You can replace your Texas driver's license at a DPS office in person, or by mail if your license is undamaged and not suspended

The fastest way is to visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver license office in person. You'll walk out with a temporary paper license the same day and receive your plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If your license is still valid (not expired more than two years ago) and not suspended, you can also request a replacement by mail, which takes longer but saves you a trip.

The method you choose depends on whether your license is damaged, expired, or suspended. A lost or stolen license can be replaced either way. A damaged license must be surrendered in person at a DPS office. A suspended license cannot be replaced until the suspension is lifted.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit any DPS driver license office with your Social Security number, proof of residency, and payment to get a replacement the same day.
  • By-mail replacement works only if your license is valid, undamaged, and not suspended, and takes 7 to 10 business days plus mailing time.
  • A damaged license must be turned in at a DPS office in person; you cannot mail it in.
  • The replacement fee is $16 for a standard license, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at DPS offices.
  • Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a birth certificate, passport, or Social Security card.

In-Person Replacement at a DPS Office

Walk into any Texas DPS driver license office with the documents listed below. You do not need an appointment. Bring your Social Security number (or a document that shows it), proof that you live in Texas, and payment. The office will take your old license if you have it, photograph you, and issue a temporary paper license on the spot.

Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address. If you do not have one of these, you can bring two documents from a longer list—such as a vehicle registration, insurance card, or tax return—that together prove your name and address. Ask the DPS office staff which documents they will accept; requirements can vary slightly by location.

The replacement fee is $16. DPS offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some offices have ATMs on-site if you need cash. Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days and lets you drive while you wait for your plastic card. The plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

By-Mail Replacement If Your License Is Still Valid

You can request a replacement by mail only if your license has not expired more than two years ago, is not damaged, and is not suspended. You will need to mail your current license to the DPS along with a completed form and payment.

read and fill out form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License) from the DPS website, or pick one up at a DPS office. Include a check or money order for $16 made payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety." Mail your completed form, current license, and payment to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after DPS receives your envelope, plus mailing time in both directions. You will not have a valid license to drive during this period.

By-mail replacement is slower and leaves you without a valid license for several weeks. Most people find the in-person route faster and more practical, even if it requires a trip to a DPS office.

What to Do If Your License Is Damaged

A damaged license—one that is torn, faded, warped, or otherwise unreadable—must be replaced in person at a DPS office. You cannot mail in a damaged license. Bring the damaged license itself, your Social Security number or proof of it, proof of residency, and $16 payment.

The DPS office will take the damaged license from you and issue a temporary paper license. Your replacement plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If your damaged license is also expired or suspended, address that issue first before requesting a replacement.

If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked

You cannot replace a suspended or revoked license until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the DPS to find out why your license is suspended and what you must do to clear it. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or accumulation of too many points.

Once the suspension is lifted, you can replace your license using either the in-person or by-mail method. If you need to drive before the suspension is cleared, you may be able to request a hardship license (also called an occupational license) from a justice court, though this requires a separate process and court approval.

Finding a DPS Driver License Office Near You

Use the DPS office locator on the Texas Department of Public Safety website to find the nearest driver license office, hours, and whether it accepts walk-ins. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening or Saturday hours. A few offices require appointments, so check before you go.

Bring all required documents in one trip. If you arrive without proof of residency or proof of your Social Security number, the office will turn you away and you will have to return. Offices can be busy during lunch hours and late afternoon, so arriving early in the morning often means a shorter wait.

What Happens to Your Old License

If you have your old license and bring it to a DPS office, the staff will take it from you and destroy it. If your license was lost or stolen, you do not have it to surrender, and that is fine—just tell the DPS staff. They will note in the system that your old license is no longer valid.

If you lost your license and later find it, do not use it. Your replacement license is the only valid one. Carrying or using an old license after you have reported it lost or stolen can cause confusion with law enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a replacement license take if I go in person?

You receive a temporary paper license the same day you visit a DPS office. Your plastic replacement card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. The paper license is valid for 30 days, so you can drive while you wait for the plastic card.

Can I replace my license online?

No. Texas does not offer online replacement for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses. You must either visit a DPS office in person or mail in your current license if it is still valid and undamaged.

What if I don't have proof of residency?

You can bring two documents from the DPS's longer list instead of one recent utility bill. These might include a vehicle registration, insurance card, or tax return showing your name and address. Ask the DPS office which combinations they accept.

Do I need an appointment at a DPS driver license office?

Most DPS driver license offices accept walk-ins and do not require appointments. A few offices in larger cities do require appointments. Check the office locator on the DPS website to confirm whether your nearest office takes walk-ins.

What if my license is expired by more than two years?

You cannot use the by-mail replacement method. You must visit a DPS office in person. Bring your expired license, Social Security number or proof of it, proof of residency, and $16 payment. The office will issue a temporary paper license and mail your replacement card.