How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

The basic path: online, by mail, or in person

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 minutes and costs less than the other methods. Mail renewal works only if your license is not expired by more than two years and you have no medical conditions or restrictions that changed. If either of those conditions applies to you, you must renew in person.

Your renewal window opens 60 days before your license expires and closes on your expiration date. You can renew during this window through any method. If your license has already expired, you cannot use online or mail renewal — you must go to a DPS office in person and may face additional requirements or fees.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest and cheapest option for most people, taking about 10 minutes and costing $25 for a five-year license.
Mail renewal is available only if your license expired less than two years ago and you have no new medical conditions or restrictions to report.
In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license has expired more than two years, you have new medical conditions, or you need to update your address or name.
You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card for online; check or money order for mail).
Processing times vary: online renewals produce a temporary digital license when ready and mail a physical card within 7 to 10 business days, while in-person renewals issue a temporary paper license on the spot.

Online renewal: what you need and how it works

To renew online, go to the Texas DPS website and select the driver's license renewal option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity using information from your existing license record. The entire process takes about 10 minutes.

Online renewal costs $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license. You pay by debit card or credit card at the end of the transaction. Once you complete the renewal, the system generates a temporary digital license that you can display on your phone when ready — this is valid for driving while you wait for your physical card. Your new license card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal is not available if your license has expired, if you are under 18, if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), or if you need to change your address, name, or medical information. If any of these explore, you must use mail or in-person renewal instead.

Mail renewal: when it works and what to send

Mail renewal is an option only if your license expired less than two years ago and you have no new medical conditions, restrictions, or changes to report. If your license expired more than two years ago, the Texas DPS will not process a mail renewal — you must renew in person.

To renew by mail, read the process for Texas Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL-43) from the Texas DPS website. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and a check or money order for $25 (five-year) or $50 (eight-year) to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of proof of residency if your address has changed since your last renewal.

Processing time for mail renewal is typically 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DPS receives your process. You will not receive a temporary license during this time, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your new card arrives. If the DPS finds any issues with your process, they will contact you by mail, which can add weeks to the process.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

You must renew in person if your license has expired more than two years ago, if you are renewing a commercial driver's license, if you are under 18, or if you need to update your address, name, medical information, or driving restrictions. You will also need to renew in person if you want to change your license class or add endorsements.

Bring your current license, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). If your name has changed since your last renewal, bring a document showing the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Visit a DPS office during business hours — most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours. You can check wait times and book an appointment online through the Texas DPS website, which often reduces your time in the office. When you arrive, you will take a new photo, pass a vision test, and answer questions about your medical history and driving record. The office will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed, which usually takes 7 to 10 business days.

Fees and payment methods for each renewal type

Online renewal costs $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license, paid by debit or credit card. Mail renewal costs the same ($25 or $50) but requires a check or money order — the DPS does not accept credit cards by mail. In-person renewal at a DPS office costs $25 for a five-year license, $50 for an eight-year license, or $100 for a commercial driver's license, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

If you are 85 years old or older, your renewal is free, though you must renew in person. If you are a veteran, you may be able to add a veteran designation to your license at no extra cost during in-person renewal. Some DPS offices accept payment by phone or online before you arrive, which can speed up your visit — check with your local office.

What happens if your license is already expired

If your license has been expired for any length of time, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person. Bring all the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal: current license, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency.

The DPS may require you to retake the written driving test or vision test if your license has been expired for more than two years, depending on your age and driving record. You will also take a new photo and answer updated questions about your medical history. The office will issue a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 45 days, and your permanent card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Address and name changes during renewal

If you need to change your address or name, you cannot use online renewal — you must renew in person or by mail. For mail renewal, include a copy of proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days) along with your process and current license. For in-person renewal, bring the same proof of residency document.

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) to your in-person renewal appointment. If you are renewing by mail, include a copy of that document with your process. The DPS will update your record and issue a new license with your current name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than two years ago?

No, not by mail or online. You must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your expired license along with proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. The DPS may require you to retake the written test or vision test depending on how long it has been expired.

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

You receive a temporary digital license on your phone when ready after you complete the online renewal. Your physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving during this time.

What if I need to change my address when I renew?

You cannot change your address through online renewal. You can include a new address with a mail renewal process (bring proof of residency), or update it in person at a DPS office. In-person is faster if you need the change right away.

Do I need an appointment to renew my license in person?

Appointments are not required, but the Texas DPS website lets you book one online, which usually reduces wait time. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait longer, especially during busy times like lunch hours or the end of the month.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You will need to report the lost license to the DPS, which you can do when you arrive for your renewal appointment.

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.