What you need to do depends on why you're visiting the DPS
Texas groups three different transactions under "general renewal": renewing a license that is about to expire, replacing one that is lost or damaged, and changing information on an active license. Each one uses the same DPS office visit or online portal, but the documents you bring and the fees you pay are different. Knowing which category you fall into before you go saves you a trip back.
A renewal is what you do when your license is still valid but approaching its expiration date. A replacement is what you do when your current license is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond use. A change is what you do when your name, address, or other information on your license no longer matches your legal documents — usually after marriage, divorce, or moving.
Key Takeaways
- Renewal, replacement, and change are three separate transactions with different fees and document requirements, even though you can do all three at the same DPS office.
- You can renew online through the Texas DPS website if your license is not expired, you have no medical conditions to report, and your address has not changed — but replacement and change must happen in person.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 90 days), and your Social Security card or birth certificate; additional documents depend on which transaction you are doing.
- Replacement licenses cost more than renewals because you are getting a new card number; change transactions may cost nothing if you are only updating your address.
- DPS offices take walk-ins but also accept appointments through their website, and appointment wait times are usually shorter than walk-in lines.
Renewing your license before it expires
A renewal extends your current license for another term. In Texas, a standard driver license is valid for six or eight years depending on your age; the expiration date is printed on the front of your card. You can renew up to one year before that date.
If your license is not yet expired and you have no changes to report, you can renew online at the Texas DPS website without visiting an office. The online process takes about 10 minutes, costs less than an in-person renewal, and your new license arrives by mail within two weeks. You cannot renew online if your license has already expired, if you have a medical condition to report to DPS, or if your address has changed since your last renewal.
If you must renew in person, bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days), and your Social Security card or birth certificate. The in-person fee is higher than the online fee. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your new card by mail within two weeks.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
A replacement gives you a new card with a new license number. You must do this in person at a DPS office; there is no online option for replacement. Bring your current license if you still have it, or bring two forms of identification instead — such as a passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, or state ID. You will also need proof of residency dated within the last 90 days.
Replacement licenses cost more than renewals because you are receiving a new card number and a new physical card. The fee varies slightly by office location but is set by the state. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your new card by mail within two weeks.
If your license was stolen, you do not need to file a police report before visiting DPS, though you may want to do so for your own records. Tell the DPS employee that your license was stolen; they will note this in the system. If your license was damaged — water-damaged, faded, cracked, or otherwise unreadable — bring the damaged card with you so the employee can see the condition.
Changing your name, address, or other information
A change updates your license without issuing a new card number. You must do this in person. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are changing your address only, bring proof of residency at your new address dated within the last 90 days, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement.
Address changes are often free or very low cost. Name changes have a separate fee set by the state. You will receive your updated license by mail within two weeks; there is no temporary paper license for address or name changes, so your current license remains valid until the new one arrives.
If you are changing multiple pieces of information — for example, both your name and your address — you can do both in one visit. Tell the DPS employee what you need to change and bring all required documents for each change.
Documents you need to bring
| Transaction Type | Current License | Proof of Identity | Proof of Residency | Other Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renewal (in person) | Yes | Social Security card or birth certificate | Utility bill, lease, or bank statement (within 90 days) | None |
| Replacement | If you have it | Two forms if no current license; Social Security card, birth certificate, or passport | Utility bill, lease, or bank statement (within 90 days) | None |
| Change — Name | Yes | Social Security card or birth certificate | Utility bill, lease, or bank statement (within 90 days) | Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order |
| Change — Address | Yes | Social Security card or birth certificate | Utility bill, lease, or bank statement at new address (within 90 days) | None |
Where to go and how to schedule your visit
Every Texas county has at least one DPS office that handles driver license transactions. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Texas DPS website. Most offices accept walk-ins during business hours, but wait times vary widely — some offices have lines of an hour or more during peak times.
You can schedule an appointment through the Texas DPS website for most offices. Appointments typically have shorter wait times than walk-ins and let you choose a specific date and time. Some offices fill their appointment slots weeks in advance, especially near the end of the month or before holidays, so check availability early if you have a important date.
Bring all required documents with you. If you are missing even one document, the office cannot process your transaction and you will have to return another day. Double-check the list for your specific transaction type before you leave home.
What happens after you visit the office
When you complete your transaction in person, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days. Your new physical license is mailed to the address on file and usually arrives within two weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods. You can track the status of your license through the Texas DPS website using your driver license number and date of birth.
If your new license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the DPS office where you applied. Keep your temporary paper license until your new card arrives; it is a valid form of identification for driving and other purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license by mail?
No. Texas does not offer mail-in renewal. You can renew online if you meet the requirements, or you must visit a DPS office in person. Online renewal is faster and cheaper than in-person renewal if you are may be able to access.
What if I do not have proof of residency dated within 90 days?
You will need to bring a different form of proof, such as a mortgage statement, property tax receipt, or insurance bill. The document must show your name and current address. If you cannot provide any proof of residency, contact your local DPS office to ask what alternatives they accept.
Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?
Both options are available at most offices. Walk-ins are accepted during business hours, but appointment wait times are usually shorter. You can schedule an appointment on the Texas DPS website if you prefer to avoid a long line.
What if I moved and my license still shows my old address?
You should update your address as soon as possible. This is a change transaction, not a renewal. Bring proof of residency at your new address dated within 90 days. Address changes are usually free or very low cost.
Can I do a renewal, replacement, and change all at the same time?
You can do a replacement and a change together — for example, if your license was lost and you also moved. You cannot combine a renewal with a replacement or change, because renewal assumes your current license is still valid and in your possession.