You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Texas driver's license online through the Texas Department of Public Safety website, but only if your license is not suspended or revoked and you meet a few other conditions.
The online replacement process takes about 10 minutes and costs $11. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to visit a DPS office, take a new photo, or retake any tests — the state uses your existing photo and information on file.
The catch: you can only use the online method if your license is valid (not expired more than two years), not suspended or revoked, and you have not changed your name or address since it was issued. If any of those do not explore to you, you will need to visit a DPS office in person instead.
Key Takeaways
- The online replacement service at the Texas DPS website costs $11 and takes 7 to 10 business days for delivery.
- You can only replace online if your current license is valid, not suspended or revoked, and your name and address have not changed.
- You will need your Texas driver's license number, Social Security number, and a debit or credit card to pay the fee.
- If your license is expired more than two years, suspended, revoked, or you have changed your name or address, you must visit a DPS office in person.
- The new license will use your existing photo on file, so you do not need to bring documents or sit for a new photo.
Step-by-step: How to replace your license online
Go to the Texas DPS website at dps.texas.gov and look for the "Driver License" section. Click on "Order a Replacement License" or "Replace a Lost or Stolen License" — the exact link name changes occasionally, but it will be in the main menu under driver license services.
You will land on a page that asks you to confirm you meet the requirements. Read through the list carefully. If you check every box — your license is valid, not suspended, your name and address are current — click "Continue" and you will move to the process form.
Fill in your Texas driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and show you the photo and information the state has on file. Review it for accuracy. If everything matches, proceed to payment.
Enter your debit or credit card information. The fee is $11. After payment processes, you will receive a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot — you can use it to track your order on the DPS website.
What happens after you order online
The Texas DPS will print your new license and mail it to the address on file in your current license record. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need it faster, some DPS offices offer expedited mail service for an extra fee, but you cannot add that option through the online form — you would have to visit an office in person.
You can track your order status on the DPS website using your confirmation number. The tracking tool will tell you whether your license has been printed, mailed, or is in transit. If more than 10 business days pass and you have not received it, contact the DPS Driver License Division at 1-888-589-6900.
Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to use it for identification and driving. Once the new license arrives, destroy the old one or keep it as a backup — Texas does not require you to return it.
When you cannot replace online and must visit in person
If your license is expired by more than two years, the online system will reject your order. You must visit a DPS office to renew it instead. The same applies if your license is currently suspended or revoked — the online tool will not let you proceed, and you will need to resolve the suspension or revocation before you can get a replacement.
If you have changed your name since your license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you cannot use the online method. You will need to visit a DPS office and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The office will issue a new license with your updated name.
If your address has changed, you can update it online through a separate DPS service before ordering your replacement, or you can do both at a DPS office in one visit. If you update your address online first, make sure the change processes before you order your replacement license, so the new license mails to the correct address.
What to do if the online system says you are ineligible
If you start the online replacement process and the system tells you that you do not meet the requirements, it is usually because your license is suspended, revoked, expired more than two years, or your name or address has changed. The system will tell you which one applies.
Write down the reason given. If you believe it is wrong — for example, you think your suspension was lifted — contact the DPS Driver License Division at 1-888-589-6900 before you visit an office. They can check your record and tell you what documents you need to bring.
If you need to visit a DPS office, you can find the nearest one and check its hours at dps.texas.gov under "Driver License Office Locations." Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments. Check before you go, especially if you live in a large city where offices fill up quickly.
Documents you do not need for online replacement
Because the online system uses your existing photo and information, you do not need to bring or upload any documents. You will not need your Social Security card, birth certificate, proof of residency, or anything else. The only information the system asks for is what you already provided when you got your original license.
This is one of the biggest advantages of the online method — it is fast and requires almost no preparation. As long as your license is valid and your personal information has not changed, you can order a replacement in the time it takes to fill out a short form.
Cost and payment options
The replacement fee is $11, and you can pay only by debit card or credit card through the online system. The DPS does not accept cash, check, or money order for online orders. If you do not have a debit or credit card, you will need to visit a DPS office in person, where you can pay by cash, check, or card.
The $11 fee covers the cost of printing and mailing your new license. There are no hidden fees or additional charges if you order through the standard mail option. If you later decide you need expedited mail, that service costs extra and must be purchased at a DPS office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license online if it was stolen?
Yes, as long as your license is not suspended or revoked and your name and address have not changed. The reason for replacement — lost, stolen, or damaged — does not matter to the online system. You do not need to file a police report or provide proof of theft.
How do I know if my license is suspended or revoked?
You can check the status of your Texas driver's license on the DPS website by entering your license number and date of birth. If it shows suspended or revoked, the online replacement tool will reject your order. Contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6900 to find out why and what you need to do to clear it.
What if I changed my address but not my name?
You can update your address online through the DPS website before you order your replacement license. Go to the "Change of Address" service, submit your new address, and wait for confirmation. Then order your replacement. The new license will mail to your updated address. If you want to do both at once, visit a DPS office instead.
Can I get my new license faster than 7 to 10 days?
Not through the online system. Standard mail takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need it sooner, visit a DPS office and ask about expedited mail options, which cost extra. Some offices can also issue a temporary paper license on the spot if you need to drive before your replacement arrives.
What if my new license does not arrive after 10 days?
Contact the DPS Driver License Division at 1-888-589-6900 with your confirmation number. They can track your order and tell you whether it was mailed and where it is in transit. If it was lost in the mail, they can issue a replacement at no extra charge.