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 online replacement option. You will need to visit in person.

Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website by entering your zip code. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Call ahead or check online to confirm hours before you go, since some offices close for lunch or have limited staff on certain days.

You can also renew or replace your license at a DPS office inside certain H-E-B grocery stores and Walmart locations in Texas, though not all locations offer this service. These in-store offices typically have shorter wait times than standalone DPS offices. Check the Texas DPS website to see if one is near you.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Texas DPS office in person — there is no online or mail replacement option for a lost or damaged license.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or other government ID).
  • A replacement license costs $16 and is valid for the same expiration date as your original license.
  • Processing takes about 15 to 30 minutes at the office, and you receive your new license the same day.
  • If your license was lost or stolen, you may want to report it to local police for your records, though it is not required to get a replacement.

Documents you need to bring

Bring three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You do not need all of these — the DPS has a list of acceptable documents in each category, and you pick one from each.

For proof of identity, bring a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, or other government-issued ID. A school ID or work badge does not count. If your birth certificate is not certified, the DPS will not accept it.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number visible. A tax return or bank statement with only the last four digits does not work.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Texas address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. A credit card bill or insurance statement does not count.

The replacement process and cost

When you arrive at the DPS office, take a number and wait to be called. Tell the clerk you need a replacement license. They will ask why your license needs to be replaced — lost, stolen, damaged, or name change — and pull up your record using your name and date of birth.

The clerk will verify your documents, take a new photo (unless you request to use your old photo), and confirm your address and other information. You will sign the back of your new license. The whole process takes 15 to 30 minutes.

A replacement license costs $16. The DPS accepts cash, debit, and credit cards at most offices. Your new license will have the same expiration date as your original license — you are not paying to renew it, only to replace the card itself.

You receive your new license the same day you explore. You can use it when ready for identification purposes. If you need it for driving, you can drive with it right away as well.

If your license was lost or stolen

Reporting a lost or stolen license to police is optional but recommended. A police report creates a record that your license was not in your possession, which can protect you if someone tries to use it fraudulently. Call your local police non-emergency line and ask to file a report for a lost or stolen ID.

You do not need a police report to get a replacement license from the DPS. The DPS does not require proof that your license was lost or stolen — you straightforward tell the clerk what happened. However, if you are concerned about identity theft, a police report is worth the time.

If your license was stolen and you suspect someone may use it, you can also place a fraud alert with the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting one of them. They will notify the others. This makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name.

Replacing a license with a name change

If you changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, you will need to bring proof of the name change along with your other documents. For a marriage, bring a certified marriage certificate. For a divorce, bring a certified divorce decree. For a court order, bring the certified court order itself.

The process is the same as a regular replacement — you visit a DPS office, show your documents, and pay $16. The cost does not change. Your new license will show your new name and the same expiration date as your original license.

If you have not yet updated your Social Security card or other government documents to match your new name, you can still get a replacement license. The DPS will update their records based on the name change document you bring.

What to do if you cannot visit an office in person

Texas does not offer mail-in replacement licenses or online processing. You must visit a DPS office in person. If you are unable to travel, you have limited options.

If you are homebound or have a medical condition that prevents you from visiting an office, contact your local DPS office directly and ask about accommodations. Some offices may be able to work with you, though this is not may provide and varies by location.

If you are out of state temporarily, you can wait until you return to Texas to replace your license. There is no important date to replace a lost or damaged license — you can do it whenever you are able to visit an office. If you need to drive before then, you can use a passport or other government ID as proof of identity, though it is not a valid driver's license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online or by mail?

No. Texas requires you to visit a DPS office in person for any license replacement. There is no online or mail option. You can visit a DPS office at a standalone location, inside an H-E-B or Walmart, or at a DPS office in some other retail locations.

How long does a replacement license take?

You receive your new license the same day you visit the DPS office. The process at the office takes 15 to 30 minutes. There is no waiting period or processing time after you leave.

What if I do not have a certified birth certificate?

You can use a different form of government-issued ID instead, such as a U.S. passport or military ID. The DPS accepts multiple forms of identity proof. Check the Texas DPS website for the full list of acceptable documents.

Do I need a police report to replace my license?

No. The DPS does not require a police report. You straightforward tell the clerk that your license was lost or stolen, and they will issue a replacement. A police report is optional but recommended if you are concerned about fraud.

Will my new license have the same expiration date?

Yes. A replacement license keeps the same expiration date as your original license. You are paying $16 to replace the card, not to renew your license. If your license is also expired or expiring soon, you will need to renew it separately at the same time or later.