What You Need to Do Right Now
To replace a Texas driver's license, you must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver license office in person with proof of identity and residency. You cannot renew or replace a license by mail or online in Texas. The process takes about 20 to 30 minutes at the office, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot; your permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If your license was stolen, you should also file a report with local police or the Texas Attorney General's Identity Theft Unit, though this is separate from the replacement process at DPS. Having a police report number can help if someone uses your stolen license fraudulently.
Key Takeaways
- You must go to a DPS driver license office in person; there is no online or mail option for replacements in Texas.
- Bring one primary ID document (passport, birth certificate, or consulate ID) plus two documents showing your current Texas address (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or insurance card).
- The replacement fee is $16 for a standard license or $32 for a REAL ID-compliant license, and you pay at the office.
- You receive a temporary paper license when ready and the permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was stolen, file a police report separately; DPS does not require it but it protects you against fraud.
Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office
Texas requires one primary identity document and two proofs of your current address. Your primary ID must be an original or certified copy—a photocopy alone will not work. Acceptable primary documents are a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, consulate ID card, or military ID. If you are under 18, a school ID or report card with your name and address also counts.
For address proof, bring two documents from this list: a current utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a current lease or rental agreement, a bank or credit union statement dated within 90 days, a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, a property tax bill, a vehicle registration, or a recent paycheck stub. The documents must show your name and current Texas address. A PO box does not count as a residential address.
If you have changed your name since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or court order), bring the original or certified copy of the document proving the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without this, DPS will issue a license under your previous name.
Choosing Between a Standard License and REAL ID
When you replace your license, you decide whether to get a standard Texas driver's license or a REAL ID-compliant license. The difference matters only if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025. After that date, a standard license will not work for those purposes; you will need a REAL ID or a passport.
A REAL ID license costs $32 and requires one additional document: proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, tax return, or 1099 form). A standard license costs $16 and does not require this extra document. Both licenses look similar; the REAL ID has a gold star in the upper right corner. Both arrive by mail in the same timeframe.
If you are not sure whether you will need REAL ID, the safer choice is to get it now, since upgrading later requires another office visit and another fee. However, if you rarely fly or enter federal buildings, a standard license is cheaper and works for all other purposes, including driving and state ID.
Finding a DPS Office and Scheduling Your Visit
Texas DPS operates driver license offices in every county. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Texas DPS website (dps.texas.gov). Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day—offices in rural areas often have shorter waits than those in cities.
Texas does not require you to schedule an appointment for a replacement, but many offices now use an online check-in system that lets you reserve a time slot and reduce your wait. Check your local office's page on the DPS website to see if it offers this option. If it does, use it; if not, arrive early in the day or mid-week to minimize wait time.
Bring all your documents in originals or certified copies. DPS staff will not accept photocopies of your primary ID or name-change documents. If you are missing any required document, staff will turn you away and you will have to return another day.
What Happens at the Office and After
When you arrive, you will fill out Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License) or Form DL-43 (Renewal/Duplicate process), depending on whether your license is still valid. Staff will verify your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fee. The entire process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You will then receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed.
Your permanent license will arrive at the address you provided on your process within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the DPS office where you applied. Do not throw away your temporary license until the permanent one arrives; you may need it for identification or if there is a problem with the mailed card.
If you move before your new license arrives, you do not need to update your address with DPS when ready. However, you must update it within 30 days of moving to stay in compliance with Texas law. You can update your address online through the DPS website or at any driver license office without paying another fee.
If Your License Was Stolen
Replacing a stolen license follows the same process as replacing a lost one at DPS. However, you should also file a police report with your local police department or the Texas Attorney General's Identity Theft Unit. This creates an official record in case someone uses your stolen license to commit fraud or open accounts in your name.
When you file the police report, ask for a report number. Keep this number in case you need to dispute fraudulent charges or accounts later. You do not need the police report to get your replacement license from DPS, but having one protects you legally if identity theft occurs.
If you suspect your stolen license has already been used fraudulently, contact the Texas Attorney General's Identity Theft Unit at 800-252-8011 or file a report online at oag.texas.gov. You can also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov, which creates a record you can use when disputing fraudulent accounts.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most common reason people have to make a second trip is bringing photocopies instead of originals or certified copies of their primary ID or name-change documents. DPS will not accept photocopies of these documents under any circumstance. If your birth certificate is a photocopy, order a certified copy from the vital records office in the county or state where you were born before you go to DPS.
Another frequent mistake is bringing address documents that are too old. Utility bills, bank statements, and paychecks must be current or dated within 90 days. An old electric bill will not work. If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, bring a lease, rental agreement, or insurance policy instead.
Do not assume your temporary paper license will work everywhere a regular license does. Some businesses, banks, and government offices will not accept it. Keep your old license (if you still have it) as backup ID until your permanent replacement arrives. If your old license was lost or stolen, your temporary paper license is your only ID during those 7 to 10 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if it is expired?
Yes. Whether your license is expired, lost, stolen, or damaged, the replacement process is the same. You must visit a DPS office in person with the required documents. An expired license does not prevent you from getting a replacement.
What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?
You can use a consulate ID card or military ID as your primary document instead. If you do not have any of these, you will need to obtain one before DPS can issue a replacement license. Contact the vital records office in your birth state to order a certified birth certificate, or explore for a passport through the U.S. State Department.
How long can I drive on the temporary paper license?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days. Your permanent license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so you should have it well before the temporary expires. If it does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DPS office where you applied.
Do I have to get REAL ID if I replace my license now?
No. You can choose a standard license for $16 or a REAL ID for $32. However, after May 7, 2025, a standard license will not work for domestic flights or entry to federal buildings. If you think you might need it, getting REAL ID now saves you a return trip to DPS later.
What if I move after I explore but before my license arrives?
Your license will be mailed to the address you provided on your process. If you move, you can update your address with DPS online or at any driver license office within 30 days of moving. You do not need to wait for your new license to arrive first.