The cost of a replacement Texas driver's license

A replacement driver's license in Texas costs $16 if you renew it in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. If you renew by mail, the cost is the same. The fee covers a standard plastic license valid for six years (or until age 79 if you are over 73).

This $16 fee applies whether your license was lost, stolen, damaged, or you straightforward need a duplicate. Texas does not charge extra for a replacement versus a standard renewal. The only exception is if you need your license faster than normal processing — expedited service costs more, which we cover below.

Keep in mind that if your license has expired, you may owe additional fees. An expired license that needs renewal costs the same $16, but if you renew more than two years late, DPS may require you to pass the written test again, which adds time and a separate testing fee.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard replacement license costs $16 and is valid for six years in Texas.
  • You pay the same $16 whether you replace a lost license or renew an expired one at a DPS office.
  • Expedited service (getting your license in one to two business days) costs $31 instead of $16.
  • Mail renewal costs $16, but takes two to three weeks, and you cannot use expedited service by mail.
  • If your license expired more than two years ago, you may need to retake the written test, which costs an additional $10.

In-person replacement at a DPS office

Walking into a DPS office and requesting a replacement license is the most straightforward route. You pay $16 at the counter, provide your identification, and receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your plastic card arrives by mail in seven to ten business days.

You will need to bring your current license (if you still have it), a Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency such as a utility bill or lease. If your license was stolen, bring a police report. If it was lost or damaged, you do not need a report — just explain what happened.

No appointment is required at most DPS offices, but wait times vary widely. Some offices have short lines in the morning; others have hour-long waits in the afternoon. Checking the DPS website for your local office's current wait time before you go saves frustration.

Expedited replacement service

If you need your license within one or two business days instead of seven to ten, DPS offers expedited service for $31 total. You still go to a DPS office in person, but your plastic card is printed on-site and handed to you before you leave.

Expedited service is available only at select DPS offices, not all locations. Check the DPS office locator on their website to see which offices near you offer it. You do not need an appointment, but arriving early in the day increases your chances of shorter wait times.

Expedited replacement is useful if you need to drive when ready — for work, travel, or because your job requires a valid license. The extra $15 is the only cost difference; you do not pay for the license itself twice.

Mail renewal and replacement

You can renew or replace your license by mail if your current license is not suspended or revoked and you meet other basic requirements. The cost is $16, the same as in-person renewal. You mail your process and documents to the DPS address listed on their website, and your new license arrives in two to three weeks.

Mail renewal is slower but convenient if you cannot visit an office or prefer not to wait in line. You cannot use expedited service by mail — expedited is only available in person. If you need your license sooner, you must go to an office.

The process form (DL-44) is available on the DPS website. You will need to include a copy of your current license, proof of residency, and payment by check or money order. Do not send cash through the mail.

Additional fees you might encounter

If your license expired more than two years ago, renewing it costs $16, but DPS may require you to pass the written knowledge test again. The written test itself costs $10 and is administered at DPS offices. This is separate from the license fee.

If you need a duplicate license — a second copy of your current valid license — the cost is also $16. This is different from a replacement; you are asking for an extra card while your original is still valid. Some people request duplicates to keep one at home and one in their wallet.

If you change your name, address, or other information on your license, you may need to renew early. The cost depends on how much time remains on your current license. A full renewal costs $16; a corrected license with time remaining may cost less. Contact your local DPS office for the exact fee in your situation.

Payment methods at DPS offices

Most DPS offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some locations also accept checks, but this varies by office. Call ahead or check the DPS website for your specific location's payment options.

If you are renewing by mail, you must pay by check or money order — credit and debit cards are not accepted for mail renewals. Write your driver's license number on the check or money order so DPS can match it to your process.

What happens if you lose your license again

If you lose your replacement license, you pay $16 again for another replacement. There is no penalty for multiple replacements, and DPS does not charge more for a second or third replacement in the same year. Each replacement costs the same $16.

However, if your license is suspended or revoked for any reason — unpaid traffic tickets, DUI conviction, or other violations — you cannot straightforward replace it. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with DPS. This may involve paying fines, completing a course, or waiting out a suspension period. Only after that can you replace your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license the same day I explore?

Yes, if you use expedited service at a participating DPS office. You pay $31 instead of $16, and your plastic license is printed on-site while you wait. Standard in-person service takes seven to ten business days for the card to arrive by mail, though you receive a temporary paper license when ready.

What if I do not have my Social Security number memorized?

You will need to provide it or bring a document that shows it, such as a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return. If you have lost your Social Security card, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration before visiting DPS, or call DPS to ask what documents they will accept in your situation.

Do I have to pay if my license was stolen?

Yes, you still pay $16 for the replacement. Bring a police report of the theft to the DPS office. The report does not reduce the fee, but it documents what happened and may be useful if the stolen license is misused.

Is the $16 fee the same for all types of licenses?

The $16 fee applies to standard Class C driver's licenses. Commercial driver's licenses (CDL) and motorcycle endorsements have different fees. If you hold a CDL or need to add an endorsement, contact DPS or your local office for the exact cost.

What if my address changed since my last license?

You can update your address when you replace your license. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days. The replacement still costs $16; there is no extra charge for an address change.