Where to renew your Houston driver's license in person

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) operates the driver license offices in Houston where you can renew in person. The main office is located at 5805 San Jacinto Street, Houston, TX 77002. There is also a second location at 9225 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77024. Both offices handle standard renewals, and you can walk in without an appointment, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week.

You will need to bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will take a new photo and process your renewal on the spot.

Processing takes about 20 to 30 minutes once you reach the window. You will pay the renewal fee at that time. Texas charges $25 for a standard five-year renewal if you are under 85 years old. If you are 85 or older, renewal is free. You can pay by cash, check, or card.

Renewing online through the Texas DPS website

Texas allows online renewal for certain driver's licenses, but not all. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have no medical conditions that require DPS review, your address has not changed, and your name has not changed. You must also have a valid email address on file with DPS.

Go to the Texas DPS website at dps.texas.gov and select the driver's license renewal option. You will enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information and, if you meet the requirements, allow you to pay the $25 renewal fee online. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal is faster than in-person renewal if you meet the requirements, but it does not include a new photo. Your new license will use the photo from your previous license. If you want a new photo or if you do not meet the online requirements, you must renew in person.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew in person at the DPS office on San Jacinto Street or Katy Freeway in Houston, and the process takes 20 to 30 minutes once you reach the window.
  • Online renewal through the Texas DPS website costs $25 and takes 7 to 10 business days for delivery, but only works if your license is not expired, your address and name have not changed, and you have no medical conditions on file.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and proof of Social Security number to renew in person.
  • Texas charges $25 for a standard five-year renewal for drivers under 85; renewal is free for drivers 85 and older.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it—you must reapply for a new license. This means you will need to take the written test and the driving test again, not just pay a renewal fee. You will also need to provide more documents, including proof of citizenship or legal residency status.

If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew it. Bring the same documents you would bring for a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The DPS will process it as a renewal, not a new process, and you will not need to retake the tests.

Renewing by mail if you cannot visit an office

Texas does not offer mail-in renewal for driver's licenses. You must renew either in person at a DPS office or online through the DPS website. If you are unable to visit an office in Houston, online renewal is your only option, provided you meet the requirements listed above.

If you do not meet the online requirements and cannot travel to Houston, you may be able to renew at a DPS office in another Texas city. DPS offices are located in most major cities across the state. You can find the nearest office and its hours on the Texas DPS website.

How long your renewed license is valid

A standard driver's license renewed in Texas is valid for five years from the date of issue. If you are 85 years old or older at the time of renewal, your license is valid for two years instead of five. The expiration date will be printed on your new license.

If you renew in person, your new physical license is valid when ready after you receive it at the DPS office. If you renew online, your new license is valid once it arrives in the mail, even though you can still use your old license until the new one arrives.

Fees and payment methods for Houston renewals

The standard renewal fee in Texas is $25 for drivers under 85 years old. Drivers 85 and older pay nothing. You can pay by cash, check, or debit or credit card at the DPS office. If you renew online, you can pay by debit or credit card only.

If you need to replace a lost or damaged license at the same time as renewal, there is an additional $11 replacement fee. If your license was suspended or revoked, you may owe reinstatement fees in addition to the renewal fee. Check your license status on the Texas DPS website before you go to the office to avoid surprises.

What to do if you lose your license before renewal

If your license is lost or stolen before it expires, you can replace it at a DPS office. Bring your proof of residency and proof of Social Security number. You do not need your old license to replace it. The replacement fee is $11, and you will receive a new license with the same expiration date as your old one.

If your lost license is also due for renewal soon, you can renew it at the same time. You will pay both the $11 replacement fee and the $25 renewal fee. Your new license will have a new expiration date five years from the date of issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Houston driver's license if I moved out of state?

No. You must renew your license in the state where you now live. If you have moved out of Texas, contact the Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency in your new state. You will need to surrender your Texas license and obtain a new one from your new state.

How long does it take to get my renewed license if I renew online?

Online renewals are mailed within 7 to 10 business days of approval. Delivery time depends on your address and the mail carrier. Plan for 10 to 14 days total from the time you complete the online renewal to the time you receive your new license.

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

No. Both Houston DPS offices accept walk-ins. You do not need an appointment, but wait times can be long during peak hours. Arriving early in the morning or on weekdays typically means shorter waits.

What if my address changed since my last license?

If your address changed, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your current license, proof of your new residency (utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), and proof of Social Security number. The office will update your address and issue a new license with the updated information.

Can I renew my license if it was suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with DPS or the court. Contact the Texas DPS or the court that issued the suspension to find out what steps you need to take. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew your license.