When requesting a CDL replacement in Texas, drivers have multiple options for submitting an application to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Commercial drivers may need to replace a CDL license because their previous document was lost, stolen, destroyed or seriously damaged. Driving without the proper documentation is illegal in Texas. Drivers found operating a motor vehicle without the necessary license will face fines and legal penalties from the state. Not all drivers are eligible to request a replacement through all available methods.

Replacing a destroyed or lost CDL drivers license can be done in a few simple steps through the DPS. All applications for a license replacement must be accompanied by the necessary supporting material, such as proof of the driver’s identification and residency in Texas. Every application must also be accompanied by the applicable processing fees to be accepted by the DPS. Read on to find out more valuable information about replacing commercial licenses in Texas.

When do you need to get a duplicate CDL license in Texas?

Commercial drivers must pay the necessary Texas CDL replacement fees for every separate request made for a duplicate license. The DPS encourages drivers to request a DMV CDL replacement as soon as possible after losing their original license to avoid breaking the law. All Texas drivers are required to carry the necessary license at all times when operating any type of motor vehicle on public roads.

If a driver requires a duplicate CDL license due to the theft of his or her previous document, the DPS expects the driver to file a police report. The DPS prefers that commercial drivers present the police report long with the duplicate request. The DPS will then decide whether the driver needs to be issued a new license number to avoid fraudulent use of the lost document.

Documents Required to Replace a CDL in Texas

How to replace a CDL license in Texas depends on how the driver chooses to submit the duplicate request. Drivers who would like to apply for a duplicate CDL online, for example, must meet specific eligibility requirements and provide less supporting material than the other submission methods. The primary documents that most commercial drivers are required to present when requesting a CDL replacement from the TX DPS include:

• Application for Renewal/Replacement/Change of a Texas Driver License or Identification Card (if applying in person) OR the Application for Out of State/Country Renewal/Change of a Texas Driver License or Identification Card (if applying by mail)
• One primary proof of identity, two secondary proofs of identity OR one secondary proof and two supporting documents from the following documents:
  • Primary Proofs of Identity:
    • Texas ID or driver’s, not expired more than two years
    • Current U.S. passport
    • S. Certificate of Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization (including photograph: N-560, N-561, N-645, N-550, N-55G, N-570 or N-578 documents)
    • Unexpired Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) document with the driver’s name and photo, such as a USCIS ID or Permanent Resident card
    • Foreign passport with the necessary visa and Form I-94
    • Current U.S. military ID card with photo
  • Secondary Proofs of Identity:
    • Original or certified copy of a U.S. or Canadian birth certificate
    • Certificate of Report of Birth (DS-1350, FS-54 or FS-240) or Consular Report of Birth (DS-1350, FS-54 or FS-240 documents)
    • Original or certified copy of a U.S. court order changing the name or birth date of the driver
  • Supporting Proofs of Identity (including but not limited to):
    • Unexpired foreign passport
    • Social security (SSN) card
    • Driver license or ID card issued in the U.S. or Canada, expired less than two years
    • Texas driver license or ID card, expired more than two years
    • S. Veteran’s ID card
    • Current U.S. military dependent identification card
    • Voter registration card
    • Valid Medicare or Medicaid card
    • Concealed weapons license or a license to carry
• If not already done so, the driver must also present proof of lawful presence in the U.S., usually by presenting an SSN card or USCIS document.

How to Replace a Texas CDL in Person

All licensed commercial drivers can opt to pay Texas CDL replacement fees and submit the necessary application material to the DPS in person. Any driver replacing a stolen or lost CDL drivers license that does not know the card’s audit number are required to submit the request in person.

The DPS also asks drivers who still have more than one state-issued identification document, like an ID card and a driver’s license, to submit the replacement request in person so that they can surrender one of these documents. The state government began consolidating identification cards in 2016.

Commercial drivers can replace a CDL license at any of multiple DPS locations spread out across the state. Texas drivers can get a duplicate commercial license in person by taking the following steps:

1. Print or pick up a copy of the Application for Renewal/Replacement/Change of a Texas Driver License or Identification Card form from your nearest TX DPS location. Complete and sign it.
2. Gather the necessary identification document(s) and proof of lawful presence (if applicable).
3. Prepare the necessary application fee. Check with your nearest DPS location to find out how they accept payment for services.
4. Look into getting in-line before heading to the DPS, online.
5. Bring the completed application and supplemental material to your nearest Tennessee Department of Public Safety branch office.
6. Take a new photo and register your thumb print.
7. Submit your complete application packet. In most cases, drivers will receive a temporary license while waiting to receive their permanent replacement in the mail.

How to Replace a Texas CDL Online

The DPS welcomes requests for duplicate CDL licenses from most commercial drivers online as well. To be eligible to a CDL replacement online, drivers must know the audit number from their previous card and not require that any information be changed on the document.

The process for replacing a CDL license online is somewhat different that the process of submitting a request in person. Online applicants can take the following steps to get a duplicate commercial license online in Texas:

1. Head to the Texas DPS web portal to confirm your eligibility and make a profile. You will need to provide you name, date of birth, license audit number and the last four digits of your SSN.
2. Complete your profile and follow the instructions for the necessary e-services.
3. Prepare the correct application and processing fees by Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American Express payment.
4. Follow the application instructions of the state’s web portal to submit the request.
5. Print your temporary driver license, valid for 60 days.
6. Wait to receive your replacement commercial license in the mail. within two to three weeks (if all documents were submitted electronically).

How to Replace a Texas CDL by Mail

Commercial drivers can request a DPS CDL replacement from out of state if their current residence is still Texas. Drivers who meet the necessary conditions can submit a duplicate CDL license request by paper application by following the same basic steps as applicants submitting the request in person. Unlike those drivers submitting in person, however, applicants submitting by mail must provide certified copies of their proof of Texas residency and SSN.

In addition, the CDL replacement fees must be paid by check or money order. Commercial drivers applying by mail should also be careful to complete the Application for Out of State/Country Renewal/Change of a Texas Driver License form and not the other application for in-person submission. Drivers out of state on military duty should also include a photocopy of their military ID. Once prepared, the driver can send the complete application packet to:

Texas Department of Public Safety
PO Box 149008
Austin, TX 78714-9008

How to Replace a Texas CDL by Phone

Some drivers may be able to apply for a duplicate CDL by contacting the DPS by phone. This method is not encouraged and is generally reserved for special cases. Commercial drivers requesting a replacement under certain conditions can contact the DPS at 1 866 357 3639.

CDL Replacement Fees in Texas

No application for a CDL replacement is complete without the necessary processing fees. In Texas, the CDL replacement fee is generally $11 for each duplicate license request made.

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