Getting a replacement Texas driver's license

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Texas driver's license, you'll visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and have your photo taken. The whole process takes about 30 minutes. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, though you can request a temporary paper license to use while you wait.

Texas does not issue replacement licenses by mail or online. You must appear at a DPS office yourself — you cannot send someone else on your behalf. If your license was stolen, you should also file a police report, though it's not required to get a replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office in person with a valid ID and proof of your current Texas address to replace your license.
  • The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license and $25 for a Real ID-compliant license, and you pay at the office when you explore.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; ask for a temporary paper license at the office if you need to drive before it arrives.
  • If your license was stolen, file a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office for your records.
  • You can find your nearest DPS office and check wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go.

What documents to bring to the DPS office

Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Texas. For identity, the DPS accepts a passport, passport card, military ID, or a certified birth certificate. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current address. Both documents must be originals or certified copies — photos or photocopies are not accepted.

If your name has changed since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or court order), bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you don't have one of these documents, you can still get a replacement, but the DPS may ask you to visit the vital records office first.

Replacement fees and what you'll pay

A standard replacement license costs $20. If you want a Real ID-compliant license instead — which you'll need for federal buildings and domestic flights starting in 2025 — the fee is $25. You pay at the DPS office when you submit your process. The DPS does not accept payment by mail or online for replacements.

If you're over 85 years old, the replacement is free. If you're between 79 and 84, the fee is $10. Military members on active duty can also receive a discount; ask the DPS staff when you arrive.

Finding a DPS office near you

Texas has over 130 DPS offices statewide. You can search for the one closest to you on the Texas DPS website by entering your city or zip code. The website also shows current wait times at each office, updated throughout the day. Many offices are busier in the morning and on Fridays, so visiting on a Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon often means a shorter wait.

Some offices are open Monday through Friday only, while others have Saturday hours. Check the hours for your location before you go. You do not need an appointment — the DPS operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Getting a temporary paper license while you wait

When you submit your replacement process at the DPS office, ask for a temporary paper license. This is a printed document that proves you have a valid Texas license and can be used for driving while your permanent license is in the mail. The temporary license is valid for 45 days, which covers the time your new license takes to arrive.

The temporary license is not a separate fee — it's included with your replacement. Keep it with you while you drive, as police may ask to see it during a traffic stop. Once your permanent license arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid.

If your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged, file a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office. You don't need the report to get a replacement license, but having one on file protects you if someone tries to use your license number for fraud. When you file the report, give the police your license number if you remember it.

If you're concerned that your identity information has been compromised, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them. This is a free service and alerts lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.

Replacing a Real ID or standard license

If your current license is a standard license and you want to replace it with a Real ID, you'll need to bring an additional document proving your Social Security number: a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return. Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and meet federal requirements for entering federal buildings and boarding domestic flights.

If your current license is already a Real ID, your replacement will also be a Real ID at no extra cost — you don't need to bring the Social Security document again. The DPS will have that information on file from your original Real ID process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else pick up my replacement license from the DPS office?

No. You must appear in person to explore for a replacement. However, once your license arrives by mail, anyone can open the envelope. If you're concerned about mail theft, you can ask the DPS to hold your license at the office for you to pick up instead of mailing it.

What if I don't have a birth certificate or passport?

You can use a military ID or other government-issued ID for identity. If you don't have any of these, contact your county vital records office to order a certified birth certificate before you visit the DPS. This usually takes one to two weeks.

Do I need a police report to get a replacement if my license was stolen?

No. A police report is not required to get a replacement license. However, filing one protects you if someone misuses your license number and creates a record in case of identity theft.

How long does a replacement license take if I request it by mail?

Texas does not offer mail-in replacement licenses. You must visit a DPS office in person. Your new license will arrive by mail 7 to 10 business days after you explore at the office.

Can I renew my license at the same time I replace it?

No. A replacement and a renewal are two separate transactions. If your license is also expired or expiring soon, you'll need to handle the renewal separately after you receive your replacement.