What you need to do to replace a damaged license in Texas
If your Texas driver's license is damaged — cracked, faded, warped, or otherwise unreadable — the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will issue you a replacement. You do not need to retake the written or vision test. You can replace it in person at a DPS office, by mail, or online through the DPS website, depending on what kind of damage and how soon you need it.
The fastest route is online if your license is still readable enough to pass through a scanner or camera. If it is too damaged for that, you will need to go in person or mail it. Processing times vary: online replacements typically arrive in 7 to 10 business days, mail-in replacements in 2 to 3 weeks, and in-person replacements can sometimes be completed the same day if you visit early in the morning.
Key Takeaways
- You can replace a damaged Texas license online if it is still readable enough to scan, and your replacement will arrive in 7 to 10 business days.
- Mail-in replacement requires you to send your damaged license and a completed form to DPS, and takes 2 to 3 weeks.
- In-person replacement at a DPS office does not require an appointment and can sometimes be completed the same day.
- The replacement fee is the same whether you choose online, mail, or in-person — currently $16 for a regular license — and you can pay by card, check, or money order depending on your method.
- You will receive a temporary paper license at the DPS office if you go in person; online and mail replacements do not include a temporary document.
Replace your license online through the DPS website
The online replacement process is the fastest option if your license is readable. Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Replace a Damaged License," and follow the prompts. You will need to upload a photo of both sides of your damaged license, provide your driver's license number, and confirm your personal information. The system will verify your identity using information already on file.
You will pay the $16 replacement fee by credit or debit card during the online process. Once approved, your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If your license is too damaged for the camera or scanner to read — for example, if the barcode is completely illegible — the online system will reject the upload and direct you to mail it in or visit an office in person.
Mail your damaged license to DPS
To replace your license by mail, print and complete Form DL-44D from the Texas DPS website. Include your damaged license, the completed form, and a check or money order for $16 made payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety." Mail the package to the DPS address listed on the form — there is a separate mailing address for damaged license replacements.
Include a return address on the envelope. DPS will process your request and mail your new license to the address on your process, typically within 2 to 3 weeks. Keep a copy of the form for your records. If you do not receive your replacement within 4 weeks, contact the DPS to check the status using your driver's license number.
Go in person to a DPS office
You can walk into any Texas DPS office during business hours without an appointment to replace a damaged license. Bring your damaged license and a form of identification — a passport, military ID, or state ID card will work. You do not need to bring proof of residency or any other documents for a damage replacement.
Tell the clerk at the window that you need to replace a damaged license. They will take your damaged license, verify your information on the computer, and process the replacement. You will pay $16 by card, check, or money order at the time of service. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you, which usually takes 7 to 10 business days.
What counts as damage that DPS will replace
DPS considers a license damaged if it is cracked, broken, bent, faded, discolored, warped, peeling, or otherwise physically deteriorated to the point that it is difficult to read or use. A license with a small scratch or minor wear does not usually may have access to. If you are unsure whether your damage meets the threshold, bring your license to a DPS office and ask — the clerk can tell you in seconds whether they will process it as a damage replacement or whether you need to renew instead.
Do not attempt to repair a damaged license yourself with tape, glue, or laminate. A repaired license is not valid for identification purposes and will not be accepted by law enforcement or other agencies. If your license is damaged, the only valid replacement is a new one issued by DPS.
Temporary licenses and what to do while you wait
If you replace your license in person at a DPS office, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary is valid for 45 days and can be used for identification and driving during that time. Keep it with you until your permanent license arrives in the mail.
If you replace your license online or by mail, you will not receive a temporary document. Your old damaged license is no longer valid once you have submitted the replacement request. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you have a few options: carry your Social Security card or passport as backup identification, ask a family member to drive, or contact DPS to see if they can issue a temporary in person if the delay is urgent. Most people do not need a temporary for a damage replacement because the process is fast enough that the new license arrives before the old one would have been needed.
Fees and payment methods
The replacement fee for a damaged Texas driver's license is $16. This fee is the same whether you replace it online, by mail, or in person. You cannot pay online unless you choose the online replacement method — the fee is built into that process and charged to your card when ready.
For mail-in replacement, you must include a check or money order. For in-person replacement, you can pay by card, check, or money order. DPS does not accept cash at all offices, so confirm payment methods when you arrive or call ahead. If you are replacing a license that was damaged due to a natural disaster or other emergency, contact your local DPS office to ask whether fee waivers are available — some offices have discretion in rare cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace a damaged license if it is expired?
No. If your license is both damaged and expired, you will need to renew it instead of replace it. A renewal requires a new photo, so you must go in person to a DPS office or use the online renewal process if you are within a certain age range. The fee for renewal is higher than replacement — currently $33 for a six-year license — and the process takes longer.
What if my damaged license was suspended or had restrictions on it?
The replacement will carry the same status as your original license. If your license was suspended, the replacement will also be suspended until you clear the suspension through the appropriate court or agency. If it had restrictions like corrective lenses required, those restrictions will appear on your replacement. The damage replacement process does not change your driving status.
Do I need to report the damage to my insurance company?
No. A damaged license is not a reportable event to your auto insurance. Your insurance is tied to your vehicle and driving record, not to the physical condition of your license card. Replacing a damaged license does not affect your rates or coverage.
How long does a replacement license stay valid?
Your replacement license will have the same expiration date as your original damaged license. You are not getting a new validity period — you are getting a new card with the same status. When that expiration date arrives, you will need to renew your license through the standard renewal process.
What if I lose my damaged license before I can mail it in?
Contact the DPS when ready and report it as lost. You will then need to replace it as a lost license rather than a damaged one. The process is similar, but you will need to fill out a different form and may need to provide additional information. Go to a DPS office or call your local office for guidance on next steps.