What you need to know about Texas driver's licenses right now
A Texas driver's license is issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and serves as your legal proof of identity and driving permission in the state. In 2025, the process for getting a new license or renewing an existing one follows the same basic steps it has for several years, though some locations may have wait times that vary by season and by which DPS office you visit. You will need to visit a DPS driver license office in person — you cannot complete this entirely online or by mail.
The main thing that changed recently is that Texas now issues Real ID-compliant licenses by default. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for air travel and entry to federal buildings. If you renew or get a new license in 2025, you will receive a Real ID license unless you specifically request a non-compliant version.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Texas DPS driver license office in person; bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of identity.
- A new license costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license; renewals cost $16 for four years or $32 for eight years.
- Renewal by mail is available only if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your address has not changed; otherwise you must go in person.
- Real ID licenses (marked with a gold star) are now standard and required for federal air travel as of May 2025.
- Wait times at DPS offices vary widely by location and time of year; visiting early in the week or during off-peak hours usually means shorter lines.
Documents you need to bring to the DPS office
The DPS requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work for most documents.
For proof of identity, bring one of these: a U.S. passport, a U.S. passport card, a certified birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, a certificate of naturalization, a certificate of citizenship, a military ID, or a tribal ID. If you are renewing and your current license is not suspended, your current Texas driver's license can count as proof of identity.
For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a Social Security Administration letter. A birth certificate with your Social Security number printed on it also works.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, an insurance policy, or a government check. The document must show your current name and address and be dated within the last 30 days. If you have moved recently and do not have a document in your new name yet, bring a signed letter from your landlord or a utility company confirmation.
Getting a new license versus renewing an existing one
If you have never had a Texas driver's license, or if your license has been expired for more than two years, you are getting a new license. The process is the same whether you are 16 or 65. You will take a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test. You can study for the written test using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free on the DPS website. The driving test happens at the DPS office with a DPS examiner.
If your Texas license expired within the last two years, you can renew it. A renewal does not require a new driving test or written test — you just need to update your information and pay the fee. If you renew by mail (see below), you skip the office visit entirely.
If your license is currently valid and not expiring soon, you do not need to do anything. Texas licenses are valid for four or eight years depending on which you chose when you got the license.
Renewing by mail if you are may be able to access
You can renew your Texas driver's license by mail only if all of these are true: your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions on your license, your address has not changed since your last renewal, and your license expired no more than two years ago. If any of these do not explore to you, you must visit a DPS office in person.
To renew by mail, send your current license, a completed DL-44 form (the renewal process), and a check or money order for $16 (four-year license) or $32 (eight-year license) to the address on the DPS website. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. The DPS will mail your new license back to you. Processing takes about two to three weeks.
If you want to renew by mail but are not sure whether you meet all the requirements, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 before you mail anything. They can tell you in a few minutes whether mail renewal is an option for you.
Visiting a DPS driver license office in person
Find your nearest DPS office on the DPS website by entering your city or zip code. Many offices now let you reserve a time slot online, which can cut your wait time significantly. If your office offers online scheduling, book a slot before you go. If it does not, arrive early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon, when lines are usually shorter.
Bring all your documents, your current license (if you have one), and your completed DL-44 form. You can fill out the form at home or at the office. At the office, you will have your photo taken, pass a vision test, and pay your fee. If you are getting a new license, you will also take a written test and a driving test. The written test is on a computer and takes about 20 minutes. The driving test takes about 10 to 15 minutes and happens in a DPS vehicle with a DPS examiner.
Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use to drive while you wait for the real one to arrive.
Real ID licenses and what the gold star means
Starting May 7, 2025, a Real ID-compliant license is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner. Texas now issues Real ID licenses by default, so if you get a new license or renew in 2025, you will receive one automatically.
If you do not want a Real ID license — for example, if you have a passport and do not plan to fly domestically — you can request a non-compliant license instead. Tell the DPS employee at the office that you want to opt out of Real ID. Your license will look the same except it will not have the gold star.
If you already have a valid Texas license without the gold star, it remains valid for driving within Texas and for other purposes. You do not have to replace it just to get the gold star. However, if you plan to fly domestically after May 7, 2025, you will need either a Real ID license, a passport, a passport card, a military ID, or a tribal ID.
Fees and how long it takes
A new four-year Texas driver's license costs $16. An eight-year license costs $32. Renewals cost the same. These are the only fees — there is no process fee or processing fee on top.
If you visit a DPS office in person, you will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your real license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, processing takes about two to three weeks. During busy seasons (late summer, around the holidays), mail processing can take longer.
Wait times at DPS offices vary widely. Some offices have wait times of 30 minutes; others have waits of two hours or more, depending on the location and the time of day. Booking an online time slot can reduce your wait to 15 to 30 minutes. If you do not have an appointment, going on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday morning usually means a shorter wait than going on a Friday or Monday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I lost my license or it was stolen?
Report it to the DPS and request a replacement. Bring your documents the same way you would for a renewal. You will pay the same fee ($16 or $32) and receive a temporary license at the office. Your replacement will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Can I renew my license online?
No. Texas does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if you meet the requirements listed above, or you can visit a DPS office in person. You cannot complete the process on the DPS website.
What happens if my license expires while I am waiting for my renewal?
If you have a temporary paper license from the DPS office, you can drive legally on that while you wait for your real license to arrive. If you renewed by mail, your old license remains valid until your new one arrives, even if the expiration date has passed.
Do I need to pass a driving test to renew my license?
No, not if you are renewing a license that expired within the last two years. You only take a driving test when you get a new license for the first time or when your license has been expired for more than two years.
What if I moved to Texas from another state?
You will need to get a new Texas license. Bring your out-of-state license as proof of identity, along with your other documents. You will take the written test and driving test. Your out-of-state license remains valid until your Texas license arrives.