Where to renew your license in Houston
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs driver license renewal in Houston. You can renew in person at a DPS office, by mail, or online through the Texas DPS website — but not all three routes work for every situation. The fastest option depends on whether your license is expired, how soon you need it, and what type of license you hold.
Houston has multiple DPS driver license offices. The main locations are in central Houston, northwest Houston, and southwest Houston. Each office handles renewals, but wait times vary by location and time of day. You can find the full list of Houston-area offices and their hours on the Texas DPS website before you go.
If you renew online or by mail, you do not need to visit an office at all. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and you receive your new license by mail within two to three weeks. Mail renewal takes longer — typically four to six weeks — but requires no trip and no appointment.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you have not renewed online in the past two times.
- In-person renewal at a Houston DPS office takes one to three hours depending on location and time of day, but you can walk out with a temporary paper license the same day.
- Mail renewal takes four to six weeks but requires no appointment or office visit; you need to print and mail a form from the Texas DPS website.
- You must bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of Social Security number to any in-person renewal.
- If your license is expired more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must renew in person at a Houston DPS office.
Online renewal: fastest if you are may be able to access
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the quickest path if your license meets certain conditions. Your license must not be expired, you must not have renewed online in your last two renewals, and you must have a valid email address on file. The process takes about 10 minutes: you log in with your license number and date of birth, review your information, pay the renewal fee (currently $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license), and submit.
Your new license arrives by mail in two to three weeks. You do not receive a temporary license, so if you need to drive before it arrives, you will need to renew in person instead. Online renewal does not work if your address has changed — you must update your address in person or by mail first.
In-person renewal at a Houston DPS office
Renewing in person at a Houston DPS office is the only option if your license is expired more than two years, if you need a temporary license when ready, or if you have changed your address. You do not need an appointment at most Houston offices, but you should arrive early because wait times can reach two to three hours during peak times (lunch hours and late afternoon on weekdays).
Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). The renewal fee is the same as online: $25 for five years or $50 for eight years. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent license by mail.
Some Houston DPS offices offer appointment scheduling through the Texas DPS website. If your local office offers appointments, booking one can cut your wait time to 30 minutes or less. Check the office location page to see if appointments are available for your preferred date and time.
Mail renewal: slowest but no office visit
Mail renewal works only if your license is not expired or expired less than two years. You read and print the renewal form (Form DL-44) from the Texas DPS website, fill it out, and mail it with your current license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee to the address on the form. Processing takes four to six weeks, and you do not receive a temporary license.
Mail renewal is useful if you cannot take time off work or if you live far from a Houston DPS office. The downside is that you cannot drive legally with an expired license while you wait for your new one to arrive. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you must renew in person instead.
What happens if your license is expired more than two years
If your Texas driver license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a Houston DPS office. The process is the same as a standard in-person renewal, but you may be asked additional questions about your driving history or required to pass a vision test.
Bring the same documents: your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. If you cannot locate your expired license, bring your Social Security card or other government-issued ID instead. The renewal fee remains $25 for five years or $50 for eight years.
Address changes and other updates during renewal
If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. Online renewal does not allow address changes, so you must renew in person or by mail. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) along with your other documents. For mail renewal, include the proof of residency with your mailed form.
If you need to change your name, add or remove a restriction, or update your sex designation, you cannot do this during a standard renewal. You must visit a Houston DPS office in person and bring additional documents (marriage certificate for name changes, medical documentation for sex designation changes). These changes are processed separately from renewal and may take longer.
Fees and what to bring to each renewal type
| Renewal Type | Fee | Processing Time | Documents Needed | Temporary License |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | $25 (5 years) or $50 (8 years) | 2–3 weeks | Current license, email on file | No |
| In-person | $25 (5 years) or $50 (8 years) | Same day (temporary) | Current license, proof of residency, proof of SSN | Yes (30 days) |
| $25 (5 years) or $50 (8 years) | 4–6 weeks | Current license, proof of residency, proof of SSN | No |
Proof of residency must be dated within the last 60 days and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name. Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, a W-2, a tax return, or a 1099 form. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired while I was out of state?
Yes. Texas allows renewal by mail or online even if your license expired while you were away. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a Houston DPS office. Bring the same documents you would for any renewal.
What if I lost my current license?
You can still renew in person at a Houston DPS office. Bring a government-issued ID (passport, military ID, or state ID), proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license number.
Do I need an appointment to renew at a Houston DPS office?
Most Houston DPS offices do not require appointments, but some offer them through the Texas DPS website. Appointments can reduce wait times to 30 minutes or less. Check your local office's page to see if appointments are available for your preferred date.
How long is my temporary license valid?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date you receive it. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within that time. If it does not, contact the Texas DPS to check the status.
Can I renew online if I changed my address?
No. Online renewal does not allow address changes. You must renew in person at a Houston DPS office or by mail and include proof of your new address with your process.