How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your Texas driver's license at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail, or online depending on your situation. The fastest route is usually online through the Texas DPS website if you're renewing a standard license that hasn't expired more than two years ago. If you're renewing in person, bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number.

Not all renewals can happen online. You'll need to visit a DPS office in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your name or address, if you want to add or remove a Real ID designation, or if you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). Bring the same documents listed above, plus any additional paperwork for your specific situation — for example, a marriage certificate if you're changing your name.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website takes about 10 minutes and works if your license expired less than two years ago and you don't need to change personal information.
Mail renewal is an option for standard license renewals, but takes two to three weeks and requires you to submit your current license with the process.
In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license expired more than two years ago, if you're changing your name or address, or if you're renewing a CDL.
A Texas driver's license is valid for eight years, so plan your renewal before the expiration date on the front of your card to avoid driving with an expired license.

Renewing online through the Texas DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and select the online renewal option. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against DPS records and ask you to confirm your address and any other details on file.

If the system approves your renewal, you'll pay the renewal fee (currently $25 for an eight-year license, though this may vary) using a credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives, even if it expires during that window.

Renewing by mail

Request a renewal process by mail from any DPS office, or read the form from the Texas DPS website. Fill out the process completely, sign it, and include your current license. Mail the packet to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for the renewal fee.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided on the form. Because you're sending in your current license, you won't have a physical license during this time — keep your receipt or a copy of your process as proof of renewal if you're stopped by law enforcement.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website and check their hours before you go. Bring your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number. You can also bring a passport, military ID, or birth certificate if you don't have proof of residency readily available.

When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. The clerk will verify your information, take a new photo (unless you've renewed within the last five years and choose to keep your old photo), and collect the renewal fee. Your new license will be printed on the spot or mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office's equipment. Ask the clerk which option applies before you leave.

What to do if your license expired more than two years ago

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must visit a DPS office in person. Bring the same documents as a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

The process is the same as a regular in-person renewal, but the clerk may ask additional questions about why the license lapsed. This does not affect your ability to renew; it's a routine check. You'll pay the standard renewal fee and receive your new license on the spot or by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Real ID and other special designations

A Real ID is a federal designation that allows your license to be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings without a passport. Texas licenses issued after January 2010 are Real ID compliant by default. If you're renewing and want to confirm your license has Real ID status, ask the clerk at the DPS office or check the Texas DPS website.

If you're renewing online or by mail and your current license already has Real ID status, your new license will automatically have it too. If you're renewing in person and want to add Real ID status to an older license, bring your birth certificate or passport along with your other documents. There is no additional fee for Real ID status on a standard driver's license.

Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)

Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail — you must visit a DPS office in person. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and a current medical certificate (Form MCSA-5875) if your CDL has a medical certification requirement. You'll also need to pass a written test on commercial driving rules unless you're renewing within a certain timeframe of your last CDL test.

Ask the DPS office about the current testing requirements when you call or visit, as these can change. The renewal fee for a CDL is higher than a standard license and varies depending on the class of license and endorsements you hold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

Yes. If it expired less than two years ago, you can renew online, by mail, or in person. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office. There is no penalty for renewing an expired license, but you should not drive with an expired license.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail. In-person renewals may issue your license on the spot (depending on the office's equipment) or mail it within 7 to 10 business days. Ask the clerk which applies before you leave the office.

What if I moved and need to update my address?

If you're renewing online, you can update your address during the renewal process. If you're renewing by mail or in person, bring proof of residency at your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). The clerk will update your address and issue your new license with the correct information.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a DPS office?

Most DPS offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, but some locations now offer online appointment scheduling. Check the Texas DPS website for your local office to see if appointments are available. Even without an appointment, you can walk in during business hours and take a number.

What if I lost my current license?

If you've lost your license, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a replacement. Visit a DPS office in person with your proof of residency and Social Security number. The process is similar to renewal, but you'll pay a replacement fee instead of a renewal fee. Ask the clerk about the current fee when you visit.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.