How to order a replacement Texas driver's license
You can order a replacement Texas driver's license through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. The fastest route is online at dps.texas.gov, where you can request a replacement in about 10 minutes and pay the fee with a credit or debit card. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need it faster or prefer not to order online, you can visit a DPS office in person and walk out with a temporary paper license the same day.
The method you choose depends on how soon you need the license and whether you want to handle it from home. Online ordering is the most common path because it requires no appointment and no waiting in line. In-person visits take longer but give you when ready proof of licensure if you need to drive right away.
Key Takeaways
- Order online at dps.texas.gov using your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.
- The online fee is $11 for a standard replacement license, and you pay by credit or debit card at the time of order.
- Your replacement license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you do not need to do anything else once you order.
- If you visit a DPS office in person, you will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card by mail within the same timeframe.
- You cannot order a replacement online if your license was suspended or revoked; you must visit a DPS office in person.
Ordering online through the DPS website
Go to dps.texas.gov and look for the "Driver License" section. Click on "Order a Replacement License" or "Renew/Replace License Online." You will be asked to enter your current driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system uses this information to pull up your record and confirm your identity.
After verification, you will see a summary of your current license information. Review it to make sure the name, address, and other details are correct. If anything is wrong, you cannot fix it online; you will need to visit a DPS office in person instead. If everything looks right, proceed to payment. The replacement fee is $11, and you can pay with Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover.
Once your payment goes through, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Write down or save the confirmation number in case you need to check on your order later. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If your address has changed since your last license, update it before you order, or your new license will go to the old address.
What to do if you cannot order online
You cannot order a replacement online if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled. You also cannot order online if you need to change your name, address, or other information on the license itself. In these cases, you must visit a DPS office in person.
If you are unsure whether you can order online, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6900 before you try. The phone line can tell you in a few minutes whether your license status allows online ordering. This saves you the frustration of starting the process and hitting a dead end.
Visiting a DPS office in person
Find your nearest DPS office at dps.texas.gov by entering your city or zip code. Most offices do not require an appointment for a replacement license, but some busy locations do. Check the office's page to see whether you need to book a time slot or whether you can walk in.
Bring your current driver's license or a government-issued ID. If you do not have either, bring two documents that prove your identity and residency, such as a passport, birth certificate, utility bill, or lease. The office staff will take your photo, process your replacement, and give you a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving and is recognized by law enforcement. Your plastic replacement card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
The in-person replacement fee is also $11. Most DPS offices accept cash, check, and card. Call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods at your specific location.
How long replacement takes and what to expect
Whether you order online or in person, your replacement license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. This timeline assumes normal mail delivery and no errors in your order. If you do not receive your license within 10 business days, check your confirmation email for a tracking number or call the DPS at 1-888-589-6900 to check the status of your order.
If you ordered online and your address on file is incorrect, your license may be returned to the DPS as undeliverable. The DPS will hold it for a short time, but you will need to contact them to arrange redelivery or pick it up in person. This is why updating your address before you order is important.
If you received a temporary paper license at a DPS office, keep it with you while you wait for your plastic card. The temporary is valid for driving but will expire after a set period, so do not lose it.
Updating your address or other information
If your address has changed since your last license, update it before you order a replacement. When you order online, the system will show you the address currently on file. If it is wrong, do not proceed with the order. Instead, visit a DPS office to update your address at the same time you request your replacement.
If you need to change your name on the license, you must do this in person at a DPS office. Bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. The office will process the name change and issue your replacement at the same visit.
What happens if your replacement does not arrive
If your replacement license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6900 with your confirmation number. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready. The DPS can check whether your license was mailed, whether it was returned as undeliverable, or whether there was an error in processing.
If your license was returned to the DPS because the address was wrong, you can request that it be remailed to a corrected address or pick it up in person at a DPS office. If there was a processing error, the DPS will reissue your replacement at no additional charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a replacement if my license is expired?
Yes. An expired license can still be replaced online or in person. The system does not prevent you from ordering just because your license has passed its expiration date. However, if your license was suspended or revoked before it expired, you cannot order a replacement online and must visit a DPS office.
What if I moved to Texas from another state and need a Texas license?
You cannot order a replacement if you do not already have a Texas license. A replacement is only for people renewing or replacing an existing Texas driver's license. If you are new to Texas, you will need to explore for a new Texas license instead, which requires an in-person visit to a DPS office with proof of identity and residency.
Can someone else order a replacement license for me?
No. You must order the replacement yourself online or visit the DPS office in person. The online system requires your driver's license number and Social Security number to verify your identity, so only you can complete the order. If you are unable to visit an office, ordering online is your best option.
Do I need to take a new photo for my replacement license?
No. If you order online, the DPS uses your photo from your current license. If you visit a DPS office in person, they will take a new photo. You cannot request a new photo if you order online; if you want a new photo, you must go in person.
What if my replacement license arrives with the wrong information?
Contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6900 right away with your confirmation number and details of what is wrong. The DPS will issue a corrected replacement at no charge. Do not use a license with incorrect information; bring it back to a DPS office or mail it to the address provided by the DPS.