The fastest way to renew depends on when your license expires

You can renew your Texas driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Online renewal is the quickest option if you're may be able to access — you'll get a temporary digital license when ready and your physical card in 7 to 10 business days. By mail takes about two weeks. In-person renewal at a DPS office takes a few hours but lets you walk out with a temporary license the same day.

Not everyone can renew online. You're may be able to access for online renewal if your license is not expired by more than two years, you have a valid Texas address on file, and you don't need to change your name, address, or other information. If any of those don't explore to you, you'll need to renew by mail or in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Texas DPS website takes 10 minutes and costs $16 if your license is not expired by more than two years.
  • Mail renewal requires a completed DL-44 form, a check or money order, and takes about two weeks to arrive.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number, and you'll receive a temporary license when ready.
  • Your Texas license is valid for six years, and you can renew it up to one year before it expires.

Renewing online through the Texas DPS website

Go to the Texas Department of Public Safety website and select "Driver License Online Services." You'll log in with your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will confirm your identity and show you whether you're may be able to access to renew online.

If you're may be able to access, you'll answer questions about whether anything on your license has changed — your name, address, medical conditions, or whether you want to donate organs. You'll pay $16 with a debit or credit card. Once you complete the transaction, you'll when ready receive a temporary digital license that you can use on your phone or print out. Your permanent card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If the system tells you that you're not may be able to access for online renewal, it will explain why and direct you to the mail or in-person option that applies to your situation.

Renewing by mail

read or request the DL-44 form from the Texas DPS website. Fill it out completely — include your current driver's license number, your full legal name, your date of birth, and your current address. Sign and date the form.

Mail the completed form along with a check or money order for $16 to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current driver's license if it's expired or expiring soon. Mail processing takes about two weeks, and your new license will arrive by mail.

If your address has changed since your current license was issued, include proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If your name has changed, include a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name or address has changed, bring the document that shows the change.

Go to your nearest DPS office during business hours. You do not need an appointment for license renewal. Check the DPS website to find the office closest to you and confirm its hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day — going early in the morning or midweek typically means shorter waits.

At the office, you'll complete the DL-44 form, have your photo taken, and pay $16 with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready that's valid for 45 days. Your permanent card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

What to do if your license is expired by more than two years

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address.

You may also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test, depending on how long your license has been expired. The DPS office will tell you what to expect when you arrive. Bring your documents and plan for a longer visit than a standard renewal.

Changing your address or name during renewal

If you're renewing online and your address or name has changed, you cannot complete the renewal through the website. You'll need to renew by mail or in person instead.

For mail renewal, include a copy of the document that shows your name or address change along with your DL-44 form and payment. For in-person renewal, bring the original or certified copy of the document — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or utility bill showing your new address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your Texas license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you're planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The renewal process is the same whether your license is current or approaching expiration.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

You cannot renew a lost or stolen license. You'll need to replace it instead, which requires an in-person visit to a DPS office. Bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address. The replacement fee is $16, the same as renewal.

How long is a Texas driver's license valid?

A standard Texas driver's license is valid for six years. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your card. Licenses for drivers over 85 are valid for five years. Commercial driver's licenses have different renewal periods depending on the type.

What if I need to change my name on my license?

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person or by mail and provide a certified copy of the document showing the change. Online renewal does not allow name changes. Bring the original or certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order along with your other documents.

Will I get a temporary license right away?

Yes, if you renew in person or online. In-person renewal gives you a paper temporary license valid for 45 days. Online renewal gives you a digital temporary license when ready that you can use on your phone or print. Mail renewal does not include a temporary license — you'll use your current license until your new one arrives.