How to Renew Your Driver License in San Antonio

Where to go and what to bring

In San Antonio, you renew your driver license at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The main office that handles renewals is located at 4615 Medical Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229. You can also use any other DPS office in the state if that location is inconvenient, though the San Antonio office typically has shorter wait times for local residents.

Before you go, gather these documents: your current driver license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a document proving the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You do not need to bring your original Social Security card or birth certificate unless you are renewing for the first time or your license has been expired for more than two years.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Arrive early if you can; the office closes to new customers 15 minutes before closing time. You can check current wait times on the DPS website before you go.

Key Takeaways

Renew at the DPS office on Medical Drive in San Antonio, or any DPS office statewide, with your current license and proof of residency dated within 90 days.
The renewal process takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you are called, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week.
You can renew online if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change, which avoids the office visit entirely.
A renewed license costs $16 for a two-year license or $32 for a five-year license; payment is cash, check, or card.
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can drive on your old license until it arrives.

Renewing online instead of in person

If your license is not yet expired and your name has not changed, you can renew online through the Texas DPS website without visiting an office. This is the fastest route and takes about 10 minutes. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method.

Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need a new photo, or if you have had a name change. You also cannot renew online if you have certain medical conditions that require a DPS review or if your address needs to be updated to something other than what is on file. In those cases, you must visit an office in person.

After you complete the online renewal, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

What happens during your in-person visit

When you arrive at the DPS office, check in at the front desk and take a number. You will wait until your number is called. Once you reach a clerk, they will verify your documents, confirm your information, and take a new photo for your license. The photo is taken at the office—you cannot bring your own.

The clerk will ask you to confirm your address and whether you want to be an organ donor. If your address has changed, tell them now. You will also be asked whether you want a REAL ID-compliant license (which costs the same but requires additional proof of citizenship or legal residency). Most people already have REAL ID on their current license, so this step is usually just a confirmation.

After the photo and information are confirmed, you will pay the renewal fee and receive a receipt. Keep this receipt—it serves as your temporary license if your current one expires before the new one arrives. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes from the time you are called.

Cost and payment options

A standard driver license renewal in Texas costs $16 for a two-year license or $32 for a five-year license. You choose the term when you renew. The five-year option costs more but means you will not need to renew again for five years. The DPS office accepts cash, checks, and debit or credit cards.

If you are 85 years old or older, renewal is free. If you are a veteran, you may be may have access to to a discount—ask the clerk when you arrive. There are no additional fees for standard renewals, though if you need to replace a lost or damaged license at the same time, that costs extra.

Timeline and what to expect after you leave

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days of your visit. Mail delivery in San Antonio is typically reliable, but if you do not receive your license within two weeks, contact the DPS to report it. You can drive on your old license or your receipt until the new one arrives.

If you renewed online, the timeline is the same—7 to 10 business days. You will not receive a receipt in the mail; your confirmation number from the online transaction is your proof of renewal if you are stopped by police before the new license arrives.

Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or keep it for your records. There is no requirement to turn it in. If your new license never arrives, you can request a replacement at any DPS office, though you will have to pay the renewal fee again.

If your license is already expired

If your license has been expired for less than two years, you can still renew it using the same process—either online or in person. The cost is the same. You do not need to take a written or driving test.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it. Instead, you must explore for a new license, which requires a written test, a driving test, and a vision test. This process takes longer and costs more than a renewal. You will also need to bring your birth certificate and proof of citizenship or legal residency. If this applies to you, contact the DPS office or visit their website to understand the full requirements for a new license process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license by mail?

Texas does not offer mail-in renewal for driver licenses. You must either renew online or visit a DPS office in person. Online renewal is available if your license is not expired and your name has not changed.

What if I move to a different address before my new license arrives?

Contact the DPS and provide your new address. They can update your mailing address in the system so your license is sent to the correct location. You can do this by phone or by visiting a DPS office. Have your license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number ready.

Do I need a REAL ID to renew my license in San Antonio?

REAL ID is optional in Texas. Most people already have it on their current license. If you want REAL ID on your renewed license, tell the clerk at the office. It costs the same as a standard renewal but requires proof of citizenship or legal residency.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You can still renew if your license is not expired, even if you have lost it. Bring your proof of residency and Social Security number to the DPS office. The clerk will look up your license information in the system. You will pay the renewal fee plus a replacement fee for the lost license.

How long does the DPS office stay open on weekends?

The San Antonio DPS office is open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. only. It is closed on Sundays. If Saturday does not work for you, weekday visits typically have shorter wait times in the early morning, before 10 a.m.

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.