You can order a replacement Texas driver's license online, but only for certain situations
Texas allows you to order a replacement license online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, but the online option is limited to specific circumstances. You can use the online replacement service if your license was lost, stolen, or significantly damaged, and your current license is still valid (not expired). If your license has expired or you need to renew it, you cannot use the online replacement service — you must renew in person or by mail.
The online replacement process is faster and cheaper than going to a DPS office in person. You pay a flat fee of $11 (as of the most recent update), and your replacement license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. However, you cannot use an online replacement to change your address, add or remove endorsements, or correct information on your license — those changes require an in-person visit or a mail renewal process.
Key Takeaways
- Online replacement is available only if your license is valid (not expired) and was lost, stolen, or damaged.
- The online replacement fee is $11, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- You cannot change your address, add endorsements, or correct personal information through the online replacement service.
- If your license is expired, you must renew in person at a DPS office or submit a mail renewal process instead.
- You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and driver's license number to start an online replacement order.
Step-by-step process for ordering a replacement license online
Go to the Texas DPS website and locate the "Online Services" section. Select "Order a Replacement License" from the menu. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and confirm that your license is valid and may be able to access for online replacement.
Once your identity is confirmed, you will review the information that will appear on your replacement license. Check your name, address, and date of birth carefully — if any information is incorrect, stop and contact DPS by phone or visit a DPS office instead, because the online system cannot make corrections. If everything is correct, proceed to payment. You can pay with a credit card or debit card. After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number via email. Keep this number for your records.
Your replacement license will be mailed to the address on file with DPS. If you have moved recently and updated your address with DPS through another transaction, your license will go to your new address. If you have not updated your address with DPS, your license will be mailed to the address currently on your license. You cannot change your mailing address during the online replacement process.
When you cannot use the online replacement service
Your license must be valid (not expired) to order a replacement online. If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot use the online service and must explore for a new license in person at a DPS office. If your license expired within the last two years, you may be able to renew by mail, which is a different process from online replacement.
You also cannot use online replacement if you need to change any information on your license — including your name, address, or date of birth — or if you want to add or remove endorsements (such as a motorcycle endorsement or hazmat endorsement). Address changes, name changes due to marriage or court order, and endorsement changes all require an in-person visit to a DPS office or a mail process with supporting documents.
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot order a replacement online. You must contact DPS directly to resolve the suspension or revocation before you can obtain a new license. Similarly, if you have an outstanding traffic fine or court judgment, you may not be able to renew or replace your license until the matter is resolved.
Comparing online replacement to in-person and mail options
| Method | Cost | Timeline | What You Can Do | What You Cannot Do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Replacement | $11 | 7–10 business days | Replace lost, stolen, or damaged license (if valid) | Change address, name, or endorsements; correct information |
| In-Person at DPS Office | $16 | Same day or within a few days | Replace, renew, change address, add endorsements, correct information | None — all transactions available |
| Mail Renewal (if may be able to access) | $16 | 2–3 weeks | Renew expired license (within 2 years of expiration) | Change address, add endorsements, correct information |
The online replacement service is the cheapest option and requires no appointment or office visit, making it ideal if you straightforward need a replacement of a valid license. However, if you need to make any changes to your license information or add endorsements, an in-person visit to a DPS office is your only option. DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, and many locations accept walk-ins, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
What to do if your replacement license does not arrive
Your replacement license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days of placing your order. If more than 10 business days have passed and you have not received it, contact the Texas DPS by phone at 1-888-589-6556. Have your confirmation number ready. DPS can check the status of your order and determine whether your license was mailed or if there was a problem with delivery.
If your replacement license was lost or damaged in the mail, DPS may reissue it at no additional cost. If your address on file is incorrect and your license was returned to DPS as undeliverable, you will need to update your address and place a new online replacement order, or visit a DPS office in person to correct your address and receive a replacement license when ready.
Common mistakes to avoid when ordering online
Do not attempt to order a replacement online if your license is expired. The system will reject your request, and you will need to renew in person or by mail instead. Verify your license expiration date before you start the process. If you are unsure whether your license is expired, you can check your license or call DPS to confirm.
Do not expect to change your address during the online replacement process. If you have moved, you must update your address with DPS separately — either at a DPS office, through the mail renewal process, or by updating your address when you renew your vehicle registration. Your replacement license will be mailed to whatever address is currently on file with DPS.
Do not proceed with the online order if you notice any errors in your personal information during the review step. If your name, date of birth, or other details are wrong, cancel the transaction and visit a DPS office or submit a mail process with supporting documents to correct the information. Ordering a replacement with incorrect information will straightforward give you a new license with the same errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I lost my license number and need to order a replacement online?
You will need your driver's license number to start an online replacement order. If you do not have it, you can call the Texas DPS at 1-888-589-6556 and provide your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. DPS can look up your license number for you. Alternatively, visit a DPS office in person to order your replacement.
Can I order a replacement license online if I moved to a different state?
No. If you have moved out of Texas, you should not order a Texas replacement license. Instead, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state of residence. If you still live in Texas but have moved within the state, you can order a replacement online, but your new license will be mailed to the address currently on file with DPS — not your new address.
How long does it take to receive my replacement license after I order it online?
Your replacement license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days of placing your order. This timeline begins after your payment is processed. Weekends and holidays are not counted as business days. If you need your license sooner, visit a DPS office in person to receive a replacement the same day.
Can I use the online replacement service if my license was suspended?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot order a replacement online. You must contact the Texas DPS to resolve the suspension or revocation first. Once your license status is cleared, you can then order a replacement online if your license is still valid.
What happens if I order a replacement online and then find my original license?
Once you have ordered a replacement online and paid the fee, the order cannot be cancelled. Your replacement license will be mailed to you. If you find your original license before the replacement arrives, you can use either license. If the replacement arrives after you have already found your original, you can keep the replacement as a backup or destroy it.