How to Replace a Texas Driver's License

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 are renewing rather than replacing a lost or damaged card. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and you walk out with a temporary paper license the same day. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days after DPS receives your process. Online renewal works only if your license expired within the last two years and you have not changed your address, name, or other information since it was issued.

You will need to bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a Social Security card or W-2, and proof of your current Texas address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring the court order or marriage certificate that shows the change. Bring your old license if you still have it.

Key Takeaways

In-person replacement at a DPS office is the fastest option and gives you a temporary license on the spot, though you will wait in line.
Mail-in replacement works if your license is not suspended or revoked, but takes 7 to 10 business days after DPS receives your packet.
You must bring an original birth certificate, Social Security card or W-2, and proof of your current address dated within 60 days.
Online renewal is available only if your license expired within two years and nothing about your identity or address has changed.
The replacement fee is $16 for a standard five-year license or $32 for an eight-year license; fees are the same whether you go in person or by mail.

In-person replacement at a DPS office

Walk into any DPS office with your documents and a completed DL-44 form (the Texas driver's license process). You can fill out the form at home before you go or at the office. Bring the documents listed above, your old license if you have it, and a check or money order for $16 (five-year license) or $32 (eight-year license). Most offices do not take cash, so call ahead if you are unsure about payment methods at your location.

You will be called to a window, answer questions about your address and any name changes, have your photo taken, and sign the process. The office will give you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to you. The permanent license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before the permanent card arrives, the temporary license is valid in Texas and most other states.

DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day; early morning and mid-week visits are usually shorter. Find your nearest office and current wait times on the DPS website.

Mail-in replacement if you cannot visit an office

Complete a DL-44 form and mail it with copies of your documents to the DPS address listed on the form. You cannot use mail-in replacement if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled. Include a check or money order for $16 or $32 — do not send cash. Make the check payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety."

DPS will process your process when it arrives and mail your new license to the address you provided. The entire process takes 7 to 10 business days after DPS receives your packet, plus mail delivery time on both ends. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so you cannot legally drive during this period. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you must visit a DPS office in person instead.

Keep a copy of everything you mail, including the form and a list of documents you included. If your packet does not arrive or DPS does not receive it, you will have proof of what you sent.

Online renewal for licenses that expired within two years

Visit the DPS website and select "Renew Your Driver License Online." You will need your current or expired license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and show you whether you are may be able to access. You are may be able to access only if your license expired within the last two years and you have not changed your address, name, or other information since it was issued.

If you are may be able to access, you will pay the $16 or $32 fee by credit or debit card. DPS will mail your new license to the address on file. You will not receive a temporary license, and you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives. Online renewal takes the same 7 to 10 business days as mail-in replacement.

Online renewal is not the same as in-person renewal. If you have changed your address or name, or if your license has been suspended or revoked, you must go in person or use mail-in replacement instead.

What to do if your license was lost or stolen

Report a lost or stolen license to local police if you want a report on file, though this is not required to replace the license itself. Then follow the in-person, mail-in, or online process above — the replacement steps are the same whether your license is lost, stolen, damaged, or straightforward expired. You do not need a police report to replace it.

If you are concerned about identity theft because your license was stolen, you can place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.

Fees and payment methods

A standard five-year Texas driver's license costs $16 to replace. An eight-year license costs $32. These fees are the same whether you replace it in person, by mail, or online. You can pay by check or money order if you go in person or by mail. Online replacement accepts credit and debit cards only.

Some DPS offices accept debit cards in person as well, but policies vary by location. Call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods before you visit. Do not send cash by mail.

How long your new license is valid

A standard Texas driver's license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. An eight-year license is valid for eight years. Your new license will expire on your birthday in the year it is set to expire — the DPS office or mail process will show you the exact date. You can renew it online if it expires within two years and your information has not changed, or you can replace it using any of the methods above.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot legally drive and you cannot replace it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact DPS to find out the reason for the suspension and what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot replace a suspended or revoked license until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact DPS to find out why your license is suspended and what you must do to restore it — this might involve paying a fine, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period.

What if I do not have an original birth certificate?

You can use a certified copy issued by the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. Order a certified copy online or by mail from that office — it usually costs $10 to $25 and takes one to two weeks. A photocopy of your birth certificate is not acceptable.

Do I need my old license to get a new one?

No, but bring it if you have it. If your old license is lost or stolen, you can still replace it with just your birth certificate, Social Security card or W-2, and proof of address. The DPS office will note in the system that your old license was not presented.

Can someone else pick up my license for me?

No. You must be present in person at the DPS office to have your photo taken and sign the process. You cannot send someone else to do this for you. If you use mail-in or online replacement, DPS will mail the license to the address you provide.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

Bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days — a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail. If you are using online renewal, you are not may be able to access because online renewal requires that your address has not changed. Use in-person or mail-in replacement instead.

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.