What you need to do to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Texas driver license
You can replace your Texas driver license in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail if your license is not suspended, or online through the DPS website if you meet certain conditions. The fastest route is usually in person — you'll walk out with a temporary paper license the same day and receive your plastic card by mail within two weeks. If you choose mail or online, the process takes longer but requires fewer trips.
The method you use depends on whether your license is currently valid, whether it's been suspended, and how quickly you need it. A lost or stolen license that's still valid can be replaced online or by mail. A damaged license can be replaced at any DPS office. If your license is suspended or expired by more than two years, you must go in person.
Key Takeaways
- In-person replacement at a DPS office takes one visit and gives you a temporary paper license when ready, with the plastic card arriving by mail in one to two weeks.
- Online replacement through the DPS website works only if your license is valid and not suspended, and takes five to seven business days.
- Mail replacement requires a completed form, a copy of your ID, and a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks.
- You will need to pay a replacement fee that varies depending on how many years remain on your license.
- If your license is suspended, expired more than two years, or you need it urgently, you must replace it in person at a DPS office.
In-person replacement at a DPS office
Walking into a DPS office is the most straightforward method. Bring your Social Security number (or a document showing it), proof of Texas residency such as a utility bill or lease, and payment. You do not need to bring the damaged license itself — in fact, if it's stolen, you won't have it. If your license is lost or stolen, you may want to bring a police report, though DPS does not require it.
The office will take your photo, verify your information, and issue a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready and lasts until your permanent plastic card arrives by mail. The permanent card typically arrives within one to two weeks. You will pay a replacement fee based on how many years remain on your current license — the fee is lower if your license expires soon and higher if it has many years left.
DPS offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some locations have extended hours or Saturday appointments. You can check wait times and book an appointment online through the DPS website before you go, which can save you time.
Online replacement through the DPS website
The DPS website allows you to request a replacement license online if your current license is valid and not suspended. You will need your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes.
Online replacement takes five to seven business days from the time you submit your request. You will not receive a temporary paper license — you'll be without a valid license until the plastic card arrives. For this reason, online replacement works best if you have time before you need to drive. You cannot use online replacement if your license is suspended, expired, or if you need to update your address or other information at the same time.
Mail replacement by sending a form to DPS
You can mail a completed form to the DPS along with a copy of your ID and payment. The form is called the process for Duplicate Driver License or ID Card, and you can read it from the DPS website or request it by phone. You will need to include a check or money order for the replacement fee — DPS does not accept credit cards by mail.
Mail replacement takes two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your envelope. You have no way to track the status while it's in the mail, and if something is missing from your process, DPS will send it back to you, adding another week or more to the process. Like online replacement, you will not have a temporary license while you wait.
Mail replacement does not work if your license is suspended or expired by more than two years. You also cannot update your address or other information by mail at the same time — you would need to do that in person or online after you receive your new card.
What happens if your license is suspended
If your license is suspended, you cannot replace it online or by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person. The office will verify the reason for the suspension and may require you to resolve it before issuing a replacement. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or a lapsed insurance report (an SR22 or similar filing).
When you arrive at the DPS office, ask the staff whether the suspension must be cleared before you can get a replacement license. If it must be cleared, you may need to contact the court, the Texas Department of Insurance, or another agency first. The DPS staff can tell you which agency to contact and what steps to take.
Replacement fees and what affects the cost
The replacement fee depends on how many years remain on your current license. A license with many years left costs more to replace than one expiring soon. The fee also varies slightly depending on whether you are replacing a standard license, a commercial driver license (CDL), or an ID card. As of 2024, replacement fees range from about $16 to $32 for a standard license, but you should confirm the exact amount on the DPS website or by calling your local office, as fees can change.
If you are replacing your license in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office. If you are replacing by mail, you must send a check or money order — DPS does not accept card payments by mail. If you are replacing online, you will pay by debit or credit card during the process process.
Timeline comparison: which method is fastest
The three replacement methods differ in how long they take and whether you can drive while you wait. In-person replacement is fastest if you need to drive right away because you receive a temporary license the same day. Online and mail replacement are slower but may work if you have time and cannot visit an office.
| Method | Time to receive plastic card | Do you get a temporary license? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| In person at DPS office | 1 to 2 weeks | Yes, when ready | You need to drive right away |
| Online through DPS website | 5 to 7 business days | No | Your license is valid and you have time to wait |
| Mail to DPS | 2 to 3 weeks | No | You cannot visit an office and have time to wait |
If you need your license for work or other urgent reasons, in-person replacement is the only option that lets you drive the same day. The temporary paper license is valid and recognized by law enforcement, so you can use it when ready while the permanent card is being mailed to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while I wait for my replacement license to arrive?
Yes, but only if you received a temporary paper license. In-person replacement gives you a temporary license when ready, so you can drive right away. Online and mail replacement do not include a temporary license, so you cannot legally drive until the plastic card arrives.
What if I need my replacement license before the plastic card arrives?
Go to a DPS office in person. You will receive a temporary paper license on the same day that is valid for driving until your permanent card arrives. This is the only method that gives you a license you can use when ready.
Do I need a police report if my license was stolen?
No. DPS does not require a police report to replace a stolen license. However, if you want a record of the theft for insurance or other reasons, you can file a report with your local police department separately.
What if my address changed since I got my current license?
You can update your address at the same time you replace your license if you go in person or use online replacement. If you replace by mail, you will need to update your address separately after you receive your new card, either in person or online.
How long is a replacement license valid?
A replacement license is valid for the same length of time as your original license. If your original license was set to expire in five years, your replacement license will also expire in five years from the date you receive it.