Getting a replacement Texas driver's license

You can get a replacement driver's license in Texas by visiting a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, bringing proof of identity and residency, and paying a replacement fee. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot renew online or by mail if you need a replacement due to loss, theft, or damage — you must appear in person.

Texas distinguishes between a replacement license (you lost it, it was stolen, or it's damaged) and a renewal (your current license is expiring). Replacements require an office visit; renewals can sometimes be done online or by mail depending on your situation. This guide covers replacements only.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office in person to get a replacement license; online and mail options are not available for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses.
  • Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or consular report of birth, plus one document showing your current Texas address.
  • The replacement fee is $11 for a standard license or $16 for a Real ID-compliant license, and you pay at the DPS office when you explore.
  • You receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report first, though it is not required to get a replacement.

What documents you need to bring

Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves your current Texas address. For identity, the DPS accepts an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, U.S. passport, consular report of birth, or military ID. A photocopy of your birth certificate does not work — it must be an original or certified copy ordered from the vital records office in the state where you were born.

For your current address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name. The document must show your name and a Texas street address and be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement, insurance bill, or government mail also works. If you have moved recently and do not yet have a document in your new address, bring a signed affidavit of residency (the DPS office can provide this form) along with an identity document.

Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card or tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access for one.

Where to go and how long it takes

Find your nearest DPS office using the office locator on the Texas DPS website. Not all DPS offices issue driver's licenses — the website shows which ones do. You do not need an appointment; most offices operate on a walk-in basis, though some locations allow you to reserve a time slot online to reduce wait time. Check your local office's page to see if reservations are available.

Processing time at the office is usually 20 to 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Early morning visits typically have shorter waits. Your plastic replacement license will be mailed to the address you provide and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You receive a temporary paper license when ready that you can use while you wait for the card.

The replacement fee and payment

A standard replacement driver's license costs $11. If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 2025), the fee is $16. You pay at the DPS office when you submit your process — cash, debit, and credit cards are accepted at most locations, though some offices may have payment restrictions. Check your local office's website to confirm payment methods.

The fee covers the replacement card only. If you need to update your address, name, or other information on the license at the same time, there may be additional fees. Ask the DPS staff before you pay if you are making changes beyond a straightforward replacement.

If your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged, you may want to file a police report, especially if you are concerned about identity theft. A police report is not required to get a replacement license, but it creates a record and may help if someone uses your stolen license number fraudulently. You can file a report online with your local police department or in person at a police station.

When you explore for your replacement at the DPS office, tell the staff that your license was stolen. They will note this in the system. If you are worried about fraud, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting one of them; they will notify the others.

Real ID versus standard license

A standard Texas driver's license costs $11 to replace. A Real ID-compliant license costs $16 and meets federal requirements for entering federal buildings, military bases, and boarding domestic flights. As of May 7, 2025, a standard license will no longer be accepted for domestic air travel — you will need a Real ID, passport, or other federal ID.

If you are getting a replacement now, consider upgrading to Real ID at the same time, since you are already at the DPS office. You will need the same documents either way. If you wait until after May 2025 and do not have a Real ID, you will need to return to the DPS office again to upgrade, which means a second trip and a second fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. You must have a valid visa or immigration status and bring your passport or travel document along with proof of your status (such as an I-94 arrival/departure record or employment authorization document). Bring the same address proof as any other applicant. Contact your local DPS office if you are unsure which documents to bring.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a U.S. passport, consular report of birth, or military ID instead. If you do not have any of these, contact the vital records office in the state where you were born to order a certified copy of your birth certificate. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $30 depending on the state.

How long is a replacement license valid?

A replacement license is valid for the same period as your original license. If your original license was set to expire in 2028, your replacement will also expire in 2028. You do not get a new expiration date just because you replaced it.

Can I change my name or address when I get a replacement?

Yes. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are changing your address, bring proof of your new address. There may be additional fees for changes beyond a straightforward replacement — ask the DPS staff before you pay.

What if my replacement license arrives damaged in the mail?

Contact the DPS office where you applied and explain the damage. They can issue another replacement without charging you again. Bring your temporary paper license or any other ID to the office when you return.