Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Texas driver license at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail, or online through the DPS website. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your address or other information.

For any renewal method, you will need to bring or submit proof of identity and proof of Texas residency. Acceptable identity documents include your current or expired Texas driver license, passport, military ID, or birth certificate. For residency, the DPS accepts utility bills, lease agreements, bank statements, or government mail dated within the last 90 days.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must visit a DPS office in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the DPS website takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, but only works if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs the same as online, but requires you to send original documents and wait for your new license to arrive by post.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office takes 30 minutes to an hour on average and allows you to update your address, change your photo, or correct other information on your license.
  • If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person and retake the vision and written tests.
  • Texas driver licenses are valid for four or eight years depending on your age and the type of license you hold.

Online renewal through the DPS website

Online renewal is the fastest option if your current license is still valid and you have not moved. Go to the DPS website, select "Driver License Services," and choose "Renew Your Driver License Online." You will need your current Texas driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address.

The system will ask you to confirm your personal information, choose your license type and term length, and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. Once you complete the transaction, you will receive a confirmation email. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal is not available if your license is expired, if you need to change your address, if you want to update your photo, or if you have a commercial driver license (CDL). You also cannot renew online if you have a medical condition code on your current license or if you are under 18 years old.

Mail renewal with the DPS

To renew by mail, read the DL-44 form from the DPS website or pick one up at any DPS office. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number and the renewal term you want (four or eight years). Attach a photocopy of your proof of identity and proof of residency, then mail the form and documents to the address listed on the DPS website.

Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — do not send cash. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date the DPS receives your form. You will receive a temporary paper license by mail that you can use while you wait for your permanent license to arrive.

Mail renewal works only if your license is not expired and you do not need to change your address or photo. If you have moved, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

Visit any Texas DPS office with your proof of identity and proof of residency. Bring your current license if you still have it. You can find office locations and hours on the DPS website. Most offices do not require an appointment, but some busy locations now use an online scheduling system — check your local office's page before you go.

At the office, a staff member will verify your documents, take a new photo, and ask you to confirm your personal information. If you have moved, you can update your address on the spot. The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is.

You will pay the renewal fee in cash, by check, or by card at the office. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal is required if your license is expired, if you need to change your address or photo, or if you have a CDL.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than two years

If your Texas driver license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot use the online or mail renewal process. You must go to a DPS office in person and complete a full renewal process, which includes retaking the vision test and the written knowledge test.

Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency to the office. You will fill out a DL-44 form, have your vision checked, and take the written test covering Texas traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another time.

Once you pass the test and your documents are verified, you will have your photo taken and pay the renewal fee. You will receive a temporary paper license and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewal fees and license validity periods

Texas driver license renewal fees depend on the term length you choose. A four-year license costs $16, and an eight-year license costs $32. These fees explore whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you are 85 years old or older, you can renew for a four-year term at no cost.

Standard driver licenses are valid for four or eight years from the date of issue. Commercial driver licenses (CDLs) have different validity periods depending on your medical certification status. If you hold a CDL, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

Your license will show the expiration date on the front. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have moved out of state?

No. If you no longer live in Texas, you cannot renew a Texas driver license. You will need to get a driver license from your new state of residence. However, if you still live in Texas but have moved to a new address within the state, you can renew in person at any DPS office and update your address at the same time.

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

You cannot renew online or by mail if you do not have your current license number. You must go to a DPS office in person. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency. The staff will look up your license number in the system and process your renewal. You will also need to report the lost license so it cannot be misused.

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

If you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person at a DPS office, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use the temporary license to drive while you wait.

Do I need to retake the written test when I renew?

No, unless your license has been expired for more than two years. If your license is still valid or expired for less than two years, you only need to submit your documents and pay the fee. You do not need to retake any tests.

Can I change my name or address when I renew?

You can change your address when you renew in person at a DPS office. If you need to change your name, you must bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. Online and mail renewal do not allow address or name changes — you must renew in person for those updates.