How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation

You can renew your Texas driver's license through three routes: online at the Texas Department of Public Safety website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DPS office. Most people renew online because it takes about 10 minutes and costs less than the other methods. You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, if you need to change your address, or if you are over 79 years old — those situations require an in-person visit.

Your license is valid for six years (or eight years if you are between 18 and 84 and choose the longer term). Texas sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for it. You can start the renewal process up to one year before your license expires.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal works only if your license is not suspended, your address has not changed, and you are under 79 years old.
Mail renewal is available only if you received a renewal notice in the mail and meet specific conditions — check the notice to see if you may have access to.
In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if you need to change your address, update your photo, or if your license is suspended.
Online renewal costs $25 for a six-year license or $32 for an eight-year license; in-person renewal costs more but includes a new photo.
Your renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days for online renewal, or within 2 to 3 weeks for mail renewal.

Renewing online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas Department of Public Safety website and select "Renew Your Driver License" from the main menu. You will need your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card or credit card). The system will ask you to confirm your personal information and current address.

Before you start, check that your address on file is correct. If it is not, you cannot complete the online renewal — you must visit a DPS office in person instead. The online system does not allow address changes.

After you submit your information and payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Your renewed 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.

Renewing by mail if you received a renewal notice

Texas sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice will state whether you are may be able to access to renew by mail. Not everyone qualifies — you cannot renew by mail if your license is suspended, if you need to change your address, or if you are over 79 years old.

If the notice says you can renew by mail, follow the instructions on it. You will typically sign the back of the notice, include a check or money order, and mail both to the address printed on the notice. Do not mail cash. Include a copy of your current driver's license if the notice asks for it.

Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DPS receives your envelope. Send it at least three weeks before your license expires to avoid driving on an expired license. Keep the confirmation number from your notice in case you need to track your renewal.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

Visit any DPS driver license office if you need to change your address, update your photo, or if your license is suspended. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement with your name and current address), and a payment method. If your address has changed since you got your current license, bring two documents showing your new address.

You do not need an appointment at most DPS offices, but wait times vary. Check the DPS website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times before you go. Some offices are busier than others, and going early in the morning or mid-week usually means a shorter wait.

The DPS will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

What to do if your license is expired or about to expire

If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must go to a DPS office in person. Bring the same documents you would for a regular in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. The DPS will treat it as a renewal rather than a new license, so the process is the same.

If your license expires while you are waiting for your renewal to arrive, you can still drive legally as long as you have proof that you submitted your renewal. Keep your confirmation number or the renewal notice with you. If you are pulled over, show the officer your confirmation number or notice along with your expired license.

Costs and payment methods

Online renewal costs $25 for a six-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. Mail renewal costs the same as online. In-person renewal at a DPS office costs $27 for a six-year license or $34 for an eight-year license — the extra cost covers the new photo and in-person processing.

For online renewal, use a debit card or credit card. For mail renewal, send a check or money order — do not mail cash. For in-person renewal, bring cash, a debit card, or a credit card. Some DPS offices may have limits on which payment methods they accept, so call ahead if you want to confirm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it is suspended?

No. You must visit a DPS office in person, and the office will tell you what steps you need to take to lift the suspension before your license can be renewed. This usually involves paying a reinstatement fee or completing a required course.

What if I moved and my address changed?

You cannot renew online or by mail if your address has changed. You must go to a DPS office in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a recent utility bill or lease. Bring two documents if your address is very recent.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

Online and in-person renewals take 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. You receive a temporary paper license at in-person visits that is valid for 45 days while you wait for the permanent one.

Can I renew my license early?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. You do not need to wait for the renewal notice from the DPS, though the notice makes it easier because it has your confirmation number on it.

What if I never received a renewal notice in the mail?

You can still renew online or in person without the notice. The notice is a convenience, not a requirement. If you want to renew by mail and did not receive a notice, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to ask if you are may be able to access.

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.