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. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your permanent card is mailed to you within 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 Hotline before going to DPS. This creates an official record and protects you if someone tries to use your old license number. You do not need the police report to replace your license, but having one on file helps if fraudulent activity occurs later.
Key Takeaways
- You must go to a DPS driver license office in person with a valid ID and proof of Texas residency; no online or mail replacement is available.
- Bring one primary document (passport, birth certificate, or consular report of birth) and one secondary document (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) to prove who you are and where you live.
- The replacement fee is $16 for a standard license, and you will get a temporary paper license when ready and a permanent card by mail in 7 to 10 days.
- If your license was stolen, file an identity theft report with local police or the Texas Attorney General before or after your DPS visit to protect yourself from fraud.
- DPS offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours; check the office locator on the DPS website to find your nearest location and current wait times.
Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office
Texas requires two categories of documents: one primary identity document and one secondary residency document. Your primary document proves who you are. Acceptable primary documents include a valid U.S. passport, an original or certified birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship.
Your secondary document proves you live in Texas. This can be a current utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a current lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax receipt, or a homeowners or renters insurance policy. The document must show your name and current Texas address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you have recently moved and your documents do not yet reflect your new address, bring a change-of-address letter from your utility company or a signed lease for your new place.
Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it (such as a Social Security card or tax return). You will also need to know your current Texas license number if you have one, though DPS can look this up if you cannot remember it.
Step-by-Step Process at the DPS Office
When you arrive at a DPS driver license office, check in at the front desk and tell staff that you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license. You will receive a number and wait to be called. Bring all documents listed above and have them ready.
At the window, the examiner will verify your identity and residency documents, check your Social Security number against state records, and ask you to confirm your address and any other information on file. If you are replacing a damaged license, you may be asked to describe the damage. If your license was stolen, tell the examiner so they can note it in the system. You will then pay the $16 replacement fee by cash, debit card, or credit card (accepted methods vary by office).
Next, you will have your photo taken for the new license. Wear clear glasses if you normally do; sunglasses are not allowed. The examiner will print a temporary paper license on the spot with your photo, signature, and license number. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and works as a legal ID while you wait for your permanent card. Your permanent license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
Finding an Office and Checking Wait Times
The Texas DPS operates driver license offices in most counties. Use the DPS Driver License Office Locator on the official Texas DPS website (dps.texas.gov) to find the office nearest you, see current hours, and check real-time wait times. Many offices are busiest on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, and during lunch hours. If you see a long wait, you can check back later the same day or visit on a Wednesday or Friday morning.
Some offices allow you to reserve a time slot online through the DPS website. Check whether your local office offers this option before you go. If it does, booking a slot can cut your wait time significantly. Even with a reservation, arrive 10 to 15 minutes early.
DPS offices are open Monday through Friday only. Hours vary by location but typically run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a lunch break. Call ahead if you are unsure about a specific office's hours, or use the office locator to confirm.
What Happens If Your License Was Stolen
If your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged, file an identity theft report as soon as you realize it is missing. You can file with your local police department by phone or in person, or you can file with the Texas Attorney General's Identity Theft Hotline at 1-888-743-2964. The hotline is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time.
When you file the report, provide your license number, the date you discovered it was missing, and any details about how it was stolen (if known). The report creates an official record that protects you if someone tries to use your old license to commit fraud. You do not need this report to replace your license at DPS, but having it on file is important for your protection.
After you file the identity theft report, monitor your credit reports for suspicious activity. You can request a free credit report from each of the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If you see fraudulent accounts or charges, contact the credit bureau and the creditor when ready.
Timeline and What to Expect After Your Visit
Your temporary paper license is valid when ready after you leave the DPS office. Use it as your ID for the next 45 days. Your permanent plastic license card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within 14 days, contact the DPS Driver License Division at 1-888-589-6789 to check the status.
The mailing address on your license will be the address you provided at the DPS office. If you move before your new license arrives, you can update your address online through the DPS website or at your next DPS visit. Do not open mail addressed to your old license number unless it is your new license card.
Once your permanent license arrives, destroy your temporary paper license. You do not need to return it to DPS. Keep your new license in a safe place and consider taking a photo of it for your phone in case you need to reference your license number.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistake is bringing the wrong documents. Secondary residency documents must be dated within the last 60 days and show your current address. A utility bill from six months ago or a document with an old address will not work. If you have recently moved, bring a lease or a letter from your utility company confirming your new address.
Another mistake is going to the wrong office. Some people go to a vehicle registration office (which handles car tags) instead of a driver license office. These are separate DPS divisions. Use the office locator to confirm you are going to a driver license office, not a vehicle registration office.
Do not assume you can mail in your damaged license and get a replacement by mail. Texas does not offer mail-in replacement for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses. You must appear in person. If you are unable to visit an office, ask a family member or trusted person to go on your behalf with a notarized power of attorney, though this is rarely necessary and adds complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if I do not have a birth certificate?
Yes. If you do not have a birth certificate, passport, or consular report of birth, you can use a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship as your primary identity document. If you do not have any of these, contact the DPS Driver License Division at 1-888-589-6789 before your visit to ask what alternative documents they will accept.
How much does it cost to replace a Texas driver's license?
The replacement fee is $16. This covers the cost of the new card and the temporary paper license. Payment is due at the time of your visit and can be made by cash, debit card, or credit card, depending on the office.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
Tell the examiner your new address when you visit the DPS office. Your new license will be mailed to your current address. Bring a document showing your new address (such as a utility bill or lease) as your secondary residency document.
Can I replace my license online or by mail?
No. Texas requires you to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license in person at a DPS driver license office. Online and mail-in options are not available for replacements, only for standard renewals of licenses that are not damaged or missing.
What should I do if my replacement license does not arrive after two weeks?
Contact the DPS Driver License Division at 1-888-589-6789 to check the status of your card. Have your license number and the date of your DPS visit ready. If your card was lost in the mail, DPS can issue a replacement or reprint.