What you need to do to replace a Texas driver's license
To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Texas driver's license, you 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 process takes about 30 minutes at the counter. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your new plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
You cannot replace your license by mail, phone, or online. Texas requires you to appear in person so DPS can verify your identity and take a new photo. 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 separate from the replacement process.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS office in person with proof of identity and Texas residency to replace your license.
- The replacement fee is $16 for a standard license and $32 for a Real ID-compliant license, and you pay at the time of your visit.
- You receive a temporary paper license when ready and your new plastic card arrives 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, but this does not speed up the replacement.
Documents to bring to the DPS office
Bring one form of primary identification and one form of proof of Texas residency. Primary ID options include a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or a certified birth certificate plus a Social Security card. If you have none of these, you can use a combination of secondary documents — ask DPS which ones work for your situation before you go.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name with your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or insurance policy also works. Bring the original or a certified copy — a photo or scan is not accepted.
If you've changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. This is required even if your current ID already shows your new name.
Where to go and how long it takes
Find your nearest DPS Driver License office on the Texas DPS website. Enter your city or zip code to see all offices near you, their hours, and whether they accept walk-ins or require an appointment. Many offices now use an online appointment system — you can book a time slot up to 30 days in advance, which reduces wait time.
If you walk in without an appointment, expect to wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on the office and time of day. Early morning visits (right when the office opens) and mid-week visits (Tuesday through Thursday) typically have shorter waits. Avoid lunch hours and late afternoon.
The actual transaction at the counter takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You'll answer questions about your address and any restrictions or endorsements on your license, have your photo taken, and sign the process. You pay the fee and receive your temporary paper license before you leave.
Cost and payment methods
A standard Texas driver's license replacement costs $16. If you want a Real ID-compliant license instead, the cost is $32. Real ID is required for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a military base starting May 7, 2025. Most people choose Real ID at replacement time because the extra cost is small and you avoid a second trip later.
DPS offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices also accept checks. Call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods at your specific location. There are no additional fees for the temporary paper license or for mailing your new card.
What happens if your license was stolen
If your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged, file a report with your local police department or the Texas Attorney General's Identity Theft Unit. You can file online with the Attorney General at texasattorneygeneral.gov under "Identity Theft." Provide your license number, the date you discovered it missing, and any suspicious activity on your accounts.
Filing a police report does not speed up your license replacement at DPS, but it creates an official record in case someone tries to use your stolen license. Keep a copy of the report for your records. If you notice fraudulent charges or accounts opened in your name, contact your bank and credit card companies when ready and consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).
Your temporary license and when your new card arrives
The temporary paper license you receive at the DPS office is valid for 30 days and serves as your legal driving document while you wait for your plastic card. It has your photo, signature, and license number printed on it. Carry it with you whenever you drive — it is as valid as a plastic license for traffic stops, ID checks, and rental car counters.
Your new plastic license is mailed to the address you provided at DPS and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you don't receive it within two weeks, contact DPS to confirm your mailing address was entered correctly. Once your plastic card arrives, the temporary paper license is no longer valid, though you can keep it as a record.
Special situations: name changes and address updates
If you've changed your name since your last license, bring the certified document that changed your name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). DPS will update your name on your new license at no extra cost. You don't need to visit twice — the name change happens during your replacement visit.
If your address has changed but your license is not lost or stolen, you can update your address online through the Texas DPS website without visiting an office or paying a fee. However, if you're replacing a lost or stolen license, your new address is entered during the replacement process. If you move after you submit your replacement process but before your card arrives, contact DPS to update your mailing address so the card reaches you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone else pick up my replacement license from the DPS office?
No. DPS requires you to be present in person to have your photo taken and sign the process. You cannot authorize someone else to do this for you. However, once your plastic card is mailed to your address, anyone at that address can collect it from your mailbox.
What if I don't have proof of residency?
Contact your nearest DPS office before you visit and ask which secondary documents they will accept. Options may include a utility bill in a family member's name at your address, a lease with a recent utility bill, or a combination of documents like a bank statement and insurance policy. DPS staff can tell you what works for your situation.
Do I need to replace my license if it's just slightly damaged?
If your license is still readable and the photo is clear, you may not need to replace it. However, if the barcode is damaged, the card is cracked, or the information is faded, DPS will likely ask you to replace it. Bring your current license to the DPS office and ask — they can tell you whether a replacement is necessary.
How much longer does it take if I want a Real ID instead of a standard license?
There is no difference in processing time. Both take 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. The only difference is the $16 cost for standard versus $32 for Real ID. Real ID is required for federal purposes starting May 7, 2025, so most people choose it at replacement time to avoid a second trip.
What if my temporary paper license expires before my plastic card arrives?
This is rare, but if it happens, contact DPS when ready. Your temporary license is valid for 30 days, and your plastic card almost always arrives within that window. If there is a delay, DPS can issue you another temporary license or confirm your replacement status so you can drive legally while you wait.