Where to get a replacement license in Texas
You can get a replacement Texas driver's license at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. There are over 250 locations across the state, including full-service offices and express locations. You do not need an appointment at most offices, though some locations now offer online scheduling to reduce wait times.
The fastest option is often an express DPS office, which handles only license renewals and replacements. Full-service offices handle everything — new licenses, commercial licenses, ID cards — so lines can be longer. You can find your nearest office and check current wait times on the Texas DPS website.
Some county tax assessor offices also issue replacement licenses, but availability varies by county. Call ahead to confirm whether your local tax assessor handles replacements before you go.
Key Takeaways
- Bring your current license or state ID, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number to any DPS office.
- A standard replacement license costs $16 in Texas and is valid for six years from your birth date.
- You can walk in without an appointment at most DPS locations, though scheduling online may reduce your wait time.
- If your license was lost or stolen, report it to DPS at the same time you request a replacement to prevent identity theft.
- A replacement license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can request a temporary paper license to use when ready.
Documents you need to bring
Bring your current Texas driver's license or state ID card. If you cannot locate it, bring a government-issued photo ID instead — a passport, military ID, or tribal ID all work. If you have no photo ID at all, you will need to bring two documents that prove your identity, such as a birth certificate and Social Security card.
You also need proof of your current Texas address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. A government check or tax return also counts. If you have recently moved and do not have a document in your new name yet, bring a lease or utility bill in your name plus a document showing your old address.
Have your Social Security number ready. You do not need to bring the card itself, but you will need to provide the number when you fill out your process.
What happens at the DPS office
When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. Tell the clerk you need a replacement license. They will ask whether you want to keep your current address and license class, or if anything has changed. If everything stays the same, the process is quick — usually under five minutes at the window.
The clerk will scan your documents, take a new photo (unless you request to keep your current one), and collect the $16 fee. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at most offices. They will print a temporary paper license on the spot that you can use when ready while your permanent card is mailed.
If you need your replacement faster than the standard 7 to 10 business days, ask about expedited service. Some DPS offices offer rush processing for an additional fee, though availability depends on your location.
Reasons you might need a replacement license
The most common reasons are a lost or stolen license, a damaged card that no longer scans, or a name change due to marriage or court order. If your license was stolen, report it to DPS at the time you request the replacement — this creates a record that helps prevent someone else from using your information.
You may also need a replacement if your license expired and you want to renew it in person rather than by mail. A replacement is also necessary if your photo is no longer recognizable or if you want to update your address without waiting for your next renewal.
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward replace it. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with DPS before a new license will be issued. Contact the DPS Driver License Division to find out what steps are required in your case.
Cost and how long it takes
A standard replacement license costs $16 in Texas. This fee covers a license valid for six years from your birth date. If you request expedited processing, the cost is higher — typically $25 to $35 depending on your DPS office — and the card arrives within 2 to 3 business days instead of 7 to 10.
The temporary paper license you receive at the office is valid for 45 days and works for driving, voting, and most identification purposes. Your permanent card will arrive by mail. If it does not arrive within 10 business days, contact DPS to check the status.
If you need to drive before your replacement arrives and do not have a temporary paper license, you can request one by mail or phone, though this takes longer than getting one in person at the office.
If your license was lost or stolen
Report the loss or theft to DPS when you request your replacement. The DPS clerk will mark your old license number as invalid in the system. This prevents someone from using your license number to get a job, open a credit card, or commit fraud in your name.
You do not need to file a police report to get a replacement, though you may want to if you believe your identity information was compromised. If you suspect fraud, contact the Federal Trade Commission's identity theft reporting site or call 1-877-438-4338.
Keep your temporary paper license until your permanent replacement arrives. If your replacement is lost or stolen again before it arrives, contact DPS when ready to request another one.
Renewing versus replacing
A replacement is different from a renewal. A replacement gives you a new card with the same license number and expiration date as your current license — it is for when your card is damaged, lost, or stolen. A renewal extends your license for another six years and is what you do when your license is about to expire.
If your license has already expired, you can still get a replacement at the same $16 cost, but you will need to renew it separately to make it valid for driving. Some people do both at the same time at the DPS office. Ask the clerk whether it makes sense to renew while you are there, since renewal costs an additional $16.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement license if my current one is suspended?
No. You must resolve the suspension with DPS first. Contact the DPS Driver License Division to find out what you need to do — this might mean paying a reinstatement fee, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period. Once the suspension is lifted, you can request a replacement.
What if I do not have proof of my current address?
You need a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and address. If you just moved and do not have one yet, bring your lease or utility bill in your name plus any document showing your old address. If you are homeless or living with someone else, ask the DPS clerk what documents they can accept — options vary by office.
Can I keep my old photo on my replacement license?
Yes. When the clerk asks if you want a new photo, you can request to keep your current one. This is common if your license is only a few years old and your photo still looks like you. The clerk will note this in the system.
How do I track my replacement license after I leave the office?
The DPS office will give you a receipt with a tracking number. You can use this number on the Texas DPS website to check the status of your card. If your replacement does not arrive within 10 business days, call DPS or visit an office with your receipt.
What if I moved out of Texas — do I still need a Texas replacement?
No. If you have moved to another state, you should get a driver's license from your new state instead. You can keep your Texas license as a form of ID, but you cannot legally drive with it in another state. Contact your new state's DMV to find out what documents you need for a new license there.