Where to go and what to bring in Collin County
Collin County residents renew their driver's licenses at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver license offices. The main office serving the county is located in McKinney, but you can also visit satellite locations in Plano, Frisco, and other cities within the county. You do not need an appointment for most renewals, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Before you go, gather these documents: your current Texas driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing by mail or online, the requirements are slightly different, which we cover below.
Key Takeaways
- Collin County residents can renew at the McKinney DPS office or satellite locations in Plano and Frisco without an appointment.
- You will need your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number.
- Standard in-person renewals take about 15 to 30 minutes at the counter, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- Texas allows online renewal for some drivers, and mail renewal is an option if you meet specific conditions.
- Your license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue driving when ready after your appointment.
In-person renewal at a Collin County DPS office
Walk into any DPS office in Collin County during business hours with your documents. The staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal at the counter. The entire visit typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You will pay the renewal fee at the time of your visit — the current fee for a standard five-year renewal is $25, though this can change.
After you complete the transaction, you will receive a receipt. Your new physical license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid during this time, so you can drive legally while you wait. If you need to update your address, tell the staff member before they process your renewal, because changing your address after the fact requires a separate trip.
Renewing online through the Texas DPS website
Texas allows online renewal for some drivers, but not all. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, your vision is correctable to the legal standard, and you have not had certain violations or suspensions. Visit the Texas DPS website and look for the online renewal option. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method.
Online renewal costs the same as in-person renewal and takes about 10 minutes to complete. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If the system tells you that you are not may be able to access for online renewal, you will need to renew in person at a Collin County DPS office instead. Keep your receipt from the online transaction for your records.
Renewing by mail if you cannot visit an office
Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you meet the same restrictions as online renewal — no medical conditions, no suspensions, and no recent violations. You cannot renew by mail if you need to update your photo or if your address has changed. Contact the DPS to request a mail renewal form, or check the Texas DPS website to see if you can read it directly.
Complete the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DPS receives your packet, plus mailing time in both directions. This method is slower than in-person or online renewal, so plan ahead if you choose this route. Keep a copy of what you send for your records.
What happens if your license is expired
If your Texas driver's license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to a DPS office, a written test, and a driving test. If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew using any of the three methods above, but you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives.
If you are unsure whether your license is within the renewal window, check the expiration date on the front of your card or call the McKinney DPS office at their main number to confirm your status before you make a trip. The staff can tell you when ready whether you are may be able to access to renew or whether you need to explore for a new license.
Collin County DPS office locations and hours
The main DPS office in McKinney is located at 2600 Custer Parkway, McKinney, TX 75070. Satellite offices operate in Plano and Frisco, though hours and services vary by location. Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations offering limited Saturday hours. Call ahead or check the Texas DPS website to confirm the hours of the office nearest you, because hours change seasonally and without notice.
Expect longer wait times during lunch hours and late afternoon. Early morning visits, typically before 10 a.m., tend to have shorter lines. If you are renewing during a busy season — such as near the end of the month or before a holiday — plan for a longer wait. Arriving 15 to 20 minutes before opening can help you avoid peak times.
What to do if you lose your license before renewal
If your license is lost or stolen before you renew it, you will need to replace it first. A replacement license requires an in-person visit to a DPS office and costs less than a renewal. Once you have your replacement license, you can renew it using any of the three methods described above. The replacement and renewal can happen at the same visit if you go to an office in person.
Bring the same documents you would need for a renewal — proof of residency and your Social Security number — plus a report of the loss or theft if you have one. The DPS staff can guide you through both steps during a single appointment, which saves you a return trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Collin County driver's license before the expiration date?
Yes. Texas allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you know you will be traveling or if you want to avoid a last-minute rush. The renewal fee is the same whether you renew early or at the last moment.
Do I need to take a new photo every time I renew?
In-person renewals include a new photo. Online and mail renewals do not — they use your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo but are renewing online or by mail, you will need to visit a DPS office in person instead.
What if I moved out of Collin County but still have a Collin County address on my license?
You can renew your license at any DPS office in Texas, not just in Collin County. However, if you have moved to a different county, you should update your address during renewal. Bring proof of your new residency and tell the staff member before they process your renewal.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days after your renewal is processed. This timeline applies whether you renew in person, online, or by mail. If you do not receive your license within two weeks, contact the DPS to check the status of your order.
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
Outstanding traffic tickets or fines do not prevent you from renewing your license. However, if you have an active suspension related to those tickets, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the DPS or the court that issued the ticket to find out whether your license is suspended.