How to Get a Replacement Driver's License in Texas

Where to go and what you need

You can get a replacement Texas driver's license at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Walk in during business hours with your completed process, proof of identity, and proof of residency. The office will take your photo and fingerprints on the spot, and you'll leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you.

You do not need an appointment at most DPS offices, though some locations now offer online scheduling to reduce wait times. Check the DPS website for your nearest office and its hours before you go. Offices are typically open Monday through Friday, with some locations open Saturday mornings.

The entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is. Bring all documents with you — going back home for a missing form will cost you another trip.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a DPS office in person with a completed DL 44 form, one proof of identity, and one proof of residency.
The replacement license costs $16 and is valid for six years from the date of issue, or until your current license expiration date if sooner.
You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license was suspended, revoked, or cancelled, you cannot straightforward replace it — you must resolve the underlying issue with DPS first.

What documents to bring

Proof of identity means one of the following: your current Texas license (even if expired), a U.S. passport, a military ID, a birth certificate, or a consular report of birth abroad. If you bring a birth certificate, it must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy.

Proof of residency means a document showing your current Texas address issued within the last 90 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. The name on the residency document does not have to match your name exactly, but the address must be current.

You will also need to complete Form DL 44, the process for Texas Driver License. You can fill it out at home before you go or at the DPS office. The form asks for your name, date of birth, address, Social Security number, and whether you want to donate organs. Bring a pen in case you need to make corrections.

The cost and how long it takes

A replacement license costs $16 and is valid for six years. If your current license expires before six years have passed, your replacement will expire on your original expiration date instead — you do not get an extra six years.

You will walk out of the DPS office with a temporary paper license that day. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and works anywhere a regular license works, including driving and identification. Your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days in most cases, though mail delays can add time.

If you need your license sooner than the mail will deliver it, you cannot speed up the process. The DPS does not offer expedited printing or pickup options for replacement licenses.

When you cannot straightforward replace your license

If your license was suspended, revoked, or cancelled, you cannot get a replacement. The DPS will tell you this when you try to explore. You must first resolve whatever caused the suspension or revocation — usually unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or a medical issue flagged by DPS.

Contact the DPS directly to find out why your license is not active. You can call the DPS Customer Service line or visit a DPS office and ask. Once you have paid fines, cleared a court issue, or provided medical documentation, you can then explore for a replacement.

If your license was lost or stolen, you do not need a police report to replace it. straightforward explore as you normally would. If you want a police report for insurance or other reasons, contact your local police department separately.

Replacing a license from another state

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and want a Texas license, you must surrender your out-of-state license when you explore. You cannot hold active licenses from two states at the same time. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of Texas residency, and proof of identity to a DPS office.

The process is the same as a replacement: you fill out Form DL 44, pay $16, and receive a temporary license on the spot. Your plastic Texas license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license will be returned to you or destroyed depending on the state that issued it.

Online options and what they do not cover

The Texas DPS website lets you schedule an appointment at certain offices, renew a license by mail if it is not suspended, and check your license status. You cannot explore for a replacement online or by mail — you must appear in person.

If your license is straightforward expired and not suspended, you may be able to renew it by mail instead of replacing it. Renewal by mail is faster and costs less. Check the DPS website to see if your situation qualifies, or call the DPS Customer Service line.

What to do if the DPS office is closed or far away

If your nearest DPS office has limited hours or is far from home, check whether a smaller DPS office in a nearby town offers the same service. Not all DPS locations are full-service offices — some handle only certain transactions. The DPS website lists which services each office provides.

If no nearby office works for your schedule, you can request a different office location when you call DPS Customer Service. They cannot move your appointment, but they can tell you which offices have the shortest wait times and latest hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if it is expired?

Yes. An expired license still counts as proof of identity for replacement purposes. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, the completed DL 44 form, and $16 to any DPS office. You will receive a new license valid for six years from the date of issue.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

You must have one document showing your current address issued within the last 90 days. If you cannot provide this, you cannot replace your license that day. Options include having mail sent to your address, getting a utility bill in your name, or asking a landlord for a signed letter on lease letterhead. Call the DPS to ask whether a specific document will work before you make another trip.

Do I need to take a written test or driving test to replace my license?

No. A replacement is a new copy of your existing license — you do not retake any test. The DPS will take a new photo and update your address if needed, but that is all. If your license was suspended for a medical reason, DPS may require a doctor's clearance before you can replace it.

How do I know if my replacement license was mailed?

The DPS does not send tracking numbers or confirmation emails for replacement licenses. Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days, which gives the plastic card time to arrive. If you have not received it after 10 business days, call the DPS Customer Service line with your driver's license number and they can check the status.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. Your replacement license is mailed to the address on your process. You cannot pick it up at a DPS office or have someone else collect it. If you are moving, update your address with DPS before you explore so the card goes to your new address.

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.