How to Replace Your Texas Driver's License

What You Need to Do Right Now

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Texas driver's license, you must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver license office in person. Texas does not issue replacements by mail or online. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and pay a replacement fee. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your permanent card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license was stolen, you should also file a report with local police or the Texas Attorney General's Identity Theft Unit. This creates a record that protects you if someone tries to use your license number fraudulently. You do not need the police report to get your replacement license, but having one on file is important for your records.

Key Takeaways

You must go to a DPS driver license office in person; there is no mail-in or online replacement option in Texas.
Bring a valid form of ID, proof of Texas residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
The replacement fee is $16 for a standard license or $32 for a Real ID-compliant license, and you pay at the office.
You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license was stolen, file an identity theft report with local police or the Texas Attorney General to protect yourself.

Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office

Texas requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of residency. For proof of identity, bring one of these: your current passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a state ID from another state, or a tribal ID. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents from a secondary list, which includes a Social Security card, a school or work ID, or a bank statement with your name on it.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 90 days that shows your current Texas address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, an insurance policy, or a government check. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you live with someone else and do not have a document in your name, you can bring a notarized affidavit from the person whose name is on the document, plus a document showing your relationship (such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate).

Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. If you do not know your Social Security number, bring documentation of it, such as a Social Security card or a tax return. You will also need to know your current address, date of birth, and any previous names you have used.

Finding a DPS Driver License Office and Making an Appointment

Texas has driver license offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website at dps.texas.gov. Search for "driver license office" and enter your city or zip code. The website shows office hours, which vary by location. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have limited Saturday hours. Call ahead before you go, because some offices have reduced hours or temporary closures.

You do not need an appointment to get a replacement license, but DPS recommends making one to reduce wait time. You can book an appointment on the DPS website or by calling the office directly. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait 1 to 2 hours during peak times. If you go without an appointment, arrive early in the day or on a weekday morning for shorter lines.

If your local office has a long wait or limited hours, you can visit any DPS driver license office in Texas, not just the one in your county. Some people travel to a nearby county office to get faster service.

The Replacement Fee and What You Pay For

The replacement fee depends on the type of license you want. A standard Texas driver's license costs $16 to replace. A Real ID-compliant license (marked with a gold star) costs $32 to replace. Real ID licenses meet federal requirements for air travel and entry to federal buildings. If your original license was Real ID-compliant, you can choose to replace it with either type; if it was standard, you can upgrade to Real ID at the time of replacement.

You pay the fee in cash, by debit card, or by credit card at the DPS office. No payment is required online or by mail. If you are replacing a license that was damaged in a disaster declared by the governor, the fee may be waived; ask the office staff when you arrive.

What Happens at the Office and What You Receive

When you arrive at the DPS office, you will check in and submit your documents. A staff member will verify your identity and residency, take a new photo, and collect your fee. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will be asked to sign your new license and confirm your address and other information on the form.

Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as your permanent card and can be used for driving, voting, or other purposes that require a driver's license. Your permanent plastic card will be mailed to the address you provided at the office within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within 14 days, contact the DPS office where you applied.

If you need your license number before the card arrives, the DPS office will provide it to you on the temporary license or on a receipt. You can use this number for insurance, employment, or other purposes.

If Your License Was Stolen: Filing an Identity Theft Report

If your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged, file an identity theft report to protect yourself from fraud. You can file with local police in the city where the theft occurred, or you can file online with the Texas Attorney General's Identity Theft Unit at oag.texas.gov. The online report is free and takes about 10 minutes.

When you file, provide the date and location of the theft if you know it, and describe what was stolen. The report creates an official record that you can use if someone fraudulently uses your license number. Keep a copy of the report for your records. You do not need this report to get your replacement license from DPS, but it is important for protecting your identity and for disputing any fraudulent charges that may occur later.

If you discover that someone has used your stolen license to commit fraud, you can file an additional report with the Federal Trade Commission at reportidentitytheft.ftc.gov. This creates a federal record and may help you dispute fraudulent accounts or charges.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not bring expired documents as proof of residency. DPS requires documents dated within the last 90 days. If your utility bill or lease is older than that, bring a more recent statement or bill instead. Do not assume that a document with your name on it counts as proof of residency if it does not show your current address; DPS staff will reject it.

Do not go to the office without your Social Security number or ITIN. You cannot complete the replacement without it. If you do not have your Social Security card, bring a tax return, W-2, or other official document that shows your number.

Do not wait for your permanent card to arrive before you need to drive. The temporary paper license is valid when ready and can be used anywhere a regular license is accepted. Keep it in a safe place until your permanent card arrives.

Do not assume that all DPS offices have the same hours or services. Call or check the website before you go. Some offices close for lunch or have limited hours on certain days. If you show up at a closed office, you will have wasted a trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement license in Texas?

You receive a temporary paper license when ready when you leave the DPS office. Your permanent plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within 14 days, contact the office where you applied.

Can I replace my license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring documentation of your ITIN, such as a tax return or IRS letter. Bring the same proof of identity and residency as anyone else.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You must replace it in Texas at a DPS driver license office. You cannot replace a Texas license at a DMV in another state. If you are out of state and need to drive, you can use your temporary paper license once you receive it by mail, or you can wait until you return to Texas to visit an office in person.

Do I have to get a Real ID license when I replace mine?

No. You can replace your license with a standard license for $16. Real ID is optional and costs $32. Real ID is required only if you plan to use your license for federal air travel or entry to federal buildings after May 7, 2025. If you are unsure, a standard license is sufficient for driving and most other purposes.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

Tell the DPS staff your new address when you explore for the replacement. Your new license will show your current address. Bring proof of your new residency (a utility bill, lease, or other document dated within the last 90 days). You do not need to change your address separately; it is updated when you replace your license.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.