You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Texas driver's license by visiting a DPS office in person or, in some cases, by mail

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) offers two main routes: an in-person visit to a DPS driver license office, or a mail-in replacement if your license was lost or stolen and you meet specific conditions. The in-person route is faster and works for any reason — loss, theft, or damage. The mail route takes longer but saves a trip if you may have access to. Both cost the same: $16 for a standard replacement license valid for five years, or $32 for an enhanced license valid for eight years.

Your choice depends on how quickly you need the license and whether you have the documents DPS requires. If you need it within days, go in person. If you can wait two to three weeks, mail-in may work.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person replacement at a DPS office takes about 20 to 30 minutes and you receive your license the same day; mail-in takes two to three weeks but requires your original Social Security card or birth certificate.
  • You must bring proof of identity (passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate), proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number to any in-person visit.
  • Mail-in replacement is only available if your license was lost or stolen, not if it was damaged, and you must include a completed DL-44 form and a check or money order.
  • If your license was stolen, you can report it to DPS at the same time you request a replacement, which may help prevent identity theft.
  • You do not need a new photo or vision test for a standard replacement unless your license has been expired for more than two years.

In-Person Replacement at a DPS Office

Walk into any Texas DPS driver license office with the required documents, and you will walk out with a replacement license the same day. The office will take a new photo and print your license on the spot. The whole process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

You need three things: proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and your Social Security number. Proof of identity can be a U.S. passport, military ID, certified birth certificate, or consular report of birth abroad. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail with your current address — it must be dated within the last 90 days. Bring the originals; copies are not accepted.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you will also need a vision test. DPS performs this at the office for no extra charge. If your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you skip the vision test.

Mail-In Replacement: When It Works and What You Need

You can request a replacement by mail only if your license was lost or stolen — not if it was damaged. DPS mails the new license to your address on file, which takes two to three weeks. This route saves a trip but requires more paperwork upfront.

read and complete the DL-44 form from the Texas DPS website. Include a check or money order for $16 (standard) or $32 (enhanced), made payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety." Mail the form and payment to the address listed on the form, which varies by region.

You do not need to include copies of your identity or residency documents for mail-in replacement — DPS pulls your information from the existing record. However, if your address has changed since your license was issued, include a proof of residency document dated within the last 90 days so DPS sends the new license to the correct place.

Finding Your Nearest DPS Office and Checking Wait Times

Texas DPS operates driver license offices in most counties. Use the office locator on the Texas DPS website to find the one nearest you, get its hours, and see current wait times. Many offices now show real-time wait estimates, which helps you pick the best time to visit.

Offices are usually less crowded early in the morning on weekdays. Avoid lunch hours and late afternoon. Some offices allow you to check in online before you arrive, which can shorten your wait. Check your local office's page to see if this option is available.

What Happens If Your License Was Stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost, you can report it to DPS when you request the replacement. This creates a record that may help prevent someone from using your license for identity theft. You do not have to file a police report first, though you can if you want to.

When you visit in person, tell the DPS staff that your license was stolen. They will note this in the system. If you are using mail-in replacement, write "STOLEN" on the DL-44 form in the space for reason. This flag does not delay your replacement — it just alerts DPS to monitor for misuse.

Cost and Payment Methods

A standard replacement license costs $16 and is valid for five years. An enhanced license (which allows entry to federal buildings and some border crossings) costs $32 and is valid for eight years. You pay the same amount whether you replace in person or by mail.

At a DPS office, you can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card. By mail, you must send a check or money order — DPS does not accept credit cards by mail. Make the check payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety."

Timeline: How Long Until You Have Your New License

In-person replacement is the fastest: you leave the office with your new license in hand, usually within 30 minutes. Mail-in replacement takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your form and payment. If you mail your request on a Monday, expect your license to arrive in your mailbox roughly 14 to 21 days later, depending on postal delivery time.

If you need your license urgently — for work, travel, or to rent a car — go in person. If you can wait and prefer not to visit an office, mail-in works, but plan ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my replacement?

No. Texas DPS does not issue temporary paper licenses. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a certified copy of your driving record from DPS, which some employers or rental car companies will accept as proof of a valid license, though this is rare. Your best option is to visit an office in person and leave with your license the same day.

What if I moved to a new address since my license was issued?

At an in-person visit, bring proof of your new address dated within the last 90 days. DPS will update your address and print it on your new license. By mail, include the same proof of residency so DPS mails your replacement to the correct place. Either way, your address is updated at no extra cost.

Do I need a new photo for my replacement license?

Yes, if you visit in person — DPS takes a new photo at the office. If you use mail-in replacement, DPS uses the photo from your existing license record. If you want a new photo but are using mail-in, you must visit an office instead.

What if my license has been expired for more than two years?

You will need a vision test, which DPS performs at the office for no extra charge. If you are replacing by mail and your license is expired more than two years, you must visit an office in person instead — mail-in is not available for licenses expired that long.

Can I replace my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or child support obligation?

DPS may suspend or deny your license if you have certain outstanding obligations. Before you visit or mail in your request, check your driving record on the Texas DPS website to see if there are any holds. If there are, you will need to resolve the underlying issue before DPS will issue a replacement.