Where to submit your renewal and what form you need
Texas lets you renew by mail, online, or in person at a driver license office. The method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time is left before it expires, and whether you need a new photo.
For mail renewal, you'll send Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License) or Form DL-43 (Renewal process) directly to the Texas Department of Public Safety. The form you use matters: DL-43 is the standard renewal form if your address and basic information haven't changed. DL-44 is used when you're explore for the first time or when significant changes explore. Both forms are free and available on the Texas DPS website.
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is faster and doesn't require printing or mailing anything. You can renew online if your license is not suspended or revoked, you're a Texas resident, and your license expires within the next year. The online system will tell you when ready if you're not may be able to access for that method.
Key Takeaways
- Mail renewal uses Form DL-43 and takes about two to three weeks; online renewal is when ready but only works if your license is valid and not suspended.
- You must include proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days) and your current license with your mail process.
- If your address has changed, you cannot renew online and must use mail or visit an office in person.
- Texas charges a renewal fee that varies based on license type and validity period; check the current fee on the DPS website before you submit.
- If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail and must explore in person at a driver license office.
Documents and information you need to include with a mail process
When you mail Form DL-43, include your current driver license and one document proving your current address. The Texas DPS accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, insurance documents, or government mail dated within 90 days of your process. A phone bill or credit card statement does not count as proof of residency.
You also need to include the renewal fee. The fee depends on your license type and how long you want it valid — typically five or eight years for standard licenses. Check the Texas DPS website for the exact current amount before you mail your process, because fees change and the DPS will return incomplete payments.
Do not send cash. Pay by check or money order made out to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Include your driver license number on the check or money order so the payment can be matched to your process if it arrives separately.
How to submit your process by mail
Print Form DL-43 from the Texas DPS website and fill it out completely. Sign and date the form — an unsigned form will be returned. Include your current license, proof of residency, and payment in the same envelope.
Mail everything to the address listed on the form. The Texas DPS has regional processing centers, and the form will show you which address to use based on your county. Do not mail to the main DPS office in Austin unless the form specifically directs you to do so.
Keep a copy of everything you send, including the form, proof of residency, and a photo of the check or money order. If your process gets lost in the mail, you'll have proof of what you submitted. Mail typically takes five to seven business days to arrive, so send your process at least three weeks before your license expires.
Renewing online through the Texas DPS website
Go to the Texas DPS online renewal portal and enter your driver license number and date of birth. The system will check whether you're may be able to access to renew online. If you are, you'll be asked to confirm your address and other information on file.
You cannot change your address online. If your address has changed, you must renew by mail or in person. The online system will tell you this before you pay, so you won't be charged if you're ineligible.
If the system approves you, you'll pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within two to three weeks. You'll receive a confirmation number when ready after payment — save this in case you need to track your process.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than two years
If your Texas driver license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a driver license office in person and complete a full process, not a renewal. This means you'll need to provide proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and a new photo.
The in-person process takes longer than a renewal and costs more. You'll also need to pass a vision test and may be asked to retake the written test depending on how long your license has been expired. Check the Texas DPS website for the office nearest you and whether you need to make an appointment.
Timeline and what to expect after you submit
Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time the Texas DPS receives your process. The postal service usually takes five to seven days to deliver your envelope, so send it at least three weeks before your license expires to be safe.
Online renewal is when ready — you'll receive a confirmation number when ready after payment, and your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.
You can use your old license to drive while you wait for the new one to arrive, as long as it has not yet expired. Once your new license arrives, destroy the old one or return it to a driver license office if you prefer.
If three weeks have passed and you haven't received your new license, contact the Texas DPS to check the status of your process. Have your confirmation number or process date ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
No. The Texas DPS will not process a renewal if you have an unpaid traffic fine or court judgment. You must pay the fine or resolve the court case first. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out the balance and payment options.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
If your name changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you cannot renew by mail. You must visit a driver license office in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You'll also need your current license and proof of residency.
Do I need a new photo for a mail renewal?
No. Mail renewal uses your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a driver license office. Online renewal also uses your existing photo.
What if I move out of Texas before my renewal arrives?
Contact the Texas DPS when ready with your new address. They may be able to forward your license or issue a replacement to your new state. If you've already moved, you'll need to follow your new state's license transfer process rather than complete the Texas renewal.
Can someone else mail in my renewal process for me?
Yes, but the form must be signed by you, not by someone acting on your behalf. You can have someone else handle mailing it, but you must sign the form yourself before they send it. The Texas DPS will not accept a form signed by anyone other than the license holder.