Texas driver's license replacement costs $16 for a standard five-year license or $32 for an eight-year license

The Texas Department of Public Safety charges a flat fee to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged driver's license. You cannot pay less by going through a different method — the price is the same whether you replace it in person at a DPS office, by mail, or through a third-party vendor. The fee covers the new card itself and the processing.

The choice between the five-year and eight-year license affects only the cost and how long you wait before renewing again. Both are standard licenses with the same legal standing. If you are under 18, the fee is lower — $12 for a five-year license — because minors' licenses expire sooner.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard replacement license costs $16 for five years or $32 for eight years in Texas, with no discounts available.
  • You can replace your license by mail, in person at a DPS office, or through an approved third-party vendor, but the fee stays the same.
  • If you lost your license and need to drive before the replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at no extra cost.
  • Minors under 18 pay $12 for a five-year replacement license, and the process is the same as for adults.
  • Replacement licenses arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days if you explore in person, or 2 to 3 weeks if you mail your process.

How to pay the replacement fee

When you replace your license in person at a DPS office, you pay the fee at the counter when you submit your process. DPS offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may accept checks, but calling ahead to confirm is safer than assuming.

If you replace your license by mail, you must include a check or money order with your process packet. Do not send cash through the mail. Make the check payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety and include it in the same envelope as your documents.

Third-party vendors — including some county tax assessor offices and driver's license service centers — also charge the same $16 or $32 fee. They may add a separate vendor fee on top of the DPS charge, typically $5 to $15. Ask about the total cost before you explore.

What documents you need to bring

To replace your license, you need proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and your Social Security number. A valid passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate works for identity. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address.

If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, you do not need the original card — that is the point of replacing it. If your license was damaged, bring what remains of it. If you cannot find any of your documents, DPS has a list of acceptable alternatives on its website, including school records and insurance documents.

Getting a temporary license while you wait

When you explore for a replacement license in person, you can request a temporary paper license at no extra charge. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive legally while your permanent card is being made. You do not need to ask — DPS staff will offer it when you complete your process.

If you explore by mail, you cannot get a temporary license through the mail process. In that case, you have two options: either wait for your replacement to arrive, or go to a DPS office in person to get the temporary while your mail process is being processed. The in-person visit does not cancel your mail process.

Replacing your license by mail versus in person

Mailing your process takes longer but saves a trip. You will receive your new license in 2 to 3 weeks. You must include a check or money order, copies of your documents (not originals), and a completed process form. DPS provides the form on its website, and you can print it at home.

explore in person at a DPS office is faster. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You pay when ready, hand over your original documents, and can request a temporary license on the spot. The office visit usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the location is.

If you use a third-party vendor, timing depends on the vendor. Some send applications to DPS the same day; others batch them weekly. Ask the vendor how long the full process takes before you pay.

What happens if you need your license sooner

If you cannot wait 7 to 10 business days, your only option is the temporary paper license. It is valid for 45 days and costs nothing extra. Some employers and banks accept it as proof of identity, but not all — check with whoever needs to see your license before you rely on the temporary.

Texas does not offer expedited replacement licenses that arrive faster than the standard timeline. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, the temporary license is your only legal option. If you need a Real ID-compliant license and your current one is not Real ID-compliant, you will have to wait for the replacement anyway — the temporary paper license is not Real ID-compliant either.

Replacing a license that was suspended or revoked

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward replace it and drive again. The suspension or revocation stays in effect even after you receive a new card. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension — paying outstanding fines, completing a defensive driving course, or serving a waiting period — before DPS will issue a new license.

When you explore for replacement, DPS will check your driving record. If a suspension or revocation is active, your process will be denied. Contact DPS or the court that issued the suspension to find out what steps you need to take before you can replace your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online?

No. Texas does not offer online replacement for lost or damaged licenses. You must explore in person at a DPS office, by mail, or through a third-party vendor. You can renew an expired license online if it is still valid and you have not had any changes to your address or name, but replacement is different from renewal.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still replace it by mail from anywhere. Send your process, documents, and check to the DPS address on the process form. If you need to drive before it arrives and you are in another state, that state may issue you a temporary permit, but you will need to contact that state's DMV. Your Texas temporary license is only valid in Texas.

Do I have to pay the full fee if my license was damaged by DPS's mistake?

No. If DPS damaged your license during processing or it arrived damaged in the mail, contact DPS and request a replacement at no charge. You will need to return the damaged card or provide a photo of the damage. This is rare, but DPS does cover it.

Is the replacement fee the same if I change my name or address?

Yes. Changing your name or address on your license costs the same $16 or $32 as a replacement. The fee covers any update to your card, whether it is because the card is lost, damaged, or the information on it changed.

What if I cannot afford the replacement fee right now?

DPS does not waive or reduce the replacement fee based on income. If you need to drive and cannot pay yet, your only option is to wait until you can. Some community organizations or nonprofits in your area may help with the cost — contact your local 211 service or county social services office to ask.