Where to renew your El Paso driver license

You can renew your Texas driver license at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, but the El Paso area has several locations that serve residents. The main DPS Driver License office in El Paso is located at 4110 Montana Avenue, El Paso, TX 79903. There is also a DPS office in nearby Las Cruces, New Mexico if that is more convenient for you, though you will need to renew through Texas since your license is issued by Texas.

Before you go to any office, check the current wait times and hours on the Texas DPS website. El Paso offices can have long lines, especially on Fridays and at the beginning of the month. Some people find it faster to visit during mid-week mornings or early afternoons.

You can also renew by mail or online if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired for more than two years, you must have no medical restrictions, and your address cannot have changed. If you are unsure whether you may have access to for mail or online renewal, the DPS website has a tool that checks your specific situation.

Key Takeaways

  • The main El Paso DPS office is at 4110 Montana Avenue, and you can walk in without an appointment, though wait times vary by day and time.
  • You will need your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number or a document showing it.
  • Renewal by mail takes about two weeks and costs less than in-person renewal, but only works if your license expired within the last two years and you have no medical restrictions.
  • Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option if you are may be able to access, and you can complete it from home in about 10 minutes.
  • The renewal fee in Texas is $25 for a four-year license or $50 for an eight-year license, and you choose the length when you renew.

What documents you need to bring

Bring your current driver license or a valid form of ID. If your license is lost or stolen, bring a passport, military ID, or state ID card instead. The DPS office will not renew without proof of who you are.

You also need proof that you still live in Texas and proof of your Social Security number. For proof of residency, bring one of these: a recent utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a government document with your current address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 90 days.

For your Social Security number, you can bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a birth certificate. If you do not have any of these, you can provide a document issued by a federal or state agency that shows your number. If you cannot provide proof of your Social Security number, you can sign an affidavit at the DPS office, but this takes extra time.

Renewing online or by mail instead of in person

The Texas DPS website lets you renew online if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions or address changes. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $25 for a four-year renewal, and your new license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. You pay with a credit or debit card. This is the fastest and cheapest option if you are may be able to access.

Mail renewal is slower but also avoids a trip to the office. You fill out an process form (DL-44), include a copy of your current license and proof of residency, and mail it to the DPS. Mail renewal costs $16 for a four-year license and takes about two weeks. You can read the form from the Texas DPS website or call 1-888-589-6789 to request one by mail.

Both online and mail renewal require that your license expired no more than two years ago. If your license has been expired longer than that, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

What happens during an in-person renewal visit

When you arrive at the DPS office, take a number from the kiosk or ask staff for one. You will wait until your number is called. Bring all your documents with you — do not leave anything in the car.

When you reach the window, the staff member will check your documents, verify your information in the system, and take a new photo for your license. The photo is taken at the office, so dress as you would for any ID photo. You will also answer questions about your health and any medical conditions that might affect your driving, such as vision problems or seizure disorders. Answer honestly — these questions determine whether your license has restrictions.

After the photo and questions, you pay the renewal fee (either $25 for four years or $50 for eight years) and choose which length you want. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 45 days while your new plastic license is printed and mailed to you. The new license usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing before your license expires

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Many people do this to avoid the rush when their expiration date is near. If you renew early, your new license will have a new expiration date one year (or two years, depending on which length you choose) from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date.

Renewing early is useful if you know you will be busy closer to your expiration date or if you want to avoid long lines at the DPS office. It also means your license will not expire unexpectedly if you forget to check the date.

If your license is expired or lost

If your license is expired by more than two years, you cannot renew — you must explore for a new license. This requires an in-person visit to a DPS office and costs more than renewal. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number, just as you would for renewal.

If your license is lost or stolen, report it to the DPS office when you renew or explore for a replacement. Bring a police report if you have one, though it is not required. A replacement license costs the same as a renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas license if I moved out of state?

No. If you no longer live in Texas, you must get a license from your new state instead. You cannot renew a Texas license from outside Texas, even by mail or online. Contact your new state's Department of Motor Vehicles to find out how to transfer your license.

What if I have a medical condition that might affect my driving?

Tell the DPS staff member during your renewal. They will ask you questions about your health and may require a doctor's statement for certain conditions. Some conditions result in restrictions on your license, such as "corrective lenses required" or "daylight driving only." These restrictions are noted on your license and are legally binding.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days from the date you receive it. Your new plastic license should arrive before then, but if it does not, contact the DPS office. Do not drive after the 45 days expire, even if your new license has not arrived yet.

Can I renew someone else's license for them?

No. The person whose license it is must be present at the DPS office for an in-person renewal. They must provide their own documents and answer the health questions themselves. Online and mail renewal also require the license holder to complete the process.

What if my name changed since my last license?

Bring a document proving your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS office will update your name in the system during renewal. Your new license will show your current legal name.