How to Get a Replacement Driver's License in Texas

What you need to do to replace your Texas driver's license

You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Texas driver's license in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office or by mail. In person is faster — you'll walk out with a temporary paper license the same day and receive your plastic card in the mail within two weeks. By mail takes four to six weeks total. You'll need to bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days), and payment. If your license was stolen, you should also file a police report, though DPS doesn't require it to issue a replacement.

The cost is $16 for a standard replacement, or $32 if you want to renew and replace at the same time. If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail — you must go in person to a DPS office. Texas does not charge extra for a replacement if your license was lost or stolen; the fee is the same whether you're replacing it for damage, loss, or theft.

Key Takeaways

In-person replacement at a DPS office takes one day for a temporary paper license and two weeks for the plastic card; mail replacement takes four to six weeks.
You need your Social Security number, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and $16 cash or card payment.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you must replace it in person, not by mail.
A police report is not required by DPS, but filing one protects you if someone uses your stolen license.
Your temporary paper license is valid for driving when ready after you receive it at the DPS office.

Replacing your license in person at a DPS office

Walk into any DPS Driver License Service Center with your Social Security number, proof of residency, and payment. You do not need an appointment. Bring your old license if you still have it, though it's not required. The staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and print a temporary paper license on the spot. That paper license is valid for driving right away and looks like a standard receipt — carry it with you until your plastic card arrives.

Your plastic card ships from the DPS central office and typically arrives within 10 to 14 days. If you don't receive it after three weeks, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to check the status. Bring the temporary paper license with you when you drive until the plastic card shows up. If you lose the paper license before the card arrives, you'll need to return to a DPS office and pay another $16 for a second temporary.

DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day; early morning and mid-week visits are usually shorter. You can find your nearest office and current wait times on the DPS website.

Replacing your license by mail

Mail replacement is an option only if your license expired within the last two years. Complete the process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-44), available on the DPS website or at any DPS office. Include a copy of your proof of residency, your Social Security number, and a check or money order for $16 made payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Do not send cash.

Mail your completed form and documents to the address listed on the DPS website — it varies by region. Include a return envelope with your address. Processing takes four to six weeks from the date DPS receives your packet. You will not receive a temporary license by mail; you cannot legally drive until your plastic card arrives. If you need to drive before then, you must go to a DPS office in person for a temporary paper license.

Keep a copy of everything you mail, including the form and proof of residency. If your packet gets lost in the mail, you'll have proof of what you sent. Mail replacement is slower and offers no temporary license, so it works best if you don't need to drive when ready.

Proof of residency and what documents DPS accepts

Proof of residency must be dated within 90 days of your visit or mailing date. DPS accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement in your name and current address. A phone bill, insurance bill, or government mail also works. The document must show your name and Texas address; a PO box does not count as residency.

If you've recently moved and don't have a document dated within 90 days, bring two documents showing your old address and one showing your new address. DPS staff can use those together to verify your current residency. If you're homeless or living with someone else, ask the DPS office about alternative documentation — they can sometimes accept a letter from a shelter or a notarized statement from the person whose address you're using.

If your license was stolen

File a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office. This creates an official record that your license was stolen, which protects you if someone uses it to commit fraud or get pulled over. You don't need the police report to get a replacement from DPS, but it's important for your own protection. Keep a copy of the report number for your records.

After you file the report, proceed with replacement as normal — in person or by mail. Some people worry that a stolen license will be used for identity theft, but a Texas driver's license alone is not enough to open a bank account or credit card. The bigger risk is that someone will use it to get pulled over or commit a minor crime in your name. The police report documents that you reported it stolen, which helps if that happens.

What to do if your replacement doesn't arrive

If you went in person and received a temporary paper license but your plastic card hasn't arrived after three weeks, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789. Have your driver's license number ready. They can tell you whether the card is in transit, held up, or lost. If it's lost, they'll issue a replacement at no extra charge.

If you mailed your replacement and haven't heard anything after six weeks, call the same number. Provide your Social Security number and the date you mailed your process. DPS can confirm whether they received your packet and where it is in the process. If your original packet was lost in the mail, you'll need to resubmit or go in person to a DPS office.

Replacing a license with a different name or address

If you've changed your name since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), you need to bring proof of the name change. For marriage, bring your marriage certificate. For divorce, bring your divorce decree. For a legal name change, bring the court order. You can replace and update your name at the same time in person at a DPS office; the fee is still $16.

If you've moved to a new address, your replacement will automatically show your current address as long as you provide proof of residency. You don't need to pay extra or fill out a separate form. The address update happens as part of the replacement process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with the temporary paper license while I wait for my plastic card?

Yes. The temporary paper license is valid for driving when ready after you receive it at the DPS office. Carry it with you at all times while you drive. It's valid until your plastic card arrives or for 45 days, whichever comes first. If you get pulled over, show the officer both the temporary and any other ID you have.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

You must provide a Social Security number to get a Texas driver's license or replacement. If you don't have one, you'll need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can replace your license. Contact your local Social Security office or visit ssa.gov for information.

Do I need my old license to get a replacement?

No. If your license was lost or stolen, you don't need it. DPS can look up your information by your name and date of birth. If you still have your old license, bring it to speed up the process, but it's not required.

How much does a replacement cost if my license was stolen?

The cost is the same: $16 for a replacement. DPS does not charge extra for stolen licenses. You pay the same fee whether your license was lost, stolen, damaged, or expired.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. You must pick up your temporary paper license in person at the DPS office. Your plastic card is mailed to the address on file, so someone else can receive it at your home, but you must be present at the DPS office to get the temporary.

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.