What you need to do to renew in Texas
In Texas, you renew your driver license through the Department of Public Safety (DPS). You can renew in person at a DPS office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Texas DPS website. The method you use depends on how much time is left before your license expires and whether your license has been suspended or revoked.
Your license is valid for six years from the date it was issued. Texas sends renewal reminders by mail about 60 days before expiration, though the reminder is informational only — you are responsible for renewing on time. Driving on an expired license is illegal, even if you have applied for renewal.
Key Takeaways
- Texas driver licenses are valid for six years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation and how soon your license expires.
- Online renewal is available if your license expires more than 60 days away and you have not renewed online in the past 12 months.
- Mail renewal requires your current license, a completed process form, and payment, and takes about two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number, and you can usually complete it the same day.
- If your license has been suspended, revoked, or you have unpaid traffic tickets, you must renew in person and resolve those issues first.
Renewing online through the Texas DPS website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You can renew online at the Texas DPS website (dps.texas.gov) if your license expires more than 60 days away, your license has never been suspended or revoked, and you have not renewed online in the past 12 months. You will need your current license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit card or debit card).
The online process takes about 15 minutes. You answer questions about your address, vision, and whether anything has changed since your last renewal. Once you submit and pay the fee (currently $25 for a six-year renewal, though this can change), the DPS mails your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes one to two weeks. You can continue driving your current license until the new one arrives.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal works if your license is still valid and you have not had it suspended or revoked. You will need to complete form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License), which you can read from the DPS website or pick up at a DPS office. Include your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the address listed on the form.
Processing takes about two to three weeks from the time the DPS receives your process. Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but requires no trip to an office. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal is faster. Keep in mind that you cannot drive legally on an expired license while waiting for your renewal by mail to be processed, so plan ahead if your expiration date is approaching.
Renewing in person at a DPS office
In-person renewal is required if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you have unpaid traffic violations, or if you want your new license the same day. You will need to bring your current driver license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days).
Visit your local DPS office during business hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day; many offices are less crowded early in the morning or mid-week. You can check wait times for your nearest office on the DPS website. The renewal fee is $25 for a six-year license. If everything is in order, you will receive your new license before you leave, though some offices may mail it instead — ask when you arrive.
What happens if your license has been suspended or revoked
You cannot renew your license online or by mail if it has been suspended or revoked. You must go in person to a DPS office and resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation before you can renew. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a medical condition reported to the DPS.
When you arrive at the DPS office, staff will tell you what needs to be resolved. If it is unpaid fines, you may be able to pay them at the office or online before returning to renew. If it is a medical issue, you may need to provide a doctor's statement. Once the issue is resolved, you can complete your renewal the same day.
Fees and what to bring
| Renewal Method | Fee | What to Bring | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | $25 | Current license number, Social Security number, payment method | 1–2 weeks by mail |
| By Mail | $25 | Current license, completed form DL-44, check or money order | 2–3 weeks |
| In Person | $25 | Current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of address | Same day (usually) |
The renewal fee is $25 for a six-year license in all three methods. If you are 85 years or older, you may be may be able to access for a reduced fee or a shorter renewal period — ask at your local DPS office. Payment methods vary by renewal type: online accepts credit or debit cards, mail accepts checks or money orders, and in-person offices accept cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive after my license expires while I wait for my renewal?
No. Driving on an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you have submitted a renewal process. You must have a valid, unexpired license in your possession to drive legally. This is why it is important to renew before your expiration date, not after.
What if I moved to a new address since my last renewal?
You can update your address during online or mail renewal by providing your new address on the process. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 30 days). Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide.
How do I know if my license has been suspended?
You can check your license status on the Texas DPS website or call your local DPS office. If your license is suspended, the DPS will tell you the reason and what you need to do to resolve it before you can renew.
Can I renew my license if it has been lost or stolen?
No. If your license is lost or stolen, you must replace it rather than renew it. Replacement requires an in-person visit to a DPS office with proof of identity and proof of Social Security number. The replacement fee is different from the renewal fee — ask at your local office for the current cost.
What if I need my new license before the mail arrives?
Renew in person at a DPS office. In-person renewal usually produces your new license the same day you explore, though some offices may mail it. Call your local DPS office ahead of time to confirm whether they issue licenses on-site or by mail.