You can order a replacement Texas driver's license through the Department of Public Safety website without visiting an office
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) lets you order a replacement license online if your current license is still valid or expired less than two years ago. You do this through their official website, not through a third-party service. The process takes about five minutes, costs $11, and the license arrives by mail in seven to ten business days.
This option works only for replacements — not for your first license, a license upgrade, or a license after a suspension. If you need one of those, you must visit a DPS office in person. But if you already have a valid Texas license and just need a duplicate or a replacement because yours is worn, lost, or stolen, ordering online is faster and cheaper than going to an office.
Key Takeaways
- You can order online only if your current Texas license is valid or expired within the last two years; otherwise you must visit a DPS office.
- The online order costs $11 and takes about five minutes; your new license arrives in seven to ten business days.
- You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method to complete the order.
- The replacement license will have the same number and expiration date as your current license unless you request a name change.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you go to the DPS website: your current Texas driver's license (or the license number if you do not have the card), the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card for the $11 fee. You will also need an email address where DPS can send you a confirmation.
If your license was lost or stolen, you can still order online as long as you know your license number. If you do not know it, you will need to call DPS at 1-888-589-6900 to look it up before you can place an order online. If your license has been expired for more than two years, the online option is not available — you must visit a DPS office and explore for a new license in person.
Steps to order your replacement license online
Go to the Texas DPS website and find the "Order a Replacement License" section. You will enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. DPS uses this information to verify your identity and pull up your current license record.
Next, you will choose what kind of replacement you need. Select whether you are ordering because your license is lost, stolen, damaged, or you straightforward want a duplicate. Then review your current license information on the screen — your name, address, and license class should all be correct. If anything is wrong, stop and call DPS instead, because the online system cannot fix errors in your record.
Enter your mailing address (this is where your new license will be sent) and confirm your email address. Then choose your payment method and pay the $11 fee. You will receive a confirmation number by email. Save this number — you can use it to check the status of your order on the DPS website.
How long it takes and what happens next
Your replacement license will arrive in seven to ten business days from the date you place your order. DPS mails licenses from their central office, so delivery time depends partly on how far you live from Austin. If you need your license faster, the online option will not work — you would need to visit a DPS office in person and pay an expedited fee for a license printed on the spot.
While you wait for your new license to arrive, you can still drive using your old one if it is not suspended or revoked. If your old license was lost or stolen, you may want to report it to protect yourself from identity theft, but you do not need to do anything else to receive your replacement.
When you cannot order online
The online replacement system does not work if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled. It also does not work if you need to renew a license that has been expired for more than two years, or if you are ordering your first license ever. In any of these cases, you must visit a DPS office in person.
You also cannot order online if you need to change your name, address, or license class. If your address has changed, you can update it during the online order process, but if you need a legal name change or a different class of license (for example, upgrading to a commercial license), you must go to an office. The same applies if you need to add or remove endorsements like motorcycle or hazmat.
What to do if your order does not arrive
Check the status of your order on the DPS website using your confirmation number. If more than ten business days have passed and your license has not arrived, or if the website shows an error, call DPS at 1-888-589-6900. Have your confirmation number ready when you call.
If your replacement license arrives damaged or with incorrect information, contact DPS right away. You may be able to order another replacement at no extra charge, depending on what went wrong. Keep your confirmation number and any emails from DPS so you can reference them when you call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a replacement if my license is suspended?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot order online or by mail. You must visit a DPS office in person, and you cannot receive a new license until the suspension is lifted. Contact DPS to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do to restore it.
What if I moved and my address on file is wrong?
You can update your address during the online order process. Enter your new address in the mailing address field, and your replacement license will be sent there. Your new license will also show your updated address.
Will my new license have the same number as my old one?
Yes. A replacement license keeps the same number and expiration date as your original license. The only exception is if you request a name change, which requires an office visit.
Can I order a replacement for someone else?
No. You can only order a replacement for your own license. You will need to provide your own license number and Social Security number to verify your identity. If someone else needs a replacement, they must order it themselves.
What if I do not remember my license number?
Call DPS at 1-888-589-6900 and give them your name and date of birth. They can look up your license number for you. Once you have it, you can go back to the website and place your order.