Where to replace your 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, and they have locations in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website by entering your zip code.

You have two main options: visit in person or use the mail-in process. In-person replacement is faster — you can usually walk out with a temporary license the same day. Mail-in replacement takes longer but works if you cannot reach an office or prefer not to travel.

Some DPS offices accept walk-ins only, while others use an appointment system. Check your local office's website or call ahead before you go, because wait times vary widely by location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office in person or mail in your replacement request; there is no online replacement option for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses.
  • Bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to your appointment.
  • A replacement license costs $16 if you are under 85 years old, or $13 if you are 85 or older, and is valid for the remainder of your current license term.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license at the DPS office that day if you explore in person, and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was stolen, you should also file a police report and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus to protect against identity theft.

Documents you need to bring

Bring one valid form of identification. The DPS accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or another state's driver's license. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a certified birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).

You also need proof of your current Texas address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. A government check or tax return from the current year is also acceptable.

Bring your Social Security number or ITIN. If you do not have either, you can request a waiver at the DPS office, but this may delay your replacement. Have your current license number ready if you remember it, though it is not required.

Cost and how long it takes

A replacement license costs $16 if you are under 85 years old. If you are 85 or older, the replacement fee is $13. The DPS accepts cash, debit, and credit cards at most offices.

If you explore in person, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and lets you drive legally while you wait for your permanent license. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days under normal circumstances, though processing times can be longer during high-volume periods.

If you mail in your replacement request, processing takes 15 to 20 business days from the date the DPS receives your process. You will not receive a temporary license through the mail option, so you cannot drive legally until your permanent license arrives.

Mailing in your replacement request

To replace your license by mail, read the process for Texas Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL-44) from the DPS website. Fill it out completely and include a copy of your identification and proof of residency — do not send originals.

Mail your completed form, copies of your documents, and a check or money order for $16 (or $13 if you are 85 or older) to the DPS address listed on the form. Include a note explaining that your license was lost, stolen, or damaged.

Keep a copy of everything you send. The DPS does not issue a temporary license through the mail, so you will not be able to drive legally until your replacement arrives. This option works best if you have time to wait or cannot reach a DPS office.

If your license was stolen

File a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office. You do not need the report to replace your license, but it creates an official record in case someone uses your license number fraudulently.

Consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place an alert by contacting any one of the three bureaus, and they will notify the other two.

Monitor your credit report for suspicious activity. You can view your free annual credit report at annualcreditreport.com. If you spot unauthorized accounts or charges, contact the creditor and the credit bureau when ready.

Replacing a damaged or unreadable license

If your license is damaged but still readable, you can still use it to drive. However, if it is so damaged that the photo, name, or license number cannot be read clearly, you should replace it.

Bring your damaged license to the DPS office along with your other required documents. The DPS will take your damaged license and issue a replacement. The process is the same as replacing a lost or stolen license, and the fee is the same: $16 (or $13 if you are 85 or older).

Your replacement license will be valid for the remainder of your current license term. If your current license was set to expire in two years, your replacement will also expire in two years — you do not get a new expiration date just because you replaced it.

What to do if you cannot reach a DPS office

If you live far from a DPS office or have mobility issues, the mail-in option is your best choice. Fill out Form DL-44, include copies of your documents, and mail everything to the DPS address on the form.

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives and you applied by mail, you have no legal option — a temporary license is only issued in person. Consider asking someone else to drive you, using public transportation, or rescheduling activities until your license arrives.

Some DPS offices offer services at satellite locations or mobile units on certain days. Call your county DPS office to ask whether a satellite location or mobile unit serves your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online?

No. Texas does not offer online replacement for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses. You must visit a DPS office in person or mail in your request. You can renew a valid license online, but replacement requires an in-person visit or mail-in process.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

You must provide proof of your current Texas address. If you do not have a utility bill, lease, or bank statement, ask the DPS office what other documents they accept. Some offices may accept a letter from your landlord, a property tax bill, or other official mail showing your name and address.

How long is a temporary license valid?

A temporary paper license issued at the DPS office is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, so the temporary license covers the gap. If your permanent license does not arrive within that window, contact the DPS to check the status.

Do I have to replace my license if it is slightly damaged?

Only if the damage makes it unreadable. If your photo, name, license number, or expiration date cannot be read clearly, you should replace it. Minor wear and tear is normal and does not require replacement. Law enforcement will tell you if your license is too damaged to accept.

What happens to my license number when I replace it?

Your license number stays the same. A replacement license has the same number as your original license. Only when you renew your license at expiration does your number change.