What TxDPS will replace and how to start

The Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS) replaces lost, stolen, or damaged driver's licenses through their Driver License Division. You can request a replacement in person at any TxDPS Driver License office, by mail, or online through the TxDPS website — the method you choose depends on whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, and how quickly you need it.

A replacement license costs money (the fee varies depending on your license type and how long it is valid), and you will need to prove your identity and Texas residency. If your license was stolen, you may also want to report it to local police, though TxDPS does not require a police report to issue a replacement.

The fastest route is usually in-person at a Driver License office, where you can walk out with a temporary paper license the same day and receive your plastic license by mail within two weeks. Online and mail requests take longer because TxDPS must verify your identity through their records before they can process your order.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Texas driver's license in person, by mail, or online through the TxDPS website.
  • An in-person replacement at a Driver License office gives you a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic license within two weeks.
  • You will need to bring proof of identity (such as a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card) and proof of Texas residency (such as a utility bill or lease).
  • The replacement fee depends on your license type and expiration date; you can find the current fee on the TxDPS website before you go.
  • If your license was stolen, you can report it to local police, but TxDPS does not require a police report to issue a replacement.

Replacing your license in person at a TxDPS office

Walking into a Driver License office is the fastest way to get a replacement. You will need to bring your proof of identity and proof of residency. Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, Social Security card, military ID, or a previous Texas driver's license or ID card. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current Texas address.

When you arrive, you will fill out an process form (the staff can help you) and pay the replacement fee. TxDPS will take a new photo and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot — this is valid for driving when ready while you wait for your plastic license to arrive by mail. Your permanent license typically arrives within 10 to 14 business days.

Driver License offices are busiest on weekday mornings and near the end of the month. You can check wait times and find the office nearest you on the TxDPS website. Some offices accept walk-ins only; others allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can save you time.

Replacing your license by mail

You can mail a replacement request to TxDPS if your license was lost or damaged (not stolen — TxDPS requires in-person service for stolen licenses to prevent fraud). You will need to complete the process form, include copies of your proof of identity and residency, and mail everything to the address listed on the TxDPS website along with your payment.

Processing by mail takes longer than in-person service — typically three to four weeks from the time TxDPS receives your envelope. You will not receive a temporary paper license, so you cannot drive legally during this time unless you have another valid ID. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you should visit a Driver License office in person instead.

Keep copies of everything you mail and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery. If your process is incomplete or TxDPS cannot verify your identity from the documents you sent, they will contact you by mail, which adds more time to the process.

Replacing your license online through TxDPS

TxDPS offers online replacement for some drivers, but not all. You can use the online service only if your license was lost or damaged (not stolen) and if your identity can be verified through TxDPS records without additional documents. The online system will tell you when ready whether you are able to use this method.

To start, go to the TxDPS website and select the online replacement option. You will enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and other personal information. TxDPS will verify this against their records. If verification succeeds, you can pay the replacement fee online and your new license will be mailed to you within 10 to 14 business days. You will not receive a temporary paper license, so you cannot drive legally during this time.

Online replacement is slower than in-person service but faster than mail if your identity verifies when ready. If TxDPS cannot verify your information online, the system will direct you to explore in person or by mail instead.

What to do if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen, TxDPS requires you to explore for a replacement in person at a Driver License office — you cannot use the mail or online methods. This is a security measure to prevent someone else from requesting a replacement in your name.

You do not need a police report to get a replacement from TxDPS, but you may want to file one with your local police department anyway, especially if you are concerned about identity theft. A police report creates an official record and can help you if fraudulent charges appear on your credit report later. Bring the same proof of identity and residency you would for any in-person replacement.

If you are worried that someone might try to use your stolen license fraudulently, you can also place a fraud alert on your credit report by contacting one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion). This makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name.

Fees and what affects the cost

The replacement fee depends on your license type (Class C, commercial, motorcycle, etc.) and how long your new license will be valid. A standard Class C driver's license replacement costs less than a commercial license replacement. Your new license will be valid for the same period as your original license would have been — if your original license was set to expire in three years, your replacement will also expire in three years.

You can find the exact current fee on the TxDPS website before you go to an office or mail your process. Fees are the same whether you replace in person, by mail, or online. TxDPS accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at Driver License offices. If you mail your process, you can pay by check or money order.

Proof of identity and residency documents

TxDPS has a specific list of documents they will accept as proof of identity and proof of residency. For identity, you need one document from the primary list: a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, Social Security card, military ID, or a previous Texas driver's license or ID card. Some documents (like a passport) count as both identity and residency proof if they show your current address.

For residency, bring a document dated within the last 90 days that shows your name and current Texas address. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, and insurance documents all work. If you have recently moved and your documents do not yet show your new address, bring a signed letter from your landlord or a recent lease agreement instead.

Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone are not accepted. If you are explore by mail, send copies, not originals, because TxDPS will not return them to you.

Timeline: how long each method takes

In-person replacement is fastest: you get a temporary paper license the same day and your plastic license arrives by mail in 10 to 14 business days. Online replacement takes 10 to 14 business days if your identity verifies when ready, but you do not get a temporary license. Mail replacement takes 3 to 4 weeks from the time TxDPS receives your envelope, and you do not get a temporary license.

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives and you chose mail or online, you will need another form of valid ID — a passport, military ID, or state ID card. A temporary paper license from an in-person visit is the only way to drive legally while waiting for your plastic license if you have no other valid ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a temporary paper license?

Yes. The temporary paper license TxDPS issues in person is valid for driving when ready. It remains valid until your plastic license arrives or until the expiration date printed on it, whichever comes first. You must carry it with you when you drive.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

TxDPS requires proof of residency dated within the last 90 days. If you cannot provide one, ask your landlord, employer, or a family member who lives with you to write a signed letter on their letterhead stating your name, address, and the date you moved in. Some Driver License offices will accept this in place of a standard residency document, but call ahead to confirm.

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

No. TxDPS does not require a police report to issue a replacement for a stolen license. However, filing a police report with your local police department is a good idea if you are concerned about identity theft, as it creates an official record.

How much does a replacement license cost?

The fee varies by license type and validity period. You can find the exact current fee on the TxDPS website. Fees are the same whether you replace in person, by mail, or online.

What if my name has changed since my original license was issued?

If your name changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your identity and residency documents. TxDPS will issue a replacement license with your current legal name.