What you need to do to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Texas driver license

To replace your Texas driver 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. Texas will issue you a replacement license with the same number and expiration date as your original, so you do not lose time on your license term. The process takes about 20 to 30 minutes at the office, and you will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

The fee for a replacement license is $16 if your license is still valid, or $31 if it has expired. You must bring original documents — photocopies are not accepted. If your license was stolen, you should also file a report with local police or the Texas Attorney General's Identity Theft Unit, though this is not required to get a replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • You must appear in person at a DPS driver license office with original proof of identity and Texas residency; no mail or online replacement is available.
  • Bring one document proving identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID) and one proving residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).
  • The replacement fee is $16 for a valid license or $31 for an expired one, and you will receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was stolen, file a police report or contact the Texas Attorney General's Identity Theft Unit to protect yourself from fraud.
  • Your replacement license will have the same number and expiration date as your original, so your license term does not restart.

Documents you must bring to the DPS office

Texas requires one document proving your identity and one proving your current residency in Texas. Original documents only — the DPS will not accept copies, faxes, or photos. If you do not have the exact documents listed, call the DPS at 1-844-DL-TEXAS (1-844-358-3927) before you go to the office.

Proof of identity can be a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, or a document issued by a U.S. or foreign government that shows your name, date of birth, and photograph. A Social Security card alone is not enough.

Proof of residency must show your current Texas address and be dated within 90 days of your visit. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or a government letter addressed to you. A utility bill in your name is the fastest option. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a notarized affidavit stating you live there, plus the bill.

If you have changed your name since your original license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, your replacement license will show your old name.

Finding a DPS driver license office and what to expect

Texas has driver license offices in most counties. Use the DPS office locator at dps.texas.gov to find the office nearest you, its hours, and whether it accepts walk-ins or requires an appointment. Many offices now use an online appointment system; if your office requires one, book your slot before you go. Walk-in hours vary by location — some offices take walk-ins only during certain hours or days.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all your documents. The office will take a new photograph and ask you to verify your address and other information on your license. You will sign the process, pay the fee, and receive a receipt. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask the office for a temporary paper license — some offices issue them on the spot, but not all.

Wait times vary widely. Offices in rural areas often have short waits, while urban offices may have 30-minute to two-hour waits during peak hours (typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays). Going early in the morning or on a Tuesday or Wednesday usually means a shorter wait.

If your license was stolen

A stolen license can be used to commit identity theft or fraud. Report the theft to local police and file a report with the Texas Attorney General's Identity Theft Unit at texasattorneygeneral.gov or by calling 1-800-252-8011. You do not need a police report to get a replacement license, but having one on file protects you if someone uses your stolen license fraudulently.

When you go to the DPS office to replace your license, tell the staff that it was stolen. They will flag your old license number in the system so it cannot be used. You may also want to place a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to prevent someone from opening accounts in your name.

Replacing a damaged license

If your license is damaged but still readable, you can replace it using the same process as a lost or stolen license. Bring the damaged license itself to the DPS office along with your proof of identity and residency. The office will take it and issue a replacement. If your license is so damaged that your photograph or information is no longer visible, the DPS may require you to retake the written test and vision test, though this is rare — call ahead to ask.

Damage from normal wear and tear (faded photo, worn edges) does not usually require a test. Damage from water, fire, or physical destruction may. If you are unsure, call the DPS office you plan to visit and describe the damage.

What happens if you cannot find your original documents

If you do not have an original birth certificate or passport, you can order one before your DPS visit. A certified birth certificate can be ordered from the Texas Vital Statistics Unit at dshs.texas.gov/vital-statistics or by mail; it takes 5 to 10 business days. A U.S. passport can be ordered through the State Department at travel.state.gov, but processing takes 6 to 8 weeks for routine service.

If you cannot wait that long, some DPS offices will accept a military ID, tribal ID, or a document issued by a U.S. state or foreign government as proof of identity. Call the office you plan to visit to confirm what they will accept. If you have no identity documents at all, you will need to obtain at least one before you can replace your license.

For proof of residency, if you do not have a utility bill or lease, a bank statement, insurance policy, or government letter will work. If none of these are available, a notarized affidavit from someone who lives with you, plus a document in their name showing your shared address, is usually accepted.

Fees and payment methods

A replacement license costs $16 if your current license is still valid, or $31 if it has expired. The DPS accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most offices. Some offices may not accept checks — call ahead to confirm. There is no additional fee if you need a temporary paper license while you wait for your replacement to arrive by mail.

If you are replacing your license because it was stolen and you want to report the theft to the Attorney General, that report is free. There is no fee for filing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus either.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if it expired more than two years ago?

Yes, you can replace an expired license at any time. However, if your license expired more than two years ago, the DPS may require you to retake the written test and vision test in addition to paying the replacement fee. Call your local DPS office to ask whether you will need to test before you visit.

What if I do not have a permanent Texas address?

If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, you can use a shelter address, a friend's address, or a general delivery address at your local post office as your residency address on your replacement license. Bring a letter from the shelter or a notarized statement from the person whose address you are using, plus a document showing that address. Call the DPS office first to confirm what they will accept.

How long does it take to get my replacement license by mail?

The DPS typically mails replacement licenses within 7 to 10 business days of your office visit. Mail delivery adds 2 to 5 days depending on where you live. If you do not receive your license within 15 days, call the DPS at 1-844-358-3927 to check the status.

Can I get a temporary license to drive while I wait for my replacement?

Some DPS offices issue a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 45 days. Not all offices do this, so ask when you arrive. If your office does not issue temporary licenses, you cannot legally drive until your replacement arrives by mail.

Do I need a police report to replace a stolen license?

No, a police report is not required to get a replacement license. However, filing a report with local police or the Texas Attorney General's Identity Theft Unit protects you if someone uses your stolen license to commit fraud. You can file a report before, during, or after you get your replacement.