You can get a Texas driver's license at a Department of Public Safety office, by mail, or online through a limited renewal program
Texas issues driver's licenses through the Department of Public Safety (DPS), which operates about 130 service centers across the state. Most people renew or obtain a license in person at one of these offices. If you already hold a valid Texas license and meet certain conditions, you can renew by mail or through the online DPS portal without visiting an office. First-time applicants and people with expired licenses must go in person.
The method you use depends on whether you're renewing an existing license, obtaining your first Texas license, or replacing a lost or damaged one. Each path has different requirements and timelines.
Key Takeaways
- In-person service at a DPS office is required for first-time applicants, people with expired licenses, and anyone who cannot meet the online renewal criteria.
- Online renewal through the DPS website is available only if your license is not expired, you have no address changes, and you meet other specific conditions.
- Mail renewal is an option for certain license renewals but takes longer than in-person or online processing.
- DPS offices are located in most Texas counties, and you can find your nearest location and check wait times on the DPS website.
- You will need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to obtain or renew a license.
In-Person Service at a DPS Office
Visiting a DPS service center is the most common way to obtain or renew a Texas driver's license. You do not need an appointment at most locations, though some offices allow you to reserve a time slot online to reduce wait times. Walk-in service is available during posted business hours, which typically run from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and limited Saturday hours at some locations.
Bring your current identification, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. If you are renewing, bring your current license. If you are obtaining your first Texas license, bring your out-of-state license or passport. The office will take your photograph, collect your documents, and process your process on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license that day and your permanent plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
To find the DPS office nearest you, visit the DPS website and use the office locator tool. You can also check estimated wait times for many locations before you go. Offices in rural areas typically have shorter waits than those in major cities.
Online Renewal Through the DPS Portal
The DPS website allows you to renew your license online if you meet specific conditions. Your current license must not be expired, you cannot have any address changes, and you must not have any medical or legal holds on your record. You also cannot renew online if you need to change your name, gender marker, or other personal information.
To renew online, log into your DPS account or create one using your driver's license number and date of birth. You will upload a new photograph, review your information, and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The entire process takes about 10 minutes. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. Online renewal costs the same as in-person renewal.
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access, because you avoid travel time and waiting in line. However, if your license is expired or you need to make any changes to your record, you must visit an office in person.
Mail Renewal for Existing License Holders
You can renew your Texas driver's license by mail if your current license is not expired and you meet the same conditions as online renewal—no address changes, no name changes, and no holds on your record. To renew by mail, read the DL-43 form from the DPS website, complete it, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with your current license, a new photograph, and the renewal fee.
Mail renewal takes longer than in-person or online renewal. Processing typically takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time DPS receives your process, plus mailing time in both directions. You will receive a temporary paper license by mail once your process is processed. Use this temporary license until your permanent card arrives.
Mail renewal is useful if you live far from a DPS office or have a schedule that makes visiting in person difficult. However, if you need your license quickly, in-person or online renewal is faster.
First-Time Applicants and Out-of-State Moves
If you are obtaining a Texas driver's license for the first time or moving to Texas from another state, you must visit a DPS office in person. You cannot renew or transfer a license online or by mail if it is your first process in Texas. Bring your out-of-state driver's license or passport, proof of residency in Texas (such as a lease, utility bill, or bank statement), and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN.
First-time applicants must also pass a written knowledge test and a driving test unless they are transferring a valid license from another state. If you hold a valid out-of-state license and have held it for at least 6 months, you may be waived from the knowledge and driving tests. Bring documentation of your out-of-state license history if you want to request a waiver.
The DPS office will schedule your driving test on the same day or a future date, depending on office availability. Bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition for the test.
Replacement Licenses and Address Changes
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must visit a DPS office to report it and obtain a replacement. Bring your identification and proof of residency. The office will issue a temporary paper license and mail your permanent replacement card within 7 to 10 business days.
If you move to a new address in Texas, you must update your license within 30 days. You can update your address online through the DPS portal if you do not need to renew your license yet. If your address change coincides with a renewal, you must visit an office in person. Bring proof of your new residency, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.
Documents You Will Need
| Document Type | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Current driver's license, passport, military ID, state ID card | Must be valid and issued by a government agency |
| Proof of Residency | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance bill | Must show your name and current Texas address and be dated within the last 60 days |
| Proof of Social Security Number or ITIN | Social Security card, W-2 form, tax return, 1099 form | Original or certified copy required; a photograph is not acceptable |
| Current License (for renewal) | Your existing Texas driver's license | Not needed for first-time applicants |
| Photograph (for mail or online renewal) | Digital photo file or printed 2x2-inch photo | In-person applicants have photos taken at the office |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Texas driver's license cost?
A standard five-year driver's license costs $45 as of 2024. An eight-year license costs $60. Renewal fees are the same whether you renew in person, by mail, or online. Replacement licenses for lost or damaged cards cost $11.
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?
Yes, but you must visit a DPS office in person. You cannot renew by mail or online if your license is expired. You may also be required to retake the written knowledge test and driving test, depending on how long your license has been expired and your age.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring documentation of your ITIN, such as a tax return or IRS letter. You will also need to bring an unexpired passport or other government-issued ID that shows your name and date of birth.
How long does it take to get a Texas driver's license after I explore?
If you explore in person, you receive a temporary paper license the same day and your permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days for the permanent card after processing, plus mailing time. Mail renewals take 4 to 6 weeks for processing before the temporary license is mailed.
Can I change my name or gender marker on my license at the same time as renewal?
Name and gender marker changes require an in-person visit to a DPS office. You cannot make these changes online or by mail. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (such as a marriage certificate or court order), and any required documentation for a gender marker change. The DPS website lists the specific documents needed for gender marker updates.