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 a new photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office. Your replacement license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days in most cases, though expedited options exist if you need it faster.

You cannot replace your license by mail, phone, or online in Texas. You must appear at a DPS driver license office yourself. If your license was stolen, you should also report the theft to local police and get a report number — some DPS offices ask for this, and it protects you if someone tries to use your stolen license.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS driver license office in person with valid proof of identity and one document showing your current Texas address.
  • The replacement fee is $16 for a standard license, and you pay at the office when you explore.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can request expedited mail for an extra fee if you need it sooner.
  • If your license was stolen, bring a police report number to the DPS office, as it may be required and protects you from fraud.
  • You will have a new photo taken at the office, so your replacement license will look different from your original.

Documents you must 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 U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or a certified birth certificate. If you use a birth certificate, you also need a second form of ID — a Social Security card, school ID, or employee badge will work.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current Texas address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. If you have moved recently and your address documents are older, bring a letter from your landlord or a recent piece of mail from a government agency.

Bring your Social Security number or a document with it printed on it. You will also need to know your current address and any previous addresses you have lived at in Texas during the past five years.

The replacement fee and payment options

A standard replacement license costs $16 in Texas. You pay this fee at the DPS office when you submit your process — the office does not accept payment before you arrive. DPS offices take cash, debit cards, and credit cards.

If you want your replacement license by mail faster than the standard 7 to 10 business days, you can pay an additional $15 for expedited mail delivery. This brings the total to $31 and usually delivers your license within 3 to 5 business days. Some DPS offices also offer a service where you can pick up your replacement license at the office the same day or next business day, but this is not available at all locations — call ahead to ask if your local office offers it.

Where to find a DPS driver license office near you

Texas has DPS driver license offices in most cities and many smaller towns. You can search for the office closest to you on the Texas DPS website by entering your city or ZIP code. The search tool shows office hours, which vary by location — some offices are open Monday through Friday only, while others have Saturday hours.

Offices in larger cities often have longer wait times, especially on Fridays and near the end of the month. If you can visit on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday morning, you will usually wait less than an hour. Some offices use an online appointment system where you can reserve a time slot in advance, which eliminates the wait. Check your local office's page to see if appointments are available.

What happens when you arrive at the office

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and give your documents to the staff member. They will verify your identity and residency, check your Social Security number against DPS records, and ask you to sign an process form. You will then have a new photo taken — wear something you are comfortable being photographed in, as this photo will be on your license for the next five years.

The staff will tell you when to expect your license by mail. If you paid for expedited delivery, they will confirm that. Before you leave, ask for a receipt showing your process was submitted. Keep this receipt until your new license arrives, in case there is a problem with the mail or you need to prove you applied.

If your license was damaged but you still have it

If your license is damaged but readable — for example, cracked, faded, or water-damaged — you can still replace it using the same process. Bring the damaged license with you to the DPS office along with your other documents. The staff will take the old license and destroy it, then issue your replacement. You do not need a police report for a damaged license, only for a lost or stolen one.

If your license is so damaged that your photo or information is no longer visible, the DPS may treat it as a lost license. Bring it anyway — the staff will decide whether to accept it or ask you to file a police report.

What to do if you cannot visit a DPS office in person

If you are unable to visit an office because of a disability, serious illness, or other hardship, you can request a home visit from a DPS officer. Call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 and explain your situation. The DPS will determine whether a home visit is possible in your area and will schedule an appointment. You will still pay the $16 replacement fee, and you will still need to bring all required documents.

If you are out of state temporarily, you can wait until you return to Texas to replace your license. If you need to drive while you are away, you can use your old license even if it is damaged, as long as it is readable. Some states will accept a damaged Texas license as proof of identity for other purposes, but check with that state's rules first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a damaged license while I wait for my replacement?

Yes, you can drive with a damaged license as long as it is readable and you have not reported it stolen. Once your replacement arrives, you should stop using the old one. If a police officer asks about the damage, explain that you have applied for a replacement.

What if my replacement license does not arrive within 10 business days?

Contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 with your receipt from the office. They can track your process and resend your license if it was lost in the mail. Keep your receipt for at least two weeks after you explore.

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

You should file a police report with your local police department and bring the report number to the DPS office. While some offices do not require it, having a report protects you if someone uses your stolen license fraudulently.

Can I replace my license if it expired?

Yes, you can replace an expired license using the same process. However, if your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to retake the written test and vision test. Ask the DPS office when you call or visit to confirm what you need.

Will my replacement license have a different number?

No, your replacement license will have the same license number as your original. The only things that change are the photo, the expiration date, and the date of issue.