What you need to know about renewing through the Texas Department of Public Safety
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the state agency that issues and renews driver's licenses. You can renew your license through DPS in three ways: online at the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS driver license office. Which method works for you depends on how much time you have, whether your license is expired, and what type of license you hold.
Not every renewal can go through every channel. Online renewal works only if your license is not expired and you meet a few other conditions. Mail renewal is slower but requires no office visit. In-person renewal at a DPS office is the most flexible option and handles situations online cannot.
Key Takeaways
- Texas DPS offers three renewal paths — online, by mail, or in person — and which one you can use depends on your license status and how long you have.
- Online renewal through the DPS website takes about two weeks and costs less than in-person renewal, but only works if your license is not expired.
- Mail renewal takes four to six weeks and requires you to send documents to DPS, but you can start it anytime your license is valid.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is the fastest option for expired licenses and handles name changes, address corrections, and other updates in one visit.
- You will need your current license, proof of residency, and proof of identity for any renewal method.
Renewing online through the DPS website
Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option if you are may be able to access. You go to the DPS website, create or log into your account, and complete the renewal form. The fee is lower than in-person renewal — currently $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license, though fees can change. Your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks.
You can only renew online if your license is not expired, you have not renewed online in the past two years, and you have not had a name change since your last license was issued. If your address has changed, you can update it during the online process. You cannot renew online if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled, or if you need to change your name, eye color, or other physical descriptors.
To start, visit the official DPS website and look for the driver license renewal section. You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will ask you to confirm your personal information and choose your new license type. After you pay the fee online, DPS mails your new license to the address on file.
Renewing by mail with DPS
Mail renewal takes longer but works even if your license is expired. You read the renewal form from the DPS website (form DL-44), fill it out by hand, and mail it along with your current license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee to the DPS address listed on the form. Processing takes four to six weeks after DPS receives your envelope.
Mail renewal costs the same as in-person renewal — currently $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license. You cannot use mail renewal if you need a name change, if your license was suspended or revoked, or if you need to update your photograph. If any of those explore, you must renew in person.
The main risk with mail renewal is that documents can be lost or delayed. Keep copies of everything you send, and consider using certified mail so you have proof DPS received your envelope. If your renewal does not arrive within six weeks, contact your local DPS office to check the status.
Renewing in person at a DPS office
In-person renewal at a DPS driver license office is the most flexible option. You can renew even if your license is expired, and you can handle name changes, address updates, and photograph changes all in one visit. Your new license is usually ready the same day or within a few days, though some offices are busier than others.
In-person renewal costs $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license. You will need to bring your current license (or an expired license if you are renewing after expiration), proof of residency, and proof of identity. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement with your name and current address. Proof of identity can be a passport, birth certificate, or other state ID.
To find your nearest DPS office and check wait times, visit the DPS website and use their office locator tool. Many offices allow you to make an appointment online, which can save you hours of waiting. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are usually seen first. Bring all required documents in original form — photocopies are not accepted for proof of residency or identity.
Documents you need for any renewal method
Every renewal method requires the same basic documents, though how you submit them differs. You need your current driver's license (or an expired license if you are renewing after expiration), proof of residency, and proof of identity. If you have changed your name since your last license, you also need a certified copy of the document that shows the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Proof of residency must show your current address and be dated within 90 days of your process. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail. A cell phone bill or credit card statement does not count. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from them saying you live there, along with the bill.
Proof of identity must be an official document with your photograph or signature. A passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, or military ID all work. If you are using a birth certificate, bring a second form of ID as well — a Social Security card, school ID, or employee badge. For mail and online renewal, you submit copies; for in-person renewal, you bring originals.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license has been expired for less than two years, you can renew it through any of the three methods. If it has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a DPS office — online and mail renewal are not available. You will also need to pass a vision test at the office.
If your license expired more than five years ago, DPS may require you to retake the written driving test and the road test as well as the vision test. Contact your local DPS office to ask what tests you will need before you go in. Bring all required documents plus your expired license.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online renewal takes about two weeks by mail. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks. In-person renewal usually gives you your license the same day or within a few days, depending on how busy the office is. You can drive on your old license until the new one arrives.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
DPS will not renew your license if you have an unpaid traffic fine or if your license is suspended for any reason. You must resolve the ticket or fine first. Contact the court or the DPS office to find out what you owe and how to pay it.
What if I need to change my address but do not want to renew my license yet?
You can update your address without renewing your license by visiting a DPS office in person or by mail. The address change is free. You will need proof of your new address. This does not extend your license expiration date.
Can I renew my license if I am out of state?
Yes, you can renew by mail or online if you are out of state and your license is not expired. If your license is expired or you need a name change, you must renew in person at a DPS office when you return to Texas.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
Appointments are not required, but they are strongly recommended. Many DPS offices allow you to book an appointment online, which can cut your wait time from hours to minutes. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait longer.