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.

Mail renewal is an option if your license expired fewer than two years ago and you don't need to update your address, photo, or other information. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and you'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal at a DPS office usually takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the location is.

Key Takeaways

Texas lets you renew online if your license expired fewer than two years ago and you don't need a new photo or address change.
In-person renewal at a DPS office requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number.
Mail renewal is available for licenses expired fewer than two years, but takes 2 to 3 weeks total.
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you renew online or in person.

Renewing online through the Texas DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and select "Renew Your Driver License" from the main menu. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to confirm your address and answer security questions based on your driving history and personal records.

Once you complete the online form, you'll pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. Texas charges $33 for a four-year renewal or $66 for an eight-year renewal. After payment, you'll receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and you can use your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

Find your nearest DPS office using the office locator on the Texas DPS website. You can walk in without an appointment at most locations, but some offices use a reservation system — check ahead to see if your location requires one. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement from the last 90 days), and be ready to provide your Social Security number.

At the office, you'll fill out form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License). A DPS employee will take a new photo unless you're renewing by mail. You'll pay the same fee as online renewal ($33 for four years or $66 for eight years) and receive a receipt. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving with your current license until the new one comes.

Renewing by mail if your license recently expired

Mail renewal is only available if your license expired fewer than two years ago and you don't need to change your address, photo, or other personal information. read form DL-43 from the Texas DPS website, fill it out, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form.

Include proof of residency if you've moved since your last renewal. Mail the packet to the DPS address shown on the form — processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date they receive it. You won't get a new photo with mail renewal, so your new license will use your current photo. Keep your receipt until your new license arrives.

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 it — you must reapply as a new applicant. This means you'll need to visit a DPS office in person, take a written knowledge test, pass a driving test, and get a new photo. You'll also need to bring proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers) and proof of residency.

The reapplication process takes longer than renewal and costs more. Contact your local DPS office to schedule a driving test appointment, as these often have waiting lists. Bring all required documents with you to avoid multiple trips.

Updating your address or other information during renewal

If you're moving or need to change your address, you cannot do this through online renewal — you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. The DPS employee will update your address in the system while you're there.

You also must renew in person if you want to change your name, update your gender marker, or correct other personal information on your license. These changes require additional documentation — for a name change, bring a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree. Ask the DPS office what documents you'll need before you visit.

Paying the renewal fee and what happens next

Texas charges $33 for a four-year renewal or $66 for an eight-year renewal. You can pay by credit card or debit card online, or by cash, check, or card at a DPS office. If you're renewing by mail, send a check or money order — do not send cash.

After you renew, your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally with your current license until the new one arrives. If your new license doesn't arrive within two weeks, contact the DPS to check the status using your confirmation number or receipt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?

Yes. Your current license remains valid until your new license arrives in the mail. You can drive legally the entire time you're waiting for your renewal to be processed, whether you renewed online, in person, or by mail.

What if I need my license before the new one arrives?

You can request an expedited license at a DPS office for an additional fee. Ask about this option when you renew in person. You'll pay extra but receive your license faster than standard mail delivery.

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

Most DPS offices accept walk-ins, but some locations now use a reservation system. Check the Texas DPS website for your specific office location to see if appointments are required or recommended before you go.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew a lost license online or by mail. You must visit a DPS office in person with proof of residency and your Social Security number. The office will issue a replacement license, which counts as a renewal if your license hasn't expired.

Can I renew my license if I'm out of state?

Yes, you can renew online or by mail from anywhere as long as your license expired fewer than two years ago. If you need to renew in person or your license expired more than two years ago, you'll need to visit a Texas DPS office in person.

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.