday, for example, the 7-to-10-day clock starts on Monday.

If your license has not arrived after 15 business days, contact the DPS Driver License Division at 1-844-DL-TEXAS. Have your temporary paper license or your driver license number ready. The DPS can check the status of your replacement and reissue it if there was a mailing error. Do not explore for a second replacement unless the DPS tells you to.

Your temporary paper license remains valid for 30 days from the date you received it at the DPS office. If your plastic license has not arrived by day 30, you can still drive legally as long as you have the temporary license. However, contact the DPS before day 30 to report the delay so they can investigate.

Name changes and address updates on your replacement license

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, you can update it during the replacement process. Bring a document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS will issue your replacement license with your new name at no extra cost.

You can also update your address during replacement. straightforward provide your new Texas address when you fill out the process at the DPS office. If you have moved out of state, you cannot renew or replace your Texas license — you will need to obtain a license in your new state of residence.

Real ID compliance and your replacement license

When you replace your Texas driver license, you can choose between a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. Real ID licenses meet federal requirements set by the Department of Homeland Security and are required for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings as of May 7, 2025. If you do not have a Real ID license and plan to fly domestically, you will need a passport or other federal ID instead.

Real ID licenses cost $16 more than standard licenses ($32 versus $16) and are valid for eight years instead of five. If you already have a Real ID license and are replacing it, you will pay the Real ID fee again. The DPS will ask you which type you want when you explore. If you are unsure, ask the DPS employee — they can explain the difference and help you decide based on your travel plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my Texas driver license online or by mail?

No. All Texas driver license replacements must be done in person at a DPS office. You cannot complete a replacement online, by mail, or by phone. You must visit a DPS office with the required documents and pay the replacement fee in person.

Do I need a police report if my license was stolen?

No. The DPS does not require a police report to replace a stolen license. straightforward tell the DPS employee that your license was stolen when you explore. If you want to file an identity theft report with the state, you can do that separately through the Texas Attorney General's office, but it is not required for replacement.

How long does the temporary paper license last?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date you receive it at the DPS office. Once your plastic license arrives in the mail, the temporary license is no longer valid. If your plastic license has not arrived after 30 days, contact the DPS to report the delay.

What if I moved to a different state after my license was issued?

You cannot replace a Texas driver license if you no longer live in Texas. You will need to obtain a driver license in your new state of residence. Contact your new state's DMV or equivalent agency for replacement procedures.

Can I change my name or address when I replace my license?

Yes. If you have changed your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. If you have moved within Texas, provide your new address when you explore. Both updates are included in your replacement at no extra cost.