How to order a new Texas driver's license
You order a new Texas driver's license through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), either online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. The method you choose depends on what you need: a replacement for a lost or damaged license, a renewal before yours expires, or a license with updated information. Most people can handle a standard replacement or renewal without a road test, but some situations — like a name change or address update — may require you to visit an office in person.
Texas lets you start the process online through the DPS website, which is the fastest route for straightforward replacements and renewals. If you prefer mail or need to handle something more complex, you can visit a DPS office or use the mail-in option, though both take longer. The fee, processing time, and documents you need vary depending on which type of order you're making.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew or replace a Texas driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office, depending on your situation and how quickly you need it.
- Online renewal or replacement is the fastest option and works for most people whose licenses are not suspended, revoked, or expired for more than two years.
- A replacement for a lost, stolen, or damaged license costs less than a renewal and does not require a new photo or road test.
- Name changes, address updates, and license class upgrades may require an in-person visit and additional documents like a marriage certificate or proof of residence.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you order online, or longer if you use the mail-in form.
Online renewal and replacement through the DPS website
The Texas DPS website lets you renew your license or order a replacement without leaving home. Go to the DPS online services page, create an account if you don't have one, and follow the prompts to either renew (if your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago) or replace it (if it's lost, stolen, or damaged). You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method — the DPS accepts credit and debit cards.
Online orders work only if your license is not suspended or revoked and your address and name haven't changed. If either has, you'll need to visit a DPS office in person. The fee for an online replacement is $11, and for a renewal it's $16. Your new license ships to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, you can print a temporary license from your DPS account to use while you wait.
Replacement licenses for lost, stolen, or damaged cards
A replacement license is what you order when your current license still exists but you can't use it — it's lost, stolen, damaged, or unreadable. You don't need a new photo, and you don't take a road test. The replacement keeps your same license number and expiration date, so you're straightforward getting a new card with the same information printed on it.
You can order a replacement online ($11), by mail using the DL-44 form, or in person at any DPS office. If you order by mail, print the form from the DPS website, include a check or money order, and mail it to the address listed on the form — processing takes about two weeks. In person is fastest if you need it urgently, though you'll still wait for the card to arrive by mail.
Renewal when your license is about to expire or has recently expired
A renewal is what you order when your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago. You get a new card with a new expiration date, usually six or eight years out depending on your age. Online renewal is the simplest path: log into your DPS account, confirm your information, pay $16, and you're done. Your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew online — you must visit a DPS office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number. You may also need to pass a vision test and answer questions about your driving record, though a road test is not required for a standard renewal.
In-person visits for name changes, address updates, and license class upgrades
Some changes require you to visit a DPS office. If you've changed your name (through marriage, divorce, or legal petition), moved to a new address, or want to upgrade your license class (from Class C to Class B, for example), you must explore in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new name or address, and your Social Security card.
For a name change, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. For an address change, bring a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement with your new address. For a license class upgrade, you may need to pass a written test or road test depending on the class you're moving to. The DPS office will tell you what's required when you arrive or when you call ahead.
Mail-in orders using the DL-44 form
You can mail in a replacement or renewal request using the DL-44 form, which you print from the DPS website. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the fee ($11 for replacement, $16 for renewal), and mail it to the address on the form. Include a copy of your current license if possible.
Mail-in processing takes about two weeks, sometimes longer depending on volume. This method works only for straightforward replacements and renewals — if you need a name change, address update, or license class change, you must visit an office in person. Mail-in is useful if you live far from a DPS office or prefer not to visit in person, but it's slower than ordering online.
What to expect after you order
Once you've ordered online, by mail, or in person, your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file. Online and in-person orders arrive in 7 to 10 business days; mail-in orders take about two weeks. You can check the status of your order through your DPS account if you ordered online.
While you wait, you can print a temporary license from your DPS account (if you ordered online) to carry with you. A temporary license is valid for 45 days and shows that you've ordered a replacement or renewal. If your old license was not lost or stolen, you can continue using it until the new one arrives, though it will show an old expiration date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a new license if my current one is suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew or replace a suspended or revoked license through the normal process. You must contact the DPS to find out why it's suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it — this may involve paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or resolving other issues. Once it's restored, you can order a replacement or renewal.
What if I've moved and my address on the license is old?
If you've moved, you must visit a DPS office in person to update your address. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement) and your current license. You cannot update your address online. The office will issue you a new license with the correct address, and it will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 days.
Do I need a new photo when I renew or replace my license?
No, not for a standard renewal or replacement. Your new license uses the photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must visit a DPS office in person and request it — there may be an additional fee. A new photo is required if your license has been expired for more than two years.
How long does a Texas driver's license last?
A standard Class C driver's license is valid for six or eight years, depending on your age when you renew. The DPS will tell you the expiration date when you order. You can renew up to one year before it expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute.
Can I order a license if I'm not a Texas resident?
No. To get a Texas driver's license, you must be a Texas resident. If you've recently moved to Texas, you have 60 days to get a Texas license. If you're moving out of Texas, you'll need to get a license from your new state.