Where to renew your license in Waco

In Waco, you renew your driver's license at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Division office. The main Waco location is at 1100 Franklin Avenue, Waco, TX 76701. You can also renew by mail or online, depending on your situation — but the in-person office is the fastest option if you need your new license quickly.

The DPS office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., and closed on state holidays. There is no appointment system, so you arrive and take a number. Wait times vary, but mornings tend to be less crowded than afternoons. If you go in person, bring all required documents with you — you cannot complete the process without them.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew in person at the DPS office on Franklin Avenue in Waco, by mail if your license is not expired, or online if you meet specific requirements.
  • You need your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of Social Security number or a document showing your number.
  • A standard renewal costs $25 for a four-year license or $50 for an eight-year license; the fee depends on which term you choose at the time of renewal.
  • If you renew in person, your new license is issued the same day; by mail it takes two to three weeks.
  • You can renew online only if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change, address change, or medical condition update since your last renewal.

What documents you need to bring

Bring your current Texas driver's license. If you no longer have it, bring a state ID card or passport instead. You also need one document proving your current address — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail all work. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 90 days.

You need proof of your Social Security number. This can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub showing your full Social Security number. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a birth certificate or passport as an alternative, though the DPS prefers the Social Security documents.

If your name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have changed your address, the proof-of-residency document covers that.

Renewing online or by mail instead of in person

Texas allows online renewal through the DPS website if your license is not expired, you have not changed your name or address, and you have no medical conditions to report. The online process takes about 10 minutes, costs $25, and your new license arrives by mail in seven to ten business days. You pay with a credit or debit card.

Renewal by mail is an option if your license is not yet expired. You fill out Form DL-44, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the DPS address provided on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date they receive your envelope. This method works if you cannot visit the office and do not meet the online requirements.

If your license is already expired, you cannot use online or mail renewal — you must go to the DPS office in person. The same applies if you have had any name change, address change, or need to update medical information.

The cost of renewing your license

A standard driver's license renewal costs $25 for a four-year license or $50 for an eight-year license. You choose which term when you renew. The eight-year option costs more but means you do not have to renew again for eight years instead of four. Both prices are the same whether you renew in person, by mail, or online.

The DPS office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card for in-person renewals. If you renew by mail, you must send a check or money order — they do not accept cash through the mail. Online renewal requires a credit or debit card.

What happens on the day you renew in person

When you arrive at the DPS office, take a number from the dispenser near the entrance. You will wait until your number is called. Have all your documents ready and organized — this speeds up the process. The staff member will check your documents, ask you to confirm your address and other information, and take a new photo for your license.

You will be asked to sign a form confirming the information on your license is correct. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them for your photo. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the window. Your new license is printed on the spot and handed to you before you leave.

Keep your old license until you receive your new one in person — you may need it for identification if you are stopped by police or need to prove your identity elsewhere. Once you have the new license, you can destroy the old one.

If your license is expired or will expire soon

If your license has already expired, you must renew in person at the DPS office. You cannot use online or mail renewal once your license is expired. Bring the same documents you would bring for a standard renewal, and the process is identical — the only difference is that an expired license cannot be renewed any other way.

If your license expires within 60 days, you can still renew online or by mail, but many people choose to go in person to avoid the wait for mail delivery. An in-person renewal takes one day; mail renewal takes two to three weeks. Choose based on when you need the new license in your hands.

Renewing if you have changed your name or address

If you have changed your name since your last renewal, you must renew in person. Bring the document proving the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS will update your name in the system and issue a new license with the correct name.

If you have changed your address but kept your name, you can renew online or by mail as long as your license is not expired. You will be asked to confirm your new address during the renewal process. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days) if you renew in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

Yes, but you must renew in person at the DPS office. There is no time limit on how long ago your license expired — you can renew it at any point. Bring the same documents as a standard renewal, including your expired license if you still have it.

How long does my new license take to arrive if I renew by mail?

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date the DPS receives your envelope. Mail delivery to them can take several days, so allow extra time. If you need your license faster, renew in person at the Waco office and receive it the same day.

What if I do not have a Social Security card or any document with my number?

You can bring a birth certificate or passport instead. The DPS prefers Social Security documents, but they will accept other forms of identification that prove your identity. Call the Waco DPS office at (254) 750-3600 to confirm what documents they will accept in your specific situation.

Can I renew my license online if I wear glasses and need to update my vision restriction?

No. Online renewal is only for renewals with no changes to your medical information or restrictions. If you need to add, remove, or change a vision restriction or any other medical condition, you must renew in person so the DPS can verify the change.

What if I lose my new license before it arrives in the mail?

If you renewed by mail and lose the license before it arrives, contact the DPS office in Waco when ready. They can issue a replacement or reprint. You may have to pay a replacement fee. If you renewed in person and lost your license after receiving it, you can request a duplicate at the DPS office.