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Texas motorists who have damaged or lost drivers license credentials will need to seek a replacement to continue to drive legally. A replacement drivers license in Texas will likely be required by most drivers at some point. The process requires basic documentation and a visit to your local driver’s license office managed by the TX Department of Public Safety (DPS).

While many states allow drivers to apply for a drivers license copy online, Texas does not offer this service, requiring drivers to apply in person for all replacement licenses. Applicants will need to furnish personal details and documents in order to process their request. If a driver needs to update his or her driving record, then additional paperwork may be required. Read more about how to replace drivers license cards in Texas by reviewing the details provided in the following sections.

When is a replacement drivers license required in Texas?

A duplicate drivers license in Texas should be obtained for any damaged, stolen or lost drivers license, particularly those that are mutilated in a way that leaves the document indecipherable. You should apply for a copy immediately to avoid potential trouble with law enforcement or other individuals that might request to view your driving license or photo ID.

You should also complete a name change on drivers license cards after legally altering your name following marriage, divorce or court order.

How to Replace Your Drivers License in Texas In Person

Drivers must apply for a drivers license replacement in person by visiting any TX DPS driver license office. To replace lost drivers license cards, motorists will need to complete them in full. You may fill it out at your appointment or print it ahead of time and fill it out at home. To assist most TX residents with obtaining a copy, the application is available in both English and Spanish.

When applying for a copy of drivers license in Texas, you will need to submit proof of identity documents along with the form described above.

A sampling of acceptable DMV duplicate license proof of identity documents follows. Note that when applying for a duplicate, only one primary identity document is required. However, when using secondary or supporting identity documents, you must provide two from this category. Although the following lists are not exhaustive, the documents most commonly used are shown.

You may view full lists on the TX DPS website. Primary identity documents including the following:

• Unexpired Department of Homeland Documentation
• Unexpired U.S. military ID card with identifiable photo
• Unexpired U.S. passport

Note: Non-citizens of the United States requesting to replace drivers license in TX must include documentation of lawful presence along with their application. For replacement purposes, Social Security or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services documents with verifiable data are accepted.

Secondary, or supporting, identity documents including the following:

• A 1099, W-2 or original Social Security card
• An out-of-state copy of drivers license that has been expired no longer than two years
• School ID card or record, such as a report card
• Original, certified marriage license or court-signed divorce decree
• Voter registration card

Out-of-State Drivers License Replacement in Texas

Some Texas residents seek to get copy of drivers license documentation while temporarily living out-of-state, and this is acceptable as long the driver’s fixed, permanent address is in Texas. This type of duplicate drivers license application may be necessary for an out-of-state student whose parents’ home address represents the student’s main residence, an active-duty military member serving elsewhere or other out-of-state workers.

Those wondering, “Where can I get a copy of my drivers license while living elsewhere?” should note that different rules apply when living out of state. In addition to completing a different application specifically for out-of-state applicants, drivers will need to send additional documentation proving residency in the state. When replacing drivers license from out of state, follow these steps:

• Complete the application form and pay close attention when filling out the address section
• Provide Texas residency documentation as requested
• Provide proof of Social Security Number
• Mail the application with associated fees via check or money order payable to “Texas DPS” to the address on the form

How to Report a Missing Drivers License in Texas

Before requesting a TX replacement drivers license, you must report the license as being stolen if you have solid reasons to believe that your license was taken on purpose instead of just being lost accidentally. In the event of theft, your duplicate drivers license will feature an entirely new license number.

Upon reporting any stolen license in Texas, obtain the police report and bring along with you to the TX DPS office. This documentation will help you get a replacement credential with a new number to protect your identity and prevent fraudulent use of your previous driving license.

Texas Drivers License Replacement Fees

The cost to replace lost drivers license in Texas varies, although the fee is the same regardless if you are in or out of the state. When drivers get copy of drivers license credentials, their renewal date does not reset or change.

Duplicate cards will be printed with the same renewal date that appeared on the original document. If you are in your renewal period, then you should simply complete the drivers license renewal to get a new card with a later expiration. Duplicate or replacement licenses cost $11 in Texas.

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