Where to renew your Houston driver's license in person
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs all driver's license renewals in Houston. You cannot renew at City Hall, the county courthouse, or any other municipal office — only at a DPS Driver License office. Houston has multiple locations, and you can walk in without an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
The main Houston DPS Driver License office is located at 4007 Director Beltway, Houston, TX 77092. There is also a location at 8950 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77024. Both offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (closed Sundays and state holidays). You can check current wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go, which updates throughout the day.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement with your name and current address), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing after your license expired more than two years ago, you may need to retake the written test and vision test.
Key Takeaways
- You must renew in person at a Texas DPS Driver License office in Houston; no other government office handles renewals.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number; name-change documents are required only if your name has changed.
- Standard renewal takes about 20 to 30 minutes at the office, and you receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license expired more than two years ago, you will need to pass the vision and written tests again, which adds time to your visit.
- You can check wait times on the Texas DPS website before driving to an office to avoid peak hours.
What happens during your renewal visit
When you arrive at the DPS office, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. A staff member will call you when it is your turn. They will review your documents, confirm your address and other information, and ask you to sign a form. If your license is not expired by more than two years, you will not need to take any tests — the staff member will straightforward verify your information and take a new photo.
The entire process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes from check-in to completion. Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid when ready. This temporary license is good for 30 days while your permanent plastic card is printed and mailed to your address on file. The plastic card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer during high-volume periods.
If your license expired more than two years ago, the process is longer. You will need to pass a vision test and a written test covering Texas traffic laws. The vision test takes a few minutes. The written test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day, usually after a short wait. Budget an extra 30 to 45 minutes if you need to test.
Renewing by mail or online is not an option in Texas
Texas does not allow driver's license renewals by mail or through an online portal. Every renewal — whether your license is current or expired — requires an in-person visit to a DPS office. This is a state-level policy and applies to all Texas residents, including those in Houston.
The only exception is if you are a Texas resident living outside the United States. In that case, you can renew by mail by submitting a completed process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-44), your current license, proof of residency, and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Mail the packet to the Texas DPS address listed on the form. This process takes several weeks.
Costs and payment methods
A standard five-year driver's license renewal in Texas costs $25. If you are 85 years old or older, the renewal is free. Payment is due at the time of your visit. The DPS office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover). Personal checks are not accepted.
If you need to renew before your current license expires, you still pay the standard $25 fee. There is no discount for early renewal, and the new license will be valid for five years from the date of renewal, not from the expiration date of your old license.
What to do if you have changed your name
If you have married, divorced, or legally changed your name since your last license was issued, you must bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change. For marriage, bring a certified marriage certificate. For divorce, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree. For a legal name change through the courts, bring a certified copy of the court order. A certified copy means the document has an official seal and signature from the issuing agency — a photocopy is not acceptable.
You can obtain a certified marriage certificate from the county clerk's office in the county where you were married. A certified divorce decree comes from the district court clerk in the county where the divorce was finalized. A certified court order for a legal name change comes from the district court clerk in the county where the order was issued. All of these offices charge a small fee (usually $5 to $15) per certified copy.
If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged
If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you cannot straightforward renew it — you must report it and request a replacement. This is a different transaction than a renewal and costs $11 instead of $25. You will still need to visit a DPS office in person, bring proof of residency, and provide your Social Security number.
If your license was stolen, you should also file a police report, though it is not required to get a replacement from DPS. Having a police report on file can help protect you if someone uses your license number fraudulently. You can file a report online through the Houston Police Department website or by calling their non-emergency line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
Yes, but if it expired more than two years ago, you must retake the vision and written tests. If it expired less than two years ago, you can renew without testing. Either way, you must visit a DPS office in person — there is no mail or online option.
Do I need an appointment to renew at a DPS office in Houston?
No. DPS Driver License offices in Houston operate on a walk-in basis. You do not need to schedule ahead. However, you can check wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go to pick a less busy time of day.
How long does the temporary paper license last?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic card should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DPS to check the status.
What if I moved to a new address in Houston?
You must update your address when you renew. Bring proof of your new residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). The staff member will update your address during the renewal process, and your new license will show your current address.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No. You must be present in person at the DPS office. A family member or friend cannot renew on your behalf, even with written permission or a power of attorney.