Where to renew your driver license in Tyler

In Tyler, you renew your driver license at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The main location serving Tyler is the DPS Driver License Division office at 5402 S. Broadway Ave, Tyler, TX 75703. This is where you'll go in person to complete the renewal process.

You can also renew by mail if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than two years, you must be between 18 and 84 years old, and your vision and medical status must not have changed. If you're unsure whether mail renewal is an option for you, the DPS website has a tool to check your specific situation.

Before you go to the office or submit anything by mail, check the DPS website or call the Tyler location at (903) 595-8504 to confirm current hours and any wait times. Office hours and procedures can shift, and a quick call saves a wasted trip.

Key Takeaways

  • The Tyler DPS Driver License Division office is located at 5402 S. Broadway Ave and is the place to renew in person.
  • You need your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or an acceptable ID document.
  • Renewal by mail is possible if your license expired less than two years ago and you are between 18 and 84, but you must submit the correct form and documents.
  • In-person renewal typically takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on office traffic, while mail renewal takes two to three weeks after the DPS receives your materials.
  • Your new license will be mailed to you after you complete the process, whether you renew in person or by mail.

What documents you need to bring

Bring your current driver license to the DPS office. If your license is lost or stolen, bring a state ID or passport instead. You'll also need proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. A government-issued document with your name and address is best.

You must also provide your Social Security number. If you don't have a Social Security card, bring an acceptable alternative such as a W-2 form, tax return, or Social Security benefit statement. The DPS website lists all acceptable documents; if you're uncertain, call the Tyler office before you go.

If you've changed your name since your last license, bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, your new license will still show your old name.

The in-person renewal process at the Tyler DPS office

Walk in during business hours with your documents. You'll check in at the front desk and receive a number. While you wait, you can fill out form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License), which is available at the office or on the DPS website — bringing it filled out saves time.

When your number is called, you'll go to a window where a DPS employee will review your documents, take a new photo, and ask you to sign. You'll also take a vision test at this point. The whole process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week. Early mornings and mid-week visits tend to be less crowded.

You'll pay the renewal fee at the window. As of 2024, a standard five-year renewal costs $25 for those 18 to 84 years old, though this amount can change. Ask the employee to confirm the exact fee when you arrive. You'll receive a receipt, and your new license will be mailed to the address you provided within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing by mail from Tyler

If you meet the mail renewal conditions, you can send your documents to the DPS instead of visiting in person. You'll need to complete form DL-43 and include your current license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee. Mail everything to the address listed on the DPS website for your region — do not send it to the Tyler office address, as mail goes to a processing center.

Include a check or money order for the renewal fee. Do not send cash. Write your driver license number on the check or money order. Mail everything in an envelope marked "Driver License Renewal" on the outside so it doesn't get lost in general mail.

The DPS will mail your new license back to you once they process your renewal. This usually takes two to three weeks after they receive your materials, though it can take longer during busy periods. Keep your receipt or a copy of what you mailed in case you need to follow up.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail — you must go to the DPS office in person. You'll follow the same process as a standard renewal, but you may need to retake the written test and driving test depending on how long it has been expired. Call the Tyler office to ask what to expect before you go.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you've started the renewal process. If you're stopped by police, you can show them your receipt from the DPS office as proof that you've begun renewal, but this does not may provide you won't be cited. Renew as soon as you realize your license has expired.

Renewing a license that's about to expire

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Many people do this to avoid the rush of renewing after expiration. If you renew early, your new license will have a new expiration date five years from the date you renew, not five years from your old expiration date.

Early renewal follows the same process and costs the same fee as a standard renewal. The advantage is that you avoid the stress of an expired license and can choose a less busy time to visit the DPS office. If you travel frequently or know you'll be busy closer to your expiration date, renewing early is a practical choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online in Texas?

No. Texas does not offer online driver license renewal. You must renew either in person at a DPS office or by mail if you meet the may be able to access conditions. The DPS website has a tool to check whether mail renewal is an option for your specific situation.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

If you renew in person at the Tyler DPS office, your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, the entire process takes two to three weeks after the DPS receives your materials. You'll receive a receipt showing the date you renewed.

What if I need my license before the new one arrives?

The DPS can issue a temporary paper license on the spot when you renew in person. This temporary license is valid while you wait for your new card to arrive in the mail. Ask for it at the window when you complete your renewal.

Do I need an appointment to renew at the Tyler DPS office?

The Tyler DPS office operates on a walk-in basis — you do not need an appointment. However, you can call ahead at (903) 595-8504 to ask about current wait times, which helps you choose the best time to visit.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) to your renewal appointment. The DPS will update your address on your new license. If you're renewing by mail, include the proof of address with your other documents.