How to replace your Texas driver's license
You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Texas driver's license through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation. The fastest route is usually in person at a DPS office, which takes about 20 minutes and costs $16 for a standard replacement. If you cannot go in person, you can mail your process to DPS, though that takes two to three weeks. Online replacement is available only if your license is not expired and you have not had more than one replacement in the past year.
The documents you need depend on which method you choose and whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. All routes require proof of identity and proof of residency in Texas. If your license was stolen, you will also need to file a police report or provide a case number.
Key Takeaways
- In-person replacement at a DPS office costs $16 and takes about 20 minutes; you can find your nearest office and check wait times on the DPS website.
- Mail-in replacement takes two to three weeks and requires Form DL-44, proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and payment by check or money order.
- Online replacement through the DPS website is free but only works if your license is not expired and you have not had another replacement within the past year.
- If your license was stolen, you must file a police report and provide the case number or report number with your replacement request.
- You can use your replacement receipt as a temporary driving document while you wait for your new license to arrive by mail.
In-person replacement at a DPS office
Walking into a DPS office with the right documents is the fastest way to get a replacement license. Bring your proof of identity (such as a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card), proof of Texas residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 90 days), and payment of $16 by cash, check, or debit card. If your license was stolen, bring your police report number or case number.
You do not need an appointment at most DPS offices, but you can check wait times and find your nearest location on the DPS website before you go. Some offices are busier than others, and going early in the day or mid-week usually means a shorter wait. The office will take your photo and issue you a receipt on the spot; your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can use the receipt as a temporary driving document. Keep it with you while driving, because it is valid proof that you have a replacement license in process.
Mail-in replacement through DPS
You can mail your replacement request to DPS if you cannot visit an office in person. read and print Form DL-44 from the DPS website, fill it out completely, and mail it with your documents to the address listed on the form. Include proof of identity, proof of Texas residency (dated within 90 days), and payment of $16 by check or money order made out to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your envelope. Mail your package to the address on Form DL-44, not to a local DPS office. If your license was stolen, include a copy of your police report or write your case number clearly on the form.
You will receive your new license by mail at the address you list on the form. If you need to drive while waiting, you can call the DPS Driver License Division at 1-888-589-6789 to ask whether they have received your process and whether you can use a temporary document.
Online replacement through the DPS website
The DPS website offers online replacement if your license meets certain conditions: it must not be expired, you must not have had another replacement within the past 12 months, and you must have a valid email address on file. Log into your DPS account, select the replacement option, and pay $16 by debit or credit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
Online replacement is the most convenient option if you are may be able to access, because you do not have to leave home or mail anything. However, if your license is expired or you have already had a replacement in the past year, you will have to use the in-person or mail-in method instead.
What to do if your license was stolen
If your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged, you must file a police report before you request a replacement. Call your local police non-emergency line or file a report online through your city or county police website. Write down the case number or report number that the police give you.
When you explore for your replacement—whether in person, by mail, or online—provide that case number. DPS uses the police report to flag your old license so it cannot be used fraudulently. If you do not have a case number yet, you can still explore for a replacement, but DPS may contact you to verify the theft before processing your request.
Replacement fees and payment methods
A standard Texas driver's license replacement costs $16. This fee is the same whether you replace it in person, by mail, or online. Payment methods vary by route: in-person replacement accepts cash, check, or debit card; mail-in replacement requires a check or money order; online replacement requires a debit or credit card.
If you are replacing your license because it was damaged in a natural disaster, DPS may waive the fee. Contact your local DPS office or call 1-888-589-6789 to ask whether you are may be able to access for a waiver.
Timeline and what to expect
| Method | Processing Time | Cost | When You Get It |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-person at DPS office | 20 minutes | $16 | Receipt same day; license by mail in 7–10 business days |
| Mail to DPS | 2–3 weeks | $16 | License by mail |
| Online through DPS website | when ready | $16 | License by mail in 7–10 business days |
No matter which method you choose, your new license will be mailed to the address you provide on your process. If you move before it arrives, you can contact DPS to update your mailing address, but this may delay delivery. It is safer to wait until your license arrives before moving, or to have it sent to an address where someone can receive it for you.
Keep track of when you mailed your process or visited the DPS office so you know when to expect your license. If more than two weeks have passed since your in-person visit or four weeks since you mailed your process, you can call 1-888-589-6789 to check the status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my replacement receipt as a temporary license?
Yes. If you received a receipt from a DPS office, you can use it as proof that you have a replacement license in process. Keep it with you while driving. It is valid until your new license arrives by mail, usually within 7 to 10 business days.
What if I moved after my license was issued?
You can still replace your license using your current address. Bring proof of your new Texas residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days) along with your other documents. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide on the process.
How long does it take to get a replacement license by mail?
Processing takes two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your process. Mail delivery adds a few more days on each end. In total, expect three to four weeks from when you mail your package to when your new license arrives.
Do I need a police report if my license was lost?
No. A police report is only required if your license was stolen. If you lost it, you can replace it without one by providing your proof of identity and residency.
Can I replace my license if it is expired?
You can replace an expired license in person or by mail. Online replacement is not available for expired licenses. Bring the same documents you would for any other replacement: proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and payment of $16.