What you need to do to renew through the Texas Department of Public Safety
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles all driver license renewals in the state. You can renew in person at a DPS office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the DPS website. The method you choose depends on when your license expires, whether you need a new photo, and how quickly you need the renewed license in your hands.
Most people renew either online or by mail because both are faster than waiting at a DPS office. Online renewal takes about 7 to 10 business days from the time DPS receives your payment. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at a DPS office can be done the same day, but you may wait several hours depending on how busy your local office is.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online through the DPS website if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo, and the process takes about 7 to 10 business days.
- Mail renewal is available if your license is not expired, you do not need a new photo, and you have a valid mailing address on file with DPS.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license is already expired, you need a new photo, or you want your renewed license the same day.
- A standard five-year renewal costs $25 in Texas, and you will need your current license number and a valid payment method to complete any renewal method.
Renewing online through the DPS website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you do not need a new photo and your license is still valid. Go to the DPS website at dps.texas.gov and look for the "Driver License" section. Select "Renew Your Driver License" and choose the online option. You will need your current Texas driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to start.
During the online process, DPS will ask you to confirm your personal information, choose whether to keep your current photo or get a new one, and select your mailing address. If you choose to keep your photo, you skip the in-person visit entirely. Pay the $25 renewal fee with a debit card or credit card. DPS will mail your renewed license to the address you provide, which usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days after DPS processes your payment.
Online renewal is not available if your license has already expired, if you need to change your name or address, or if you want to add or remove restrictions. In those cases, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal works if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo. Request a renewal process by calling DPS at 1-888-589-6789 or visiting a DPS office in person. You can also read the process from the DPS website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it to the address listed on the process along with a check or money order for $25.
DPS processes mail renewals in the order they arrive. Your renewed license will be mailed back to you within 2 to 3 weeks of the date DPS receives your process and payment. Keep a copy of your mailed process for your records in case you need to follow up. If your process gets lost in the mail, you will not have proof you sent it unless you kept a copy.
Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but does not require you to visit a DPS office or use a computer. It is a good option if you prefer paper forms or do not have reliable internet access.
Renewing in person at a DPS office
In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, if you need a new photo, or if you want your renewed license the same day. Find your nearest DPS office by visiting dps.texas.gov and using the office locator tool. You can also call 1-888-589-6789 to find the office closest to you and ask about wait times.
Bring your current Texas driver license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and $25 in cash or a debit or credit card. DPS will take a new photo, update your information if needed, and issue your renewed license on the spot. The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on how busy the office is. Arrive early in the day or on a weekday if possible to avoid the longest waits.
Some DPS offices allow you to make an appointment online through the DPS website. Check your local office's page to see if appointments are available in your area. An appointment does not may provide you will not wait, but it can reduce your time in line.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it—you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to a DPS office, a new photo, and proof of citizenship or legal residency. The process is longer and more expensive than a renewal.
If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew it, but you must do so in person at a DPS office. You cannot renew an expired license online or by mail. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and $25 to the DPS office. DPS will take a new photo and issue your renewed license the same day.
Documents and information you will need
For any renewal method, have your current Texas driver license number ready. You will also need the last four digits of your Social Security number and your date of birth. If you are renewing in person, bring your actual license and proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days.
If your address has changed since your license was issued, you will need to update it during renewal. Online and mail renewal allow you to change your address without visiting an office. If you are renewing in person, tell the DPS employee about the address change and bring proof of your new address.
If you want to change your name on your license, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. Name changes cannot be done online or by mail.
What to expect after you submit your renewal
After you complete your renewal, DPS will send you a confirmation email if you renewed online. This email is not your renewed license—it is just confirmation that DPS received your payment. Your actual renewed license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days for online renewals or 2 to 3 weeks for mail renewals.
If you renewed in person, you receive your renewed license when ready before you leave the DPS office. You can use it right away to drive. If you renewed online or by mail, you can continue to use your old license until your new one arrives, as long as your old license has not expired.
If your renewed license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact DPS at 1-888-589-6789 with your confirmation number or process receipt. DPS can check the status of your renewal and reissue your license if it was lost in the mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than two years ago?
No. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must explore for a new license instead of renewing. This requires an in-person visit to a DPS office, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and a new photo. The cost and process are different from a standard renewal.
What if I need my renewed license before the mail arrives?
If you renewed online or by mail and need your license sooner, visit a DPS office in person and ask for an expedited replacement. You will pay an additional fee and receive a temporary paper license you can use while your permanent license is being printed. The permanent license will arrive by mail within a few days.
Can I renew my license if I have changed my name?
Yes, but you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. Online and mail renewal do not allow name changes.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
Not necessarily. If you renew online or by mail, you can keep your current photo. If you renew in person, DPS will take a new photo unless you request to keep your old one. A new photo is required if your current license photo is more than eight years old.
What if I move out of Texas before my renewed license arrives?
Contact DPS at 1-888-589-6789 before you move and provide your new out-of-state address. DPS can update your mailing address and send your renewed license to your new location. If your license arrives after you have moved, you can forward it through the postal service or contact DPS to have it reissued to your new address.