Where to renew your license in San Antonio

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs all driver's license renewals in San Antonio. You have two main routes: visit a DPS Driver License office in person, or renew by mail if you meet certain conditions. San Antonio has multiple DPS locations, and the office you choose depends on which area is most convenient — there is no requirement to use a specific one.

The main DPS Driver License office in San Antonio is located at 6633 IH-35 North, Suite 200. There are also satellite offices in other parts of the city. You can find the full list of locations and their hours on the Texas DPS website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening hours on certain days.

If you renew in person, bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. Processing typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew in person at any DPS Driver License office in San Antonio, or by mail if your license is not suspended and you have not had certain violations in the past five years.
  • In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number, and takes 15 to 30 minutes.
  • Mail renewal takes longer but avoids a trip to the office — you receive a temporary license by mail and the plastic card arrives later.
  • Your new license is valid for eight years if you are under 85, or four years if you are 85 or older.
  • The renewal fee is $25 for an eight-year license or $13 for a four-year license, paid at the time of renewal.

Renewing by mail from San Antonio

Mail renewal is available if your current license is not suspended, revoked, or cancelled, and you have not been convicted of certain traffic offenses in the past five years. You cannot renew by mail if you need to change your name, address, or other personal information on your license — those changes require an in-person visit.

To renew by mail, request an process from the Texas DPS website or call the San Antonio DPS office directly. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the address provided on the process. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date DPS receives your materials. You will receive a temporary paper license by mail, valid until your plastic card arrives.

Mail renewal is slower than in-person renewal but works well if you have a busy schedule or prefer not to visit an office. The downside is that you cannot drive with a temporary paper license in Texas — it is for identification only. If you need to drive before your new card arrives, you must renew in person instead.

What happens if your license has expired

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to a DPS office, a written test, and a driving test. The process is more involved and takes longer than a standard renewal.

If your license expired within the past two years, you can still renew it using the standard process, either by mail or in person. You do not need to retake the written or driving test. Bring your expired license along with your other documents when you renew.

Fees and payment methods

The renewal fee depends on how long you want your new license to be valid. An eight-year license costs $25 if you are under 85. A four-year license costs $13. If you are 85 or older, your license is valid for four years and costs $13 to renew.

At a DPS office, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you renew by mail, you must include a check or money order — DPS does not accept credit or debit cards by mail. Make the check payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Changing your address or other information during renewal

If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. You can do this in person at any DPS office, but you cannot change your address by mail. Bring proof of your new San Antonio address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the past 60 days.

If you need to change your name, gender marker, or other personal information, you must also renew in person. Bring supporting documents — for a name change, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. For a gender marker change, bring a signed statement from a licensed physician or psychologist, or a court order.

Timeline and what to expect

In-person renewal is the fastest option. You walk in, present your documents, pay the fee, and leave with a temporary paper license. Your plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you go during a busy time, you may wait 30 minutes to an hour before being called.

Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date DPS receives your materials. You receive a temporary paper license by mail within a few days, but remember that it is not valid for driving — only for identification. Your plastic card arrives after that.

If you are renewing close to your expiration date, in-person renewal is safer because you know it will be completed the same day. Mail renewal can be risky if your license expires before your new card arrives, because you will not be able to drive legally.

What to bring to a DPS office in San Antonio

Bring your current driver's license. If it is expired but less than two years old, bring it anyway — it still counts as proof of identity. Bring proof of residency: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current San Antonio address. The document must be dated within the past 60 days.

Bring your Social Security number or Social Security card. You will need to provide it on the process form. If you are changing your address, bring a second proof of residency document. If you are changing your name or gender marker, bring the supporting documents mentioned above.

Bring payment — cash, check, debit card, or credit card. You do not need to bring anything else. DPS will take a new photo during your visit, so dress as you would for a photo ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online in Texas?

No. Texas does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You must renew either in person at a DPS office or by mail. Some states offer online renewal, but Texas has not implemented this option.

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

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a replacement. Visit a DPS office in San Antonio with proof of identity and residency. You will pay a replacement fee and receive a temporary license on the spot.

How long is my new license valid after renewal?

Your new license is valid for eight years if you are under 85 years old. If you are 85 or older, it is valid for four years. The expiration date is printed on your card.

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets?

Yes. Unpaid traffic tickets do not prevent renewal. However, if you have an active suspension on your license due to unpaid tickets or other violations, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the Texas DPS or the court that issued the ticket to learn about your license is suspended.

What if my address changed but I do not have a recent utility bill?

You need proof of residency dated within the past 60 days. If you do not have a utility bill or lease, bring a bank statement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your current address. A letter from your landlord or a notarized statement of residency may also work — ask the DPS office when you call to confirm.