Texas driver's license renewal works by mail, online, or in person, depending on your age and how long it has been expired
Texas allows most drivers to renew online or by mail without visiting a Department of Public Safety office. If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew it by mail or online if you are between 18 and 84 years old and have no medical conditions that affect your driving. Drivers 85 and older, those with certain medical conditions, and anyone whose license expired more than two years ago must renew in person at a DPS office.
The method you choose affects how long the process takes and what documents you need. Online renewal is the fastest option and costs less than renewing by mail or in person. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit. In-person renewal is necessary only if you do not meet the requirements for online or mail renewal.
Key Takeaways
- Texas residents aged 18 to 84 with a license expired fewer than two years can renew online at the Texas DPS website for $25 using a valid payment method.
- Mail renewal costs $16 and takes two to three weeks; you send a completed form and payment to the DPS address listed on the renewal notice.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license expired more than two years ago, you are 85 or older, or you have a medical condition affecting your driving.
- You will need your current or expired license number, Social Security number, and proof of residency to renew online or by mail.
- Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after online renewal or within two to three weeks after mail renewal.
Online renewal: fastest and cheapest option
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website takes about 10 minutes and costs $25. You must have a valid driver's license or ID that expired fewer than two years ago, be between 18 and 84 years old, and have no medical conditions listed on your current license that would require a medical evaluation. You will need your license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method—credit card, debit card, or electronic check.
After you complete the online form and pay, the DPS mails your new license to the address on file. The new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your expired license until the new one arrives, as long as you have proof that you submitted your renewal online.
If you cannot remember your license number, you can look it up on the Texas DPS website using your name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. This lookup tool is free and takes less than a minute.
Mail renewal: slower but no office visit required
Mail renewal costs $16 and is available to the same drivers who can renew online. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail from the DPS about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a form you fill out, sign, and mail back to the DPS address printed on the notice along with your payment.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DPS receives your form. You should mail your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires to avoid driving with an expired license. Include a check or money order made payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety—do not send cash.
If you did not receive a renewal notice, you can request a form from the DPS website or call the DPS Customer Service line. Provide your name, date of birth, and driver's license number when you request the form.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago, you are 85 or older, or you have a medical condition on your license that requires evaluation. In-person renewal also applies if you want to change your address, add or remove a restriction, or update your name.
Visit a DPS office during business hours with your current or expired license, proof of residency, and payment. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government document showing your current address. In-person renewal costs $25 and takes about 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
You can find your nearest DPS office and check current wait times on the Texas DPS website. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly. Bring all required documents to avoid making a second trip.
What documents and information you need
For online or mail renewal, you need your current or expired license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. You do not need to provide proof of residency or bring documents to a DPS office.
For in-person renewal, bring your current or expired license and proof of residency. Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government document dated within the last 90 days showing your name and current address. A PO box does not count as proof of residency.
If you changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing after your license expired more than two years ago, you may also need to pass a vision test at the DPS office.
Renewal fees and payment methods
Online renewal costs $25 and accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. Mail renewal costs $16 and requires a check or money order. In-person renewal costs $25 and accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card, depending on the DPS office.
The fee covers a five-year license for drivers under 85. Drivers 85 and older receive a license valid for two years. The DPS does not offer refunds if you change your mind after paying, so make sure you meet the renewal requirements before you submit payment.
If you are renewing after your license has been expired for more than two years, the DPS may charge an additional late fee. Check the Texas DPS website or call Customer Service to confirm the total cost before you renew.
Timeline: when to expect your new license
Online renewal is the fastest: your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the form and pay. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DPS receives your completed form and payment. In-person renewal is when ready—you receive a temporary paper license at the office and your plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
You can drive on your expired license while you wait for your new one to arrive, as long as you have proof of your renewal. For online renewal, print or save the confirmation page. For mail renewal, keep a copy of the form you sent. For in-person renewal, the temporary paper license serves as your proof.
If your new license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the DPS Customer Service line with your confirmation number or receipt. They can track your license and tell you whether it was mailed and when it should arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license if it expired more than two years ago?
No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license expired more than two years ago. You must visit a DPS office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. You may also need to pass a vision test.
What if I lost my license and do not have the number?
You can look up your license number on the Texas DPS website using your name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you cannot find it online, call the DPS Customer Service line and provide your personal information. They will give you your license number so you can renew online or by mail.
Do I need to take a new photo for online or mail renewal?
No. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo from your current license. Only in-person renewal requires a new photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
Can I renew my license if I have a medical condition?
It depends on the condition. If your current license has a medical restriction or note, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person so the DPS can evaluate your condition and determine whether you can safely drive. Bring any medical documentation your doctor recommends.
What happens if I drive with an expired license while waiting for my renewal?
You can legally drive on an expired license while your renewal is being processed, as long as you have proof that you submitted your renewal. Keep your confirmation page from online renewal, a copy of the form you mailed, or your temporary paper license from in-person renewal. If you are stopped by police, show them this proof along with your expired license.