How to Get a Texas Driver's License Replacement

What you need to do to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Texas driver's license

You can replace a Texas driver's license in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail, or online through the DPS website — the fastest route depends on whether your license is lost, stolen, or just damaged. If your license is lost or stolen, you must report it to DPS before you can get a replacement; if it's damaged but still readable, you can often skip that step. The entire process takes between one and three weeks if you go in person, or four to six weeks by mail.

Texas charges a replacement fee of $11 for a standard license or $16 for a Real ID-compliant license. You do not need to retake the written or driving test unless your license has been suspended or revoked. If you're replacing a license that was suspended or revoked, you'll need to resolve that issue first — usually by paying a reinstatement fee or completing a required course — before DPS will issue a new one.

Key Takeaways

Report a lost or stolen license to DPS before ordering a replacement, either online through their website or in person at any DPS office.
A damaged but readable license can be replaced without a police report, but you must bring the old license with you.
In-person replacement at a DPS office takes one to three weeks; mail-in replacement takes four to six weeks.
You will not retake the written or driving test unless your license was suspended or revoked.
Real ID-compliant replacements cost $5 more than standard licenses and require proof of citizenship or lawful presence.

Replacing a lost or stolen license in person

Go to any DPS office in Texas with your Social Security number, date of birth, and a form of ID (passport, Real ID, or another government-issued ID). You do not need to bring the old license because it's lost or stolen. Tell the clerk that you're replacing a lost or stolen license; they will file a report with DPS at that moment. You'll pay the replacement fee ($11 standard, $16 Real ID) and receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to your address on file.

Your permanent license will arrive in seven to ten business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, the temporary paper license is valid for driving, employment, and most other purposes — but it's not valid for air travel or entering federal buildings. If you move before your license arrives, you can update your address at any DPS office or online through the DPS website before the permanent license ships.

Replacing a lost or stolen license by mail

You can order a replacement online through the Texas DPS website without visiting an office. Go to the DPS website, select "Replace Lost or Stolen License," and provide your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. DPS will send you a form to sign and return by mail along with a check or money order for the replacement fee.

Mail the signed form and payment to the address DPS provides. Processing takes four to six weeks from the date DPS receives your form. You will not receive a temporary paper license with this method, so you cannot legally drive until your permanent license arrives. If you need to drive before then, you must visit a DPS office in person to get a temporary paper license instead.

Replacing a damaged but readable license

If your license is torn, faded, or otherwise damaged but the information is still readable, bring the old license to any DPS office along with your Social Security number and date of birth. You do not need to file a lost or stolen report. The clerk will take your old license, process the replacement fee, and issue a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent license will arrive in seven to ten business days.

If your license is so damaged that the information cannot be read, DPS will treat it as a lost license and require you to file a report. Bring any form of ID you have — passport, Real ID, or another government-issued ID — and the clerk will file the report for you at the office.

Getting a Real ID-compliant replacement instead of a standard license

A Real ID-compliant license costs $5 more ($16 instead of $11) and is required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings starting May 7, 2025. When you replace your license, you can choose to upgrade to Real ID at the same time. You will need to bring proof of citizenship or lawful presence — a passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or visa — along with your Social Security number and date of birth.

If you're replacing your license in person, bring these documents to the DPS office and tell the clerk you want a Real ID replacement. If you're replacing by mail, include copies of your citizenship or lawful presence documents with your signed form and payment. The processing time is the same: seven to ten business days for in-person, four to six weeks for mail.

What to do if your license was suspended or revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked, DPS will not issue a replacement until you resolve the suspension or revocation. The reason for suspension or revocation determines what you must do. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, or failure to maintain insurance (usually shown by an SR22 filing requirement).

Contact DPS or the court that issued the suspension to find out what action is required — usually paying a reinstatement fee, paying outstanding fines, or completing a required course. Once you've completed those steps, return to a DPS office with proof of completion and your Social Security number. DPS will lift the suspension and issue your replacement license at that time.

Replacing your license if you've moved out of state

If you've moved to another state and no longer live in Texas, you cannot replace your Texas license by mail or online. You must visit a DPS office in person during a trip back to Texas, or you can contact DPS by phone at 1-888-589-6556 to ask about exceptions. In most cases, DPS will advise you to get a driver's license in your new state instead of replacing your Texas license.

If you still need a Texas license for work or other reasons, visit any DPS office with your Social Security number, date of birth, and a form of ID. You can use your out-of-state address on the replacement, and your license will be mailed to that address. Processing takes the same amount of time as an in-state replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online without visiting an office?

You can start the replacement process online through the DPS website, but you must print, sign, and mail the form back to DPS along with payment. You cannot complete the entire process online. If you want to avoid mailing documents, visit a DPS office in person instead — that's faster and you'll get a temporary paper license the same day.

What if I don't know my driver's license number?

If you're replacing in person, bring your Social Security number and date of birth; the clerk can look up your license number in the system. If you're replacing by mail, you need your license number to start the online form. Call DPS at 1-888-589-6556 and provide your name, date of birth, and Social Security number; they can give you your license number over the phone.

How long is a temporary paper license valid?

A temporary paper license is valid for 45 days from the date it's issued. It works for driving, employment, and most identification purposes, but not for air travel or federal building entry. Your permanent license should arrive before the 45 days are up; if it doesn't, return to the DPS office and ask for an extension.

Do I have to pay the replacement fee if my license was damaged by DPS?

No. If DPS damaged your license during processing or mailing, contact DPS and explain what happened. Bring the damaged license to a DPS office and they will issue a replacement at no charge. You'll need proof that DPS caused the damage — usually the original mailing envelope or a photo of the damage.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. Your replacement license is mailed directly to your address on file, and you do not need to pick it up in person. If you've moved and your address changed after you ordered the replacement, contact DPS when ready with your new address so the license is mailed to the correct location.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.