How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Yes, you can renew your Texas driver's license, and most people do it entirely by mail or online without visiting a DPS office

Texas allows you to renew your driver's license through three routes: online at the Texas Department of Public Safety website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Which route you can use depends on how long your license has been expired, whether you have a REAL ID endorsement, and whether your address or name has changed. Most renewals take 7 to 10 business days by mail and are processed the same day online.

You do not need to pass a driving test to renew, and you will not need a new photo unless your license has been expired for more than two years or you choose to update it. The renewal fee is $61 for a four-year license or $97 for a six-year license, paid at the time of renewal.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal is the fastest option and works if your license expired less than two years ago and you have no address or name changes.
Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days and works for licenses expired less than two years ago; you will use the renewal notice mailed to you by DPS.
In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license expired more than two years ago, you have a name or address change, or you want a new photo.
REAL ID licenses require in-person renewal and proof of citizenship, while standard licenses can renew by mail or online.
You can check the status of a mail renewal on the DPS website using your driver's license number and date of birth.

Renewing online through the Texas DPS website

Online renewal is the fastest method and requires only a few minutes. Go to the Texas Department of Public Safety website, select "Driver License Services," then "Renew Your Driver License." You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You can pay the renewal fee with a debit or credit card.

Online renewal is available only if your license expired less than two years ago, your name and address have not changed, and you do not have a REAL ID endorsement. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, use the mail or in-person route instead. After you complete the online renewal, your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing by mail with your renewal notice

DPS mails renewal notices to your address on file about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a prepaid envelope and instructions. Fill out the form, include the fee (check or money order only for mail renewals), and mail it back in the prepaid envelope provided.

Mail renewal works if your license expired less than two years ago and you have no address or name changes. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date DPS receives your envelope. If you did not receive a renewal notice, you can request one by calling the DPS Driver License Division at 1-888-589-6900, or you can renew in person at any DPS office instead.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

Visit any Texas DPS office with your current driver's license (or expired license if it expired less than two years ago), proof of residency, and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. Bring your renewal notice if you have it. Processing at the office is usually when ready, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed.

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago, your name or address has changed, you want a new photo, or you hold a REAL ID license. REAL ID renewals also require proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport. You can find your nearest DPS office and check wait times on the Texas DPS website.

What happens if your license expired more than two years ago

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a DPS office in person. You will need your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or document. DPS will take a new photo as part of the in-person process.

Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal. The office will process your process and issue a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

REAL ID renewals and what documents you need

If your driver's license has a REAL ID star in the upper right corner, you must renew in person at a DPS office. REAL ID renewals require proof of citizenship in addition to the standard documents: your current or expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or document.

Acceptable proof of citizenship includes a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, or certificate of naturalization. Bring the original document or a certified copy. If you do not have proof of citizenship, you can still renew as a standard driver's license without the REAL ID endorsement by renewing in person.

Checking the status of your renewal

If you renewed by mail or online, you can check the status on the Texas DPS website. Go to "Driver License Services" and select "Check Your Driver License Status." Enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will show whether your renewal has been received, is being processed, or has been mailed.

If you renewed in person, you received a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Your permanent license should arrive within that time. If it does not, contact the DPS Driver License Division at 1-888-589-6900 with your driver's license number and the date you renewed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license if I moved to another state?

No. You must have a Texas address to hold a Texas driver's license. If you moved out of state, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state. If you moved within Texas, you can renew by mail or online as long as you update your address through the DPS website before renewing, or you can renew in person at a DPS office and provide proof of your new address.

What if my name changed since I got my license?

You cannot renew by mail or online if your name has changed. You must go to a DPS office in person with your current license, proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of residency, and your Social Security card. The office will issue a new license with your updated name.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

No, unless your license expired more than two years ago or you choose to update your photo. If you want a new photo but your license has not expired more than two years ago, you can renew by mail or online without a photo, or you can go in person to a DPS office and request a new photo for an additional fee.

How long does it take to get my renewed license?

Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days from the date DPS processes your request. In-person renewals are processed when ready, and you receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed. Your permanent license should arrive within that 45-day window.

Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my renewal?

No. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas. If you renewed in person, your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days and serves as proof of a valid license. If you renewed by mail or online, you should not drive until your new license arrives. If you need to drive before your renewal is complete, renew in person to get a temporary license when ready.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.