How to Renew Your Driver License in Abilene, Texas

Where to renew your license in Abilene

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs driver license renewal in Abilene. You can renew in person at the DPS Driver License office located at 4250 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene, TX 79605. This is the only physical location in Abilene where you can complete an in-person renewal.

You can also renew online through the Texas DPS website if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired by more than two years, you must have a valid Texas address on file, and you cannot have any medical or vision restrictions that require testing. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than in-person renewal.

By mail is not an option for driver license renewal in Texas. The state does not accept mail-in renewal requests.

Key Takeaways

The DPS Driver License office at 4250 Buffalo Gap Road is the only place in Abilene to renew in person, and you should arrive early because wait times often exceed one hour.
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website costs $16 and takes 10 minutes, but only works if your license expired less than two years ago and you have no medical or vision restrictions.
You need either a Real ID-compliant document (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) or a standard document package to renew, and the requirement depends on whether you want a Real ID license.
In-person renewal at the Abilene office costs $33 for a standard license or $48 for a Real ID license, and the new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew and must retest for vision and written knowledge, which requires scheduling a separate appointment.

What documents you need to bring

The documents you bring depend on whether you want a standard Texas driver license or a Real ID-compliant license. Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and are required for federal facilities like airports and military bases starting May 7, 2025.

For a standard license renewal, bring one document that proves your identity and current address: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days. You also need your current Texas driver license or ID card. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

For a Real ID license renewal, the requirements are stricter. Bring a document proving citizenship or lawful presence (U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization papers, or visa), a document proving your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form), and a document proving your current address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days). You also need your current Texas driver license or ID card.

In-person renewal at the Abilene DPS office

Walk in to the DPS office at 4250 Buffalo Gap Road without an appointment. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on state holidays. Arrive early—wait times regularly reach 60 to 90 minutes, especially on Thursdays and Fridays and between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Bring your documents, your current license, and payment. A standard license costs $33 and a Real ID license costs $48. The DPS accepts cash, debit, and credit cards. You will take a new photo during the visit. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your old license until the new one arrives.

If you cannot drive to the Abilene office, the nearest alternative DPS locations are in Midland (about 100 miles west) and Fort Worth (about 180 miles east). Neither is practical for a same-day visit.

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS online renewal portal at dps.texas.gov and select "Renew Driver License Online." You will need your current Texas driver license number, your date of birth, and your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity against state records.

Online renewal costs $16 and takes about 10 minutes. You cannot choose a Real ID license online—you can only renew a standard license. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue using your current license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than two years ago, if you have medical or vision restrictions on your current license, if your address on file is outside Texas, or if your name has changed since your last license. In any of these cases, you must renew in person at the Abilene DPS office.

When your license expires and renewal important date

Texas driver licenses expire on your birthday. Your license shows the expiration date on the front. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you have a full year window to complete renewal before the important date.

If your license has expired, you can still renew it if it expired less than two years ago. You can renew online or in person using the same process. If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew—you must retest. This means scheduling a new appointment, taking a vision test, and passing a written knowledge test. Retesting is more time-consuming and costly than renewal.

Renewing early is practical because the new license takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. If you wait until your birthday or later, you risk driving with an expired license while waiting for the new one.

Real ID versus standard license: which to choose

A Real ID license has a gold star and meets federal identification standards. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID license or a passport to enter federal buildings, military bases, and TSA-secured airport areas. A standard Texas driver license will no longer be accepted for these purposes after that date.

If you fly domestically or visit federal facilities, a Real ID license is practical because you can use it instead of carrying your passport. The cost difference is $15 ($33 for standard, $48 for Real ID). The renewal process is identical except for the documents you bring—Real ID requires proof of citizenship or lawful presence and proof of your Social Security number.

If you do not fly or visit federal facilities, a standard license is sufficient. You can always upgrade to Real ID later by renewing again in person and bringing the additional documents.

What to do if you cannot visit the Abilene office

If you live outside Abilene but hold a Texas driver license with an Abilene address, you have two options. You can renew online if you meet the requirements (license expired less than two years ago, no medical or vision restrictions, no name change). Online renewal costs $16 and requires no office visit.

If you cannot renew online, you must visit a DPS Driver License office in person. You can visit any DPS office in Texas, not just the one in Abilene. Find the nearest office to you at dps.texas.gov under "Driver License Offices." Offices in larger cities like Fort Worth, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio often have shorter wait times than smaller locations, though this varies by time of day and day of week.

If you have moved out of Texas and your license still shows a Texas address, you should update your address before renewing. You can update your address online at the DPS website or in person at any DPS office. Updating your address does not renew your license—it is a separate step.

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 cannot renew. You must retest, which means scheduling an appointment, taking a vision test, and passing a written knowledge test. This is a longer process than renewal and costs more. Contact the Abilene DPS office at (325) 674-6700 to schedule a retest appointment.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you renew, whether you renew online or in person. You can continue using your current license until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner, you cannot expedite the mail delivery through the DPS.

What if my name changed since my last license?

You must renew in person at the Abilene DPS office and bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. Online renewal is not available if your name has changed. Bring the name-change document along with your other required documents.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

Yes, if you renew in person. The DPS takes a new photo at the office during your visit. If you renew online, the DPS uses your photo from your current license, so no new photo is taken.

What if I lose my license while waiting for the new one to arrive?

Contact the Abilene DPS office at (325) 674-6700 to report the loss. You can request a replacement license, which costs $11 and arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You will need to show your current license or bring an ID document to report the loss in person.

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.