What You Need to Do to Renew in Texas

To renew your Texas driver license, you submit an process through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), either online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. The method you choose depends on how much time you have and whether your license qualifies for online renewal. Most people renew online because it takes about 10 minutes and costs less than going to an office. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

You do not need to pass a driving test to renew unless your license has been expired for more than two years, you are over 85, or DPS flags your record for a retest. If you are renewing before your current license expires, the process is straightforward. If your license is already expired, you can still renew, but the rules change slightly depending on how long it has been expired.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest and cheapest option if your license is not expired or expired less than two years.
  • You will need your current Texas driver license number, a Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to renew online.
  • Your new license is mailed to the address on file and takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive; you can drive on your expired license until the new one comes.
  • If your license expired more than two years ago or you are over 85, you must renew in person at a DPS office and may need to pass a vision test or driving test.
  • The renewal fee is $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license; online renewal costs $1 less than in-person renewal.

Renewing Online Through the Texas DPS Website

Online renewal is available at dps.texas.gov under the "Driver License" section. Go to the page labeled "Renew Your Driver License Online" and click the link to start. You will be asked to enter your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and show you what information DPS has on file.

Next, you choose your license term: four years or eight years. The four-year license costs $32 online; the eight-year license costs $65 online. You will also choose whether to keep your current address or update it. If you have moved, update your address now — your new license will be mailed to whatever address you enter here. Then you pay with a debit or credit card and receive a confirmation number. Write down or screenshot this number; you will need it if you have questions about your order.

Your new license is printed and mailed within two business days. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days after that. You can drive on your current expired license while you wait. If you need your license faster, you cannot pay extra for expedited mail through DPS, but you can pick up your license in person at a DPS office once it is ready — call the office to ask when it has arrived.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal is slower than online but works if you prefer not to use the internet. You request an process form from DPS by calling 1-888-589-6789 or visiting a DPS office in person. Fill out the form (DL-43), include a check or money order for $32 (four-year) or $65 (eight-year), and mail it to the address shown on the form. Do not send cash.

Mail renewal takes longer than online because your form has to travel to DPS, be processed by hand, and then your new license has to be mailed back to you. Total time is usually 4 to 6 weeks. You can drive on your expired license during this time. If you are renewing before your license expires, mail renewal is an option. If your license is already expired, check the expiration date before choosing mail — if it expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail and must go to an office.

Renewing in Person at a DPS Office

Walk into any DPS office with your current driver license and proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address). You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations use an online reservation system — check dps.texas.gov to see if your local office requires one. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. The office will take a new photo, you will pay the fee ($33 for four-year, $66 for eight-year), and you will receive a temporary paper license to drive on when ready.

Your permanent license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal is the only option if your license expired more than two years ago, if you are over 85, or if you need to update your address and do not want to wait for mail delivery. Office hours vary by location; most are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some open Saturday mornings. Bring your phone or a book — wait times range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the office and time of day.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired

If your license expired less than two years ago, you can renew online or by mail using the same process as someone renewing before expiration. If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must go to a DPS office in person. You will need to pass a vision test, and DPS may require you to pass a written test or driving test depending on your age and driving record.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, DPS treats it as a new process rather than a renewal, which means you will need to provide proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number — bring documents like a passport, birth certificate, utility bill, and Social Security card. The fee is the same as renewal. Call your local DPS office before you go to ask what documents they need, because requirements can vary slightly by office.

Documents and Information You Will Need

For online renewal, you need only your current Texas driver license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You also need a valid debit or credit card to pay the fee. That is all — no documents to print or mail.

For in-person renewal, bring your current driver license and proof of residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail showing your current address). If you are renewing after your license has expired more than two years, bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number, and be prepared to show proof of identity and citizenship — a passport, birth certificate, or military ID works. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.

Fees and Payment Methods

The renewal fee depends on the term you choose. A four-year license costs $32 if you renew online, $33 if you renew in person, or $32 if you renew by mail. An eight-year license costs $65 if you renew online, $66 if you renew in person, or $65 if you renew by mail. You pay by credit card or debit card online, by check or money order by mail, or by cash, check, or card in person at an office.

If you renew in person and need a duplicate license (a second copy mailed to a different address), that costs an additional $11. If you need to change your name, address, or other information on your license beyond what a standard renewal allows, there may be additional fees — ask at the DPS office or call ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive on my expired license while I wait for my new one?

Yes. If you renew online or by mail, you can drive on your expired license until your new one arrives. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license to drive on when ready, and your permanent license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

What if I moved and need to update my address?

If you renew online, you can update your address during the renewal process and your new license will be mailed to the new address. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) and update it at the office. If you renew by mail, you can update your address on the process form.

Do I have to take a test to renew my license?

No, not for a standard renewal if your license is not expired or expired less than two years. If your license expired more than two years ago, you are over 85, or DPS flags your record, you will need to pass a vision test and possibly a written or driving test. Call your local DPS office to ask what applies to your situation.

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

Your new license is printed and mailed within two business days of your online renewal. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days after that, so total time is usually 9 to 12 business days. If you need it faster, you can pick it up in person at a DPS office once it is ready — call the office to check.

What if I lost my driver license number?

If you are renewing online and do not have your license number, you cannot complete the renewal online. Go to a DPS office in person or call 1-888-589-6789 to request a mail renewal form. The office or phone line can look up your number using your name and date of birth.