How to Get a Replacement Driver's License in Texas

The fastest way to replace your Texas driver's license

You can replace your Texas driver's license in person at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked, or online through the DPS website if you only need to update your address. The in-person route takes about 20 minutes and you walk out with a temporary paper license the same day. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days. Online address changes take 1 to 3 business days.

Which route works depends on why you need a replacement. If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you must go in person or mail your process. If you only moved and need a new address on your license, you can do it online. If your license expired or is about to expire, you can renew it instead of replacing it — that is a different process.

Bring your Social Security number, proof of Texas residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and a form of ID. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, you do not need the old one. If it is damaged, bring what is left of it.

Key Takeaways

In-person replacement at a DPS office takes about 20 minutes and gives you a temporary paper license on the spot; the plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
You can mail your process if your license is not suspended or revoked, but you will not get a temporary license and the process takes longer.
Address-only changes can be done online through the DPS website and do not require an office visit.
Bring proof of residency dated within the last 90 days, your Social Security number, and a valid ID to your appointment.
The replacement fee is $16 for a standard license; expedited processing costs extra and is available at some offices.

In-person replacement at a DPS office

Walk into any Texas DPS office with your documents and you can usually be done in 20 to 30 minutes. You will fill out form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License), show your proof of residency and ID, have your photo taken, and pay the $16 fee. You leave with a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed.

No appointment is required at most offices, but wait times vary widely. Some offices have a short line in the morning; others have a two-hour wait in the afternoon. Check the DPS office locator on the Texas DPS website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times if that office posts them. A few high-traffic offices now offer online appointment scheduling through the same locator.

Your new plastic license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within that window, contact the DPS by phone or through their website to check the status. Bring the temporary paper license with you until the plastic one comes.

Mailing in your replacement process

You can mail your process if your license is not suspended, revoked, or cancelled. Fill out form DL-44, include a copy of your proof of residency and ID, and mail it with a check or money order for $16 to the address on the form (listed on the DPS website). Do not send cash.

The mail route takes 7 to 10 business days for processing plus mail delivery time both ways, so expect 2 to 3 weeks total. You will not receive a temporary license, so you cannot legally drive during that time. This route makes sense only if you do not need to drive while your replacement is being processed.

Keep a copy of everything you mail and note the date you sent it. If your license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the DPS to confirm they received your process.

Changing your address without replacing your license

If you moved but your license is not lost, stolen, or damaged, you can update your address online through the DPS website without getting a replacement card. Log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, enter your new address, and pay a $5 fee. The change takes 1 to 3 business days and you do not need to visit an office.

Your current license remains valid with the old address on it during this time. Once the address change is processed, your license is updated in the system even though the card itself still shows the old address. When you renew your license later, you will receive a new card with the correct address.

If you prefer to have a new card with your current address right away, you can request a replacement license in person at a DPS office instead. That costs $16 and takes the same 7 to 10 days for the card to arrive.

What documents you need to bring

Bring one form of ID (a passport, military ID, or previous Texas driver's license), proof of Texas residency dated within 90 days (a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address), and your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring documentation of your immigration status instead.

Proof of residency must show your current address and be dated after the 90-day window closes. A utility bill from two months ago counts; one from four months ago does not. If you just moved and do not have a recent bill in your name, a lease agreement or mortgage statement works.

If you are replacing a damaged license, bring the damaged card. If it is lost or stolen, you do not need it. You will be asked to sign a statement confirming it is lost or stolen.

Fees and processing times

A standard replacement license costs $16. Some DPS offices offer expedited processing for an additional fee (usually $10 to $15), which moves your process to the front of the queue and can reduce the wait time for your plastic card to arrive. Not all offices offer this option, so call ahead or check the office locator to see if your local office does.

Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you explore. Expedited processing can reduce that to 3 to 5 business days, but you still get a temporary paper license on the day you explore. The temporary license is valid for 45 days, which covers you while you wait for the plastic card.

If you need a license for a specific date (a trip, a job start), explore at least two weeks in advance to be safe. If you are cutting it close, ask about expedited processing when you arrive at the office.

If your license is suspended or revoked

You cannot replace a suspended or revoked license through the normal process. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the DPS. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or accumulating too many points on your driving record.

Contact the DPS directly to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what you need to do to clear it. Once it is cleared, you can explore for a replacement through the normal in-person or mail process. The DPS website has a tool to check your license status and the reason for any suspension.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with the temporary paper license while I wait for my plastic card?

Yes. The temporary paper license is valid for 45 days and counts as your legal driver's license. Keep it with you when you drive. Once your plastic card arrives, the paper license is no longer needed.

What if I lost my Social Security number or do not have one?

If you do not have a Social Security number, bring documentation of your immigration status instead. The DPS office staff can tell you what documents may have access to. If you lost your Social Security card, you do not need it for the DPS — you just need to know your number.

How long does it take to get a replacement if I go in person?

The office visit itself takes 20 to 30 minutes. You leave with a temporary paper license the same day. Your plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you choose expedited processing, the plastic card can arrive in 3 to 5 business days.

Can I replace my license at a different DPS office than the one in my county?

Yes. You can go to any Texas DPS office, regardless of which county you live in. Some people choose an office with shorter wait times or more convenient hours, even if it is not the closest one.

What if my replacement license arrives damaged or with the wrong information?

Contact the DPS right away with a photo of the damage or the error. They will send you a corrected card at no charge. Keep the damaged or incorrect card until the replacement arrives.

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.