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 allow online or mail-in replacements for lost or stolen licenses. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The replacement fee is $16 for a standard license, and processing takes about 20 minutes at the office, though you will receive a temporary paper license when ready.

If your license was stolen, you should also file a report with local police or the Texas Attorney General's Identity Theft Unit before or after your DPS visit. This creates a record that protects you if someone uses your license number fraudulently. The police report number is not required to get your replacement license, but it helps if identity theft occurs later.

Key Takeaways

You must go to a DPS driver license office in person; there is no online or mail option for replacements in Texas.
Bring a valid photo ID, proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and know your Social Security number.
The replacement fee is $16, and you will walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed.
If your license was stolen, file an identity theft report with local police or the Texas Attorney General to protect yourself from fraud.
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days; the temporary paper license is valid during that time.

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 document from this list: a valid U.S. passport, a U.S. military ID, a state ID from another state, a tribal ID, or a permanent resident card. If you do not have any of these, you may bring two documents from a secondary list, which includes a certified birth certificate, a Social Security card, or a school or work ID.

For proof of residency, bring one document dated within the last 90 days that shows your current Texas address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a bank or credit card statement, a mortgage statement, an insurance policy, or a property tax bill. A government check or tax return also works. Your name must appear on the document.

You do not need to bring your old license if it was lost or stolen. You do not need a police report to get your replacement, though having one is useful for identity theft protection. Bring your Social Security number memorized or written down; the DPS office will verify it during your visit.

Finding a DPS Driver License Office and Making an Appointment

Texas DPS operates driver license offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website at dps.texas.gov by using the office locator tool. Enter your city or zip code to see hours, address, and phone number. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. Call ahead to confirm current hours, as they vary by location.

You do not need an appointment to get a replacement license, but DPS recommends using the online appointment system to reduce wait time. Go to dps.texas.gov, select "Schedule an Appointment," and choose "Driver License" and "Replacement" from the menu. You can book a same-day or future appointment. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times can be 30 minutes to over an hour depending on the office and time of day.

Bring all required documents and arrive 10 minutes early. Processing at the office takes about 20 minutes once you are called. You will receive a temporary paper license before you leave, valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

The Fee and What Happens After You Pay

The replacement fee for a standard five-year Texas driver's license is $16. If your license was damaged (torn, faded, or unreadable) rather than lost or stolen, the fee is the same. DPS accepts cash, debit, and credit cards at most offices. Some offices may accept checks, but call ahead to confirm payment methods at your specific location.

When you pay, you will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used for driving, identification, and age verification just like your plastic license. Keep it with you until your permanent license arrives. If your permanent license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DPS office where you applied or call the DPS Driver License Division at 1-888-589-6900.

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 your local police department or with the Texas Attorney General's Identity Theft Unit. The police report is not required to get your replacement license, but it creates an official record that helps if someone uses your license number to open accounts or commit fraud.

To file with local police, call the non-emergency line or visit your local police station. You will need to describe when and where the license was lost and provide your driver's license number if you remember it. To file with the Texas Attorney General, go to texasattorneygeneral.gov and look for the Identity Theft section. You can file online or by mail. Keep a copy of any police report or filing confirmation for your records.

If you discover fraudulent activity on your credit report or accounts after your license was stolen, contact your bank, credit card companies, and the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) when ready. You can also place a fraud alert on your credit report by contacting one of the bureaus.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is bringing incomplete proof of residency. Your document must be dated within 90 days and show your current address. A utility bill from six months ago or a lease with an old address will not work. If you recently moved, bring a recent document with your new address. If you do not have one yet, bring a lease or rental agreement signed within the last 90 days, or contact your utility company to request a recent bill.

Another mistake is not bringing enough proof of identity. If you do not have a passport or military ID, you must bring two secondary documents, not one. A Social Security card alone is not enough. Bring a birth certificate and a school or work ID, or a birth certificate and a Social Security card together.

Do not assume you can renew by mail or online. Texas requires an in-person visit for replacements. If you cannot visit an office, ask a family member or trusted person to go on your behalf with a signed power of attorney, though this is rarely necessary for a straightforward replacement.

What to Do If You Cannot Visit an Office in Person

Texas does not allow someone else to explore for a replacement license on your behalf without a power of attorney. If you are unable to visit a DPS office due to disability, illness, or other hardship, contact the DPS Driver License Division at 1-888-589-6900 to ask about options. In rare cases, DPS may send a mobile unit or make other arrangements, but this is not standard and depends on your specific situation.

If you are out of state or out of the country, you must still visit a DPS office in Texas to get a replacement. You cannot do this remotely. If you are a Texas resident temporarily away, plan to visit an office when you return to the state. If you have moved out of Texas permanently, you will need to obtain a driver's license from your new state instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license if my old one is damaged but I still have it?

Yes. Bring your damaged license along with your proof of identity and residency. The fee is the same as for a lost or stolen license: $16. The DPS office will take your damaged license and issue a temporary paper license on the spot.

How long is the temporary paper license valid?

The temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. Your permanent plastic license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within that window, contact the DPS office or call 1-888-589-6900.

What if I do not have proof of residency dated within 90 days?

Contact your utility company, bank, or landlord and request a recent statement or letter with your current address. Many companies will email or mail one within a few days at no cost. If you cannot obtain one in time, ask the DPS office about alternative documents; some offices have flexibility for recent movers.

Do I need a police report to get a replacement license?

No. A police report is not required to get your replacement license from DPS. However, filing one protects you if your stolen license is used fraudulently. You can file a report before or after you visit the DPS office.

Can I use my temporary paper license for flying or crossing the border?

The temporary paper license is valid for driving and age verification in Texas, but it is not accepted for air travel or border crossing. For those purposes, you will need a Real ID-compliant license or passport. If you need to fly or cross the border before your permanent license arrives, use your passport or other federal ID.

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.