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 through the DPS website — but not all renewal types work through every method. The fastest route is usually online if you're renewing a standard license and your current license is not expired more than two years. If you're renewing in person, bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number.
Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired more than two years and you have no medical conditions or restrictions that changed since your last renewal. Online renewal works the same way — you'll need a current, valid Texas license to start the process. If either of those conditions doesn't explore to you, you must visit a DPS office in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the DPS website is the fastest option if your license expired less than two years ago and you have no new medical conditions or restrictions.
- Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and costs less than in-person renewal, but only works for standard renewals with no changes to your health or driving record.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 30 minutes to an hour and is required if your license expired more than two years ago or if you have new medical restrictions.
- Your proof of residency must be dated within 90 days of your visit or process, and a utility bill or lease agreement works for this purpose.
- Texas driver's licenses are valid for eight years, so you won't need to renew again until your expiration date passes.
Renewing online through the DPS website
Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the online renewal option. You'll need your current driver's license number, your date of birth, and your Social Security number to log in. The system will ask you to confirm that your address, name, and other personal information are still correct. If anything has changed, you cannot complete the renewal online — you must visit a DPS office instead.
Once you've confirmed your information, you'll pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. Texas charges $16 for a four-year renewal or $32 for an eight-year renewal. After you submit payment, the DPS will mail your new license to the address on file. This usually takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Renewing by mail
Request a mail renewal process by calling the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 or by visiting a DPS office to pick one up in person. Fill out the process form completely and include a check or money order for the renewal fee payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety." Mail everything to the address listed on the form — this address changes by region, so make sure you're using the correct one from your process packet.
Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks from the time the DPS receives your process. You'll receive your new license by mail at the address you listed on the form. During this time, your current license remains valid for driving. If you need your license sooner, switch to in-person renewal instead.
Renewing in person at a DPS office
Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website and check their hours before you go — some offices have limited hours on certain days. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and be ready to provide your Social Security number. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations allow you to reserve a time slot online to reduce wait time.
The renewal process takes about 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is. You'll have a new photo taken, confirm your information, and pay the renewal fee in cash, check, or card. The DPS will issue your new license on the spot, or mail it to you within 7 to 10 business days if the office is out of stock. Ask which option applies when you arrive.
What happens if your license is expired more than two years
If your Texas driver's license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to a DPS office. You'll need to bring proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate), proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The process is longer than a renewal because the DPS treats it as a new process.
You'll also need to pass the written test and the driving test, just as you would for an original license. Some DPS offices allow you to schedule the tests in advance online. The fee for a new license is higher than a renewal — currently $32 for an eight-year license — and the office will issue it on the spot or mail it within 7 to 10 business days.
Changing your address or name during renewal
If you've moved or changed your name since your last renewal, you can update this information during the renewal process. Online renewal will not let you change your address or name — you must renew in person or by mail. For mail renewal, write your new address or name clearly on the process form and include proof of the change (a marriage certificate for a name change, or a utility bill for an address change).
For in-person renewal, bring the same proof documents and tell the DPS employee about the change when you arrive. They will update your information in the system and print your new license with the correct details. This does not cost extra or add time to the renewal process.
Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)
Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail — you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and your medical certificate (Form MCSA-5875) if your CDL has air brake restrictions or if your medical certification is expiring soon. You may also need to pass a written test depending on the type of CDL you hold and whether any endorsements have changed.
CDL renewal takes longer than standard license renewal because the DPS must verify your medical status and commercial driving record. Plan for 45 minutes to an hour at the office. The renewal fee is higher than a standard license — currently $64 for an eight-year CDL. Your new license will be issued on the spot or mailed within 7 to 10 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's already expired?
Yes, as long as it expired less than two years ago. You can renew online, by mail, or in person using the same process as a standard renewal. If it expired more than two years ago, you must explore for a new license instead, which requires an in-person visit and includes a written test and driving test.
What counts as proof of residency?
A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill all work as proof of residency. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within 90 days of your renewal. Bank statements and insurance documents are not accepted.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
If you renew online or by mail, the DPS mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person, you may receive it on the spot, or the office may mail it if they're out of stock — ask when you arrive. Your current license stays valid for driving until the new one arrives.
Do I need to take a new photo for renewal?
If you renew online or by mail, the DPS uses your photo from your current license. If you renew in person, the DPS takes a new photo as part of the process. You cannot request to keep your old photo for an in-person renewal.
What if I've had a medical condition or restriction added since my last renewal?
You must renew in person at a DPS office. Online and mail renewal are only for renewals with no changes to your health or driving restrictions. Bring any medical documentation the DPS requests, and be prepared to discuss the condition with the DPS employee.