The fastest way to renew is online through the Texas Department of Public Safety website
You can renew your Texas driver's license online at dps.texas.gov without visiting a DPS office, as long as your license is not expired by more than two years and you meet a few other conditions. The online process takes about 10 minutes, costs $16 for a four-year renewal or $32 for an eight-year renewal, and you pay by debit or credit card. Your new license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days.
You cannot renew online if your address has changed since your last license was issued, if you need to update your name, if you wear corrective lenses and your prescription has changed significantly, or if your license has been suspended or revoked. You also cannot renew online if your license expired more than two years ago. In those cases, you must visit a DPS office in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through dps.texas.gov takes 10 minutes, costs $16 to $32, and works only if your license expired less than two years ago and nothing about you has changed.
- If you renew online, your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you cannot pick it up at an office.
- You must visit a DPS office in person if your address or name has changed, your vision has changed, or your license expired more than two years ago.
- At a DPS office, bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form).
- DPS offices are open Monday through Friday; some locations have Saturday hours, and you can check wait times online before you go.
What you need to renew online
To start an online renewal, you will need your current Texas driver's license number and your date of birth. You will also need a debit or credit card to pay the renewal fee. The system will ask you to confirm your address and other information from your current license, so have your license in front of you when you begin.
Before you start, check the DPS website to see whether your license is may be able to access for online renewal. The site has a tool where you enter your license number and date of birth, and it tells you when ready whether you can renew online or must visit an office. This step takes 30 seconds and saves you from starting the full process only to find out you cannot complete it online.
Renewing in person at a DPS office
If you cannot renew online, you must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety office. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, a W-2, a 1099 form, or a tax return). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a document showing the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
DPS offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some locations also open on Saturday mornings. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but you can check wait times on the DPS website before you go. Bring all documents with you; you cannot complete the renewal without them. The renewal fee is the same as online ($16 for four years or $32 for eight years), and you pay in cash, by check, or by card at the office.
When you renew in person, you will have your photo taken and may be asked to read an eye chart to confirm your vision is adequate. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. Your new license is usually ready to pick up the same day or within a few days; the office will tell you when to return.
How long your new license is valid
A standard Texas driver's license is valid for either four or eight years from the date it is issued. You choose the length when you renew. The four-year license costs $16 and the eight-year license costs $32. Most people choose the eight-year option because the cost per year is lower, but either is available to you.
Your license expires on your birthday in the year it is set to expire. For example, if you renew for four years in March 2024, your new license expires on your birthday in 2028. You can renew anytime in the 60 days before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the expiration date itself.
What happens if your license is already expired
If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew online using the same process described above. If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew — you must explore for a new license instead, which requires an in-person visit to a DPS office, a written test, and a driving test. This is a longer and more expensive process than renewal.
To avoid this, renew your license before it expires or within the two-year window after expiration. You can check your license's expiration date on the front of the card itself, or you can log into your DPS account online to see the exact date.
Renewing by mail (for certain people)
Texas allows renewal by mail only for people who are over 85 years old, who are on active military duty outside the United States, or who have a medical condition that prevents them from visiting a DPS office. If you fall into one of these categories, contact your local DPS office to request a mail renewal form. You will need to provide a doctor's letter if you are claiming a medical condition.
Mail renewal takes longer than online or in-person renewal — typically 4 to 6 weeks — because your documents must be mailed to the DPS, processed, and then your new license mailed back to you. This option is not available to most people, but it exists for those who cannot visit an office.
Finding a DPS office near you
You can find the DPS office closest to you on the Texas Department of Public Safety website. The site shows the address, phone number, hours, and current wait time for each location. Some offices are busier than others, so if you have flexibility, you can choose a less busy location or visit during a slower time of day. Mornings on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are usually less crowded than Monday or Friday.
If you call ahead, the office staff can tell you how long the wait is at that moment and whether you should come in or wait. Some offices also allow you to check in online before you arrive, which can reduce your wait time in the office itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it is already expired?
Yes, if it expired less than two years ago. You can renew online or in person using the standard renewal process. If it expired more than two years ago, you must explore for a new license instead, which requires a test and an in-person visit.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You cannot pick it up at an office or get it faster. If you need to drive before it arrives, you can print a temporary license from the DPS website after you complete your online renewal.
What if I moved to a different address since my last license?
You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must visit a DPS office in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days. The office will update your address and issue your new license.
Do I have to take a new photo when I renew?
If you renew online, your photo from your current license is used on your new license. If you renew in person at a DPS office, you will have a new photo taken. You cannot request to keep your old photo if you renew in person.
Can I renew my license if it has been suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the DPS or the court that issued the suspension or revocation to resolve the issue first. Once it is cleared, you can then renew your license through the normal process.