What you need to do to renew your Texas driver license

You can renew your Texas driver license by mail, online, or in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have before expiration, and whether you need to update your photo. Mail and online renewals are faster and don't require a trip, but they have restrictions — you cannot use them if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need a new photo, or if you have certain medical conditions listed on your license.

Your license is valid for six years if you are under 85 years old. Texas sends renewal notices about 90 days before your expiration date, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option if your license is current and you do not need a new photo.
  • Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and requires you to send in your current license, a completed form, and a check or money order.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license expired more than two years ago or if you need to update your photo.
  • The renewal fee is $25 for a six-year license, and you can pay by check, money order, or credit card depending on your method.
  • If your address has changed, you must update it during renewal, and some changes require an in-person visit.

Renewing online through the Texas DPS website

Online renewal is available at the Texas DPS website and is the quickest way to renew if you meet the requirements. You will need your current driver license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card). The system will verify your identity and process your renewal in minutes.

You can only renew online if your license is still valid, you do not need to change your photo, and you have no medical restrictions that require a DPS review. If any of these do not explore to you, you will need to use mail or in-person renewal instead. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal takes longer than online but does not require you to visit an office. You will need to complete Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License), include a copy of your current license, and send both with a check or money order for $25 to the address listed on the form. The DPS will process your process and mail your new license within two to three weeks.

Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal — your license must still be valid, you cannot need a new photo, and you cannot have medical conditions that require review. If your address has changed, write the new address clearly on the form. Do not send cash through the mail.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need a new photo, or if you have medical restrictions on your license. You will also need to renew in person if you are changing your name, address, or other information that cannot be updated by mail or online. Bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment of $25.

Visit the Texas DPS office locator on their website to find the nearest office and check their hours. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment. Processing time at the office is usually 15 to 30 minutes, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready while your permanent license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

What documents and information you will need

For any renewal method, have your current driver license number and Social Security number ready. If you are renewing by mail, you will need a completed Form DL-44, which you can read from the Texas DPS website or request by mail. If you are renewing in person, bring your current license and proof of your current address, such as a recent utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement.

If your name has changed since your license was issued, you will need to provide a document showing the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are a non-citizen, you will need to show proof of legal presence in the United States — this requirement applies even if you are renewing an existing license.

Payment and fees

The renewal fee is $25 for a six-year license. If you are 85 years old or older, your license is valid for five years and costs $25. You can pay by check or money order if renewing by mail, by credit or debit card if renewing online, or by cash, check, debit card, or credit card if renewing in person. Some DPS offices may have additional payment options — call ahead to confirm.

If you are renewing early (more than one year before expiration), you will still pay the full $25 fee. There are no discounts for early renewal. If you need a duplicate license or a replacement for a lost or damaged license, that is a separate transaction with its own fee.

What happens after you submit your renewal

After you submit your renewal, the DPS will mail your new license to the address on file. If you renewed online or by mail, your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives.

If you do not receive your new license within two weeks, contact the Texas DPS to check the status. Have your driver license number and the date you submitted your renewal ready. If your address is incorrect on your new license, you can request a correction by mail or in person at a DPS office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than two years ago?

No, you cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been expired for more than two years. You must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. The office will process your renewal and issue a temporary paper license on the spot.

What if my address changed since I got my current license?

You can update your address during renewal through any method — online, mail, or in person. If renewing online or by mail, enter or write your new address on the form. If renewing in person, bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease. Your new license will be mailed to the updated address.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

No, you do not need a new photo unless you want one or unless your current photo is damaged or unreadable. If you want to update your photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo.

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

Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days after approval. In-person renewal is faster — you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives.

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

If you renewed in person, you received a temporary paper license that is valid when ready. If you renewed by mail or online, your old license remains valid until your new license arrives, so you can continue using it. If you need a license sooner, visit a DPS office in person to request an expedited replacement.