What You Need to Do to Renew in Texas

You can renew your Texas driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. By mail takes two to three weeks. In person takes one to two hours at the office but gives you an when ready temporary license while you wait for the plastic card.

Your license can be renewed up to one year before it expires or up to two years after it expires. If it's been expired for more than two years, you'll need to explore for a new license instead of renewing, which requires an in-person visit and additional documents.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal is available if your license expires within the next year, you have a valid Texas address on file, and your license was not suspended or revoked.
  • You'll need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to renew online.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send in your current license plus a completed DL-44 form.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license has been expired for more than two years or if you need to update your address or other information.
  • Texas driver's licenses are valid for four or eight years depending on which term you choose, and renewal costs $16 or $32 respectively.

Renewing Online Through the DPS Website

Go to the Texas DPS website at dps.texas.gov and select "Renew Your Driver License" from the homepage. You'll be taken to the online renewal portal. Enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and confirm your current address.

Review your information carefully. If your address has changed, you cannot update it online — you'll need to renew by mail or in person instead. If everything is correct, choose whether you want a four-year or eight-year license, then pay with a debit or credit card. You'll receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new license will arrive by mail in seven to ten business days.

Online renewal is not available if your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled, or if you have an outstanding traffic fine or failure to appear on your record. The system will tell you if you're ineligible and direct you to the next step.

Renewing by Mail

read or print the DL-44 form from the DPS website. Fill it out completely — print clearly in black or blue ink. Include your current driver's license and a check or money order for $16 (four-year) or $32 (eight-year) made payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety." Do not send cash.

Mail the form, license, and payment to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your envelope. You can track your renewal status on the DPS website using your driver's license number. Your new license will arrive by mail once processing is complete.

Mail renewal works if your address hasn't changed and your license is not suspended or revoked. If you need to update your address, you must renew in person.

Renewing in Person at a DPS Office

Find your nearest DPS office on the DPS website and check its hours — many offices close for lunch and some have limited evening or weekend hours. You do not need an appointment for standard renewals at most locations, but some offices now offer online scheduling. Bring your current driver's license, proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment in cash, check, or card.

When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. Tell the clerk you're renewing. They'll verify your information, take a new photo, and process your payment. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed. Your permanent license arrives in seven to ten business days.

In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your address, if you want to update your name, or if you need to correct other information on your license. It's also the only option if you were denied online renewal.

What Happens If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license through any method. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the court or DPS. Contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6556 to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what you need to do to clear it.

Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew online, by mail, or in person using the normal process. If you have an outstanding traffic fine or failure to appear, you'll need to resolve that with the court before you can renew.

Updating Your Address or Other Information During Renewal

If you've moved, changed your name, or need to correct information on your license, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and any documents supporting the change (marriage certificate for a name change, for example).

The DPS clerk will update your record and take a new photo. Processing works the same way as a standard in-person renewal — you'll get a temporary paper license and your permanent card arrives in seven to ten business days. The fee is the same: $16 for four years or $32 for eight years.

Choosing Between a Four-Year and Eight-Year License

A four-year license costs $16 and an eight-year license costs $32. The eight-year license saves you money over time if you plan to stay in Texas — you renew half as often. The four-year license is useful if you expect your address to change soon or if you want to update your photo more frequently.

You can choose whichever term you prefer each time you renew. There's no requirement to alternate or stick with what you had before. Make your choice when you renew online, by mail, or at the DPS office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

Yes, you can renew up to two years after expiration. If it's been expired for more than two years, you must explore for a new license instead, which requires an in-person visit and additional documents like proof of citizenship or legal residency.

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

Online and mail renewals take seven to ten business days for the plastic card to arrive by mail. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license when ready, valid for 45 days, while your permanent card is printed and mailed.

What if I move out of state after I renew?

Your Texas license remains valid until it expires, even if you move. You're not required to exchange it for another state's license, though most states require you to get a local license within a certain period after moving.

Can I renew online if I don't have a valid address on file?

No. Online renewal requires that your current address in the DPS system be valid and current. If your address has changed, you must renew by mail or in person so the DPS can update your record.

What if I lost my license and need to renew?

You cannot renew a lost license. You must explore for a replacement, which requires an in-person visit to a DPS office with proof of identity and Texas residency. The replacement fee is separate from the renewal fee.