Where to order your replacement license
You can order a replacement Texas driver's license through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail, or in person at a DPS driver license office. The online option is fastest — you can order and pay in about 10 minutes if your license is not suspended or revoked. Mail and in-person orders take longer but work if you prefer not to order online.
The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the license and whether your current license status allows online ordering. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired for more than two years, you cannot order online and must visit an office or mail in your request.
Key Takeaways
- You can order a replacement license online through the Texas DPS website if your license is valid, suspended, or expired less than two years — the fastest option at about 10 minutes.
- Mail-in replacement requests require a completed form, payment, and a copy of your current license or ID, and take two to three weeks.
- In-person replacement at a DPS office requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number, and you receive a temporary license on the spot.
- A replacement license costs $16 for a standard five-year license or $32 for an eight-year license in Texas.
- If your license is expired more than two years, suspended, or revoked, you must visit a DPS office or mail in your request — online ordering is not available.
Ordering online through the Texas DPS website
Go to the Texas DPS online services portal and select "Order a Replacement Driver License." You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and show you the cost before you pay.
Online ordering works only if your license is not expired more than two years, not suspended, and not revoked. If any of those explore, you will see a message telling you to visit an office or mail in your request instead. Payment is by credit or debit card, and your replacement license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Mailing in a replacement request
Complete Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License) or Form DL-43 (Renewal/Duplicate Driver License process), depending on whether your license is expired. Mail the form with a check or money order for $16 (standard license) or $32 (eight-year license), along with a copy of your current license or ID.
Send your packet to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division, P.O. Box 4087, Austin, TX 78773-0001. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your mail. Include a return address so DPS can send your new license to you. If you need the license faster, this method is slower than online or in-person options.
Getting a replacement license in person at a DPS office
Visit any Texas DPS driver license office with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Proof of identity can be your current license, passport, military ID, or other government-issued ID. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days.
You will fill out an process, pay $16 or $32 depending on the license type you want, and receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Your permanent replacement license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. In-person visits are fastest if you need to drive when ready, because the temporary license is valid right away.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot order a replacement online. You must visit a DPS office in person or mail in your request. The office staff will tell you whether you can receive a replacement at all, or whether you must first clear the suspension or revocation through the court or the Texas DPS.
Suspensions often result from unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or failure to appear in court. Revocations are more serious and usually require court action or completion of a program (such as DWI education) before DPS will issue a new license. Call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to find out the reason for your suspension or revocation before you visit an office.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
A lost, stolen, or damaged license is replaced the same way as a regular duplicate — online, by mail, or in person. You do not need a police report for a lost or stolen license, though you may want one for your records. If your license was damaged in a way that makes it unreadable, bring the damaged license with you if you visit in person, or describe the damage in a note if you mail your request.
If your license was stolen and you are concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) at the same time you order your replacement. This is separate from your driver's license replacement but protects you if someone tries to open accounts in your name.
Costs and processing times by method
| Method | Cost | Processing Time | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | $16 or $32 | 7–10 business days | License is valid, suspended, or expired less than two years; you do not need to drive when ready |
| $16 or $32 | 2–3 weeks | You prefer not to visit an office or order online; you do not need the license urgently | |
| In Person | $16 or $32 | Temporary license same day; permanent license 7–10 business days | You need to drive when ready; your license is suspended, revoked, or expired more than two years |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a replacement if my license expired more than two years ago?
No, you cannot order online. You must visit a DPS office in person or mail in your request. At an office, staff will determine whether you need to renew instead of replace, which may require a new photo and vision test. Call 1-888-589-6789 to ask before you visit.
How long does it take to get a replacement license if I order online?
Your replacement license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days after you place the order. You will receive a confirmation email with a tracking number. If you need to drive before it arrives, you can visit a DPS office in person to get a temporary paper license valid for 45 days.
What if I do not have proof of residency for an in-person visit?
Proof of residency must be dated within the last 90 days and show your name and address. If you do not have a utility bill, lease, or bank statement, you can bring two documents that together show your residency — for example, a voter registration card and a piece of mail from a government agency. Ask the DPS office what documents they accept before you visit.
Do I need to take a new photo for a replacement license?
No. A replacement uses your existing photo from your current license. If you visit in person and want a new photo, you can request one, but it is not required. Online and mail-in replacements always use your existing photo.
What if my name changed since my current license was issued?
If your name changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you cannot straightforward order a replacement. You must visit a DPS office in person with your current license, proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of identity and residency. The office will issue a new license with your updated name.