What You Can and Cannot Do Online in Texas
Texas allows you to renew an expiring driver's license online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, but you cannot replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license entirely online. The online renewal process is only for licenses that are still valid or within a certain window of expiration. If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must visit a DPS office in person or use the mail-in option — there is no complete online path for replacement.
The confusion often comes from mixing renewal with replacement. A renewal extends a license that still exists and is in your possession. A replacement issues a new license because the old one is gone or unusable. Texas treats these as two different transactions with different rules.
If your license is damaged but still readable and you want to avoid a trip to the office, the mail-in replacement route is your fastest alternative to in-person service. If it is lost or stolen, you have two choices: go to a DPS office or mail in your request with a police report.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your license is still valid or expiring soon; lost, stolen, or damaged licenses require in-person or mail-in replacement.
- To replace a lost or stolen license by mail, you must include a police report number or case number from your local law enforcement agency.
- Damaged licenses can sometimes be replaced by mail without a police report if the damage is documented, but DPS may ask you to visit an office instead.
- In-person replacement at any DPS office takes about 30 minutes and you receive a temporary paper license on the spot; the plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- The replacement fee in Texas is $16 for a standard five-year license, plus $5 if you need a duplicate or corrected license in the same transaction.
When You Can Use Online Renewal Instead of Replacement
You can renew your Texas driver's license online if your license is currently valid or expired no more than two years ago. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $16. You do not need to visit an office or mail anything in.
To renew online, go to the Texas DPS website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. You will answer questions about any changes to your address or medical conditions, review your information, pay the fee by credit or debit card, and receive a confirmation number. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
This option does not work if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged — even if it expired recently. The system requires you to confirm your current information on file, which assumes you still have the card in hand. If you cannot access it, you must use replacement, not renewal.
Replacing a Lost or Stolen License: Mail-In Option
To replace a lost or stolen license by mail, you must first file a police report with your local law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Public Safety. You need the report number or case number before you can proceed. This step is required by Texas law and is not optional.
Once you have the report number, read the DPS Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License) from the Texas DPS website. Fill it out completely, including your name, date of birth, address, and the police report number. Attach a copy of your police report (or the report number if a copy is not available) and mail the form to the address listed on the form, along with a check or money order for $16.
Processing time for mail-in replacement is typically 4 to 6 weeks from the date DPS receives your process. You will not receive a temporary license by mail — you must wait for the plastic card. If you need to drive before it arrives, you can visit a DPS office in person to request a temporary paper license while your replacement is being processed.
Replacing a Damaged License: In-Person or Mail
If your license is damaged but you have it in your possession, you have two options. The faster route is to visit a DPS office in person with your damaged license and pay the $16 replacement fee. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and the plastic card within 7 to 10 business days.
If you prefer to mail in a damaged license, you can send the damaged card itself (not a copy) along with completed Form DL-44 and the $16 fee. Include a brief note explaining the damage. DPS will inspect the card when it arrives. If the damage is minor and the card is still readable, they will process the replacement. If the damage is severe or the card is unreadable, they may contact you and ask you to visit an office instead.
Do not assume mail-in will work for a damaged license — some damage patterns (water damage, fading, missing pieces) may trigger a request for in-person verification. If you are uncertain, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 and describe the damage before mailing.
In-Person Replacement at a DPS Office
Visiting a DPS office is the fastest way to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license if you need to drive soon. Bring your damaged license (if you have it), a form of ID such as a passport or state ID, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and $16 in cash or card. If your license is lost or stolen, bring the police report number instead of the card.
Arrive early or check wait times online before you go. Many DPS offices allow you to check in online through their website to reduce in-office time. The replacement process itself takes about 15 to 30 minutes. You will fill out Form DL-44, have your photo taken, and pay the fee. You will leave with a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you.
Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website by entering your zip code. Some offices are busier than others, and appointment availability varies by location. If your local office has a long wait, you can visit any other DPS office in the state — your license will still be mailed to your address on file.
Documents and Fees You Will Need
| Replacement Type | Documents Required | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lost or Stolen (In-Person) | Police report number, ID, proof of residency | $16 | 7–10 business days for plastic card |
| Lost or Stolen (Mail) | Form DL-44, police report number, check/money order | $16 | 4–6 weeks |
| Damaged (In-Person) | Damaged license, ID, proof of residency | $16 | 7–10 business days for plastic card |
| Damaged (Mail) | Form DL-44, damaged license, check/money order | $16 | 4–6 weeks |
Proof of residency must be a document dated within 90 days and showing your current address. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, and bank statements all count. A driver's license or ID card does not count as proof of residency even if it shows your address.
If you need a corrected license (name change, address correction, or other information update) at the same time as your replacement, add $5 to the fee. Payment by mail must be a check or money order made out to the Texas Department of Public Safety. In-person offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not mail your damaged license without first checking with DPS whether mail-in is appropriate for your type of damage. Water-damaged or faded licenses often trigger a request for in-person verification, which delays the process. A quick phone call to 1-888-589-6789 can save you a week.
Do not attempt to renew online if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged. The system will reject your request because it cannot verify your identity without the card in hand. This is not a glitch — it is a security requirement. You must use replacement instead.
Do not forget the police report number if your license is lost or stolen. Without it, DPS will not process your mail-in request. If you filed a report but do not have the number, contact your local police department and ask for it before you mail your process.
Do not assume your temporary paper license works everywhere. Some businesses, banks, and law enforcement may not accept it as valid ID. It is legal for driving, but not all establishments treat it the same as a plastic card. Plan accordingly if you need to conduct business that requires a standard ID.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a temporary license mailed to me if I replace by mail?
No. Temporary licenses are only issued in person at a DPS office. If you mail in your replacement and need to drive before the plastic card arrives, you must visit an office to request a temporary paper license. The office can issue one while your mail-in replacement is being processed.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You still need a police report from the jurisdiction where you lost it. Contact that police department and file a report, then use the report number with your Texas DPS mail-in or in-person replacement. If you cannot obtain a report from out of state, contact the Texas DPS at 1-888-589-6789 for guidance on alternatives.
How long does the plastic card take to arrive after I visit an office?
The plastic card is mailed to your address on file and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your temporary paper license during this time. If your card does not arrive within two weeks, call DPS to check the status.
Can I change my address at the same time as replacing my license?
Yes. When you fill out Form DL-44 (in person or by mail), you can update your address. If you are replacing in person, tell the clerk about the address change and it will be included on your new license. If you are mailing, write your new address on the form. There is no additional fee for an address change during replacement.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
Bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change when you visit in person. If you are mailing, include a copy with your Form DL-44. There is a $5 fee for a corrected license if the name change is processed at the same time as replacement.