Where to renew your driver license in El Paso
In El Paso, you renew your driver license at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The main location is the El Paso DPS Driver License Division office, located at 4001 Montana Avenue, El Paso, TX 79903. This is the office that handles most renewals for El Paso residents.
You can also renew at any other DPS office in Texas if you are traveling, though the Montana Avenue location is the one designed for your area. Before you go, check the DPS website or call ahead to confirm hours, because office closures and schedule changes happen without much notice.
If you cannot visit in person, Texas allows online renewal for some drivers. You can renew online through the Texas DPS website if your license is not expired more than two years, you have no medical restrictions, and your address has not changed. Online renewal costs less and takes about a week.
Key Takeaways
- The El Paso DPS Driver License Division office is at 4001 Montana Avenue and handles most renewals for the area.
- You can renew online through the Texas DPS website if your license expired less than two years ago and you have no address or medical changes.
- In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number, and takes about 30 minutes.
- Renewal fees vary by license type and validity period; a standard five-year renewal costs less than an eight-year one.
- If your license is expired more than two years or you need to change your address, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
Documents you need to bring
For in-person renewal at the El Paso DPS office, bring your current driver license and two forms of identification that prove your identity and residency. One document must show your current address.
Acceptable documents for identity and residency include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days. A government-issued ID like a passport works for identity but not for address proof unless it shows your current address. If you have moved recently and your utility bill is not yet in your name, bring a lease or mortgage document instead.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form as proof. If you do not have any of these, you can fill out a form at the DPS office, though this adds time to your visit.
What happens during your in-person renewal
When you arrive at the Montana Avenue office, take a number and wait. The office is typically busiest on weekday mornings and Saturdays, so going on a Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon usually means a shorter wait.
A DPS employee will check your documents, verify your information in the system, and take a new photo for your license. You will answer questions about any medical conditions or restrictions that explore to your driving. Be honest here—if you have had a seizure, vision loss, or other condition that affects your ability to drive safely, you must report it.
You will pay the renewal fee at the window. The fee depends on whether you choose a five-year or eight-year license. Five-year licenses cost less but require renewal sooner. Eight-year licenses cost more but last longer. You cannot choose a validity period longer than eight years.
After you pay, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. Do not throw away the paper license—you need it to drive legally until the plastic card arrives.
Online renewal steps
If you are renewing online, go to the Texas DPS website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth.
The system will ask you to confirm your address and answer health questions. If anything has changed—your address, your name, or your medical status—you cannot complete the online process and must go to the office in person instead.
Once you submit your information and pay the fee online, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail in about a week. You do not get a temporary paper license with online renewal, so make sure your current license is still valid when you submit your process.
Renewal fees and payment methods
The Texas DPS accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at the Montana Avenue office. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only.
Fees vary by license type. A standard five-year driver license renewal costs one amount, while an eight-year renewal costs more. Commercial driver license (CDL) renewals cost more than standard licenses. If you are renewing a license with a Real ID endorsement (the gold star in the corner), the fee may be slightly higher.
Ask the DPS employee for the exact fee before you pay, because rates change and vary slightly by license category. If you pay by check, write it to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
What to do if your license is expired more than two years
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew online. You must go to the Montana Avenue office in person and complete a full renewal process, not just a renewal.
A full renewal requires the same documents as a standard renewal—current license, proof of identity and residency, and proof of Social Security number—but the process takes longer because the DPS treats it as a new license rather than an extension of your old one. You will still receive a temporary paper license and a permanent license by mail.
Bring extra time for this visit. Full renewals can take 45 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is.
Address changes and other updates
If you have moved since your license was issued, you must update your address in person at the DPS office. You cannot change your address online, even if you are otherwise renewing online.
Bring proof of your new address—a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days. The DPS will update your address in the system and issue a new license with the correct information.
If you need to change your name on your license, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. Name changes also require an in-person visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to renew my license in person?
The actual process at the window takes about 10 to 15 minutes, but you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is. Going on a weekday afternoon usually means a shorter wait than Saturday morning.
Can I drive with my paper temporary license?
Yes. The paper temporary license is valid for 45 days and counts as your legal driver license while you wait for the plastic card to arrive by mail. Keep it with you when you drive.
What if my permanent license does not arrive after three weeks?
Contact the DPS office at the phone number on your temporary license. Provide your confirmation number or the date you renewed. The office can check the status of your license and reissue it if it was lost in the mail.
Do I need an appointment to renew at the Montana Avenue office?
No appointment is required. You take a number when you arrive and wait your turn. However, some DPS offices in other Texas cities offer appointment scheduling through the DPS website. Check the website to see if the El Paso office offers this option.
Can I renew my license if it has been suspended or revoked?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must contact the DPS or the court that issued the suspension to find out what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges before you can renew.