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, online through the DPS website, or by mail. The fastest route is usually online if you meet the requirements — you'll get a temporary digital license the same day and your physical card arrives in about two weeks. If you go in person, bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
You cannot renew by mail unless you're over 79 years old or have a medical condition that prevents you from visiting an office. If you're under 79 and want to renew without going online or in person, you'll need to visit a DPS office instead.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 15 minutes and works if your license isn't expired more than two years, you haven't changed your address, and you have no medical restrictions.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office takes 30 minutes to an hour and works for almost everyone, including those with address changes or medical updates.
- You'll need your current license and proof you live at your current address — a recent utility bill or bank statement works.
- Your new license costs $61 for a four-year renewal or $97 for an eight-year renewal, and you choose the length when you renew.
Renewing online through the DPS website
Go to the Texas DPS website and select "Renew Driver License" from the main menu. You'll create or log into your DPS account, then answer questions about your current license and any changes to your information. The system will ask for your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.
Online renewal only works if all of these are true: your license expired less than two years ago, you haven't moved, you don't have medical restrictions on your license, and you're between 18 and 79 years old. If any of these don't explore to you, you'll need to renew in person at a DPS office instead. After you complete the online form, you'll pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card, and you'll receive a temporary digital license you can use when ready on your phone.
Renewing in person at a DPS office
Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website by entering your zip code. You can schedule an appointment online, which usually cuts your wait time in half, or walk in during office hours. Bring your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days (utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or insurance bill), and be ready to provide your Social Security number.
The office staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your payment. You'll leave with a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent card is mailed to you. Most people receive their new license within two to three weeks. If you need to update your address, change your name, or add or remove medical restrictions, you must renew in person — the online system won't let you make these changes.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it — you'll need to reapply as if getting a license for the first time. This means taking the written test and driving test again at a DPS office. If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew using the standard process, either online or in person.
Texas does not charge a penalty for renewing a license that's been expired for a short time, but you cannot legally drive with an expired license. If you're stopped by police, an expired license can result in a traffic citation.
Choosing between a four-year and eight-year license
When you renew, you'll choose how long your new license is valid. A four-year license costs $61, and an eight-year license costs $97. Most people choose the eight-year option because the cost per year is lower, but if you expect your address or name to change soon, a four-year license means you'll renew sooner and can update your information then.
Your choice doesn't affect how long you can drive — both licenses are equally valid. The only difference is how often you'll need to renew and how much you'll pay each time.
Renewing by mail if you're may be able to access
You can renew by mail only if you're 79 or older or have a medical condition documented by a Texas physician. Contact your local DPS office to request a mail renewal form, or read it from the Texas DPS website. Fill out the form, include a copy of your current license and proof of residency, and mail everything to the address listed on the form along with your payment.
Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the time DPS receives your process. There's no way to track your process by mail, so if you haven't received your new license after six weeks, call your local DPS office to check the status.
What to do if you've changed your name
If you've changed your name since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your current license, proof of your name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency. The office will update your name in the system and issue a new license with your current name.
You cannot make a name change online, and you cannot use a license with your old name as proof of identity for the name change itself. Bring the legal document that shows your new name instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
No. The DPS system will flag your record if you have an unpaid traffic fine or child support obligation. You'll need to pay the fine or resolve the child support issue before you can renew. Contact the court that issued the ticket or the Texas Attorney General's office for child support questions.
What if I lost my current license and don't have it to renew?
You can still renew in person at a DPS office without your current license. Bring your proof of residency and Social Security number. The office will look up your record in the system and issue a replacement. You cannot renew online without your license number.
How long does a temporary paper license last?
A temporary paper license is valid for 45 days from the date you receive it. Your permanent card should arrive within two to three weeks, but if it doesn't, you can use the temporary license until it expires. If your permanent card doesn't arrive by day 45, contact the DPS office where you renewed.
Can I renew my license if I'm not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. You'll need to renew in person and bring proof of your legal presence in the United States — a valid passport, visa, work permit, or other federal immigration document. The DPS office will verify your document and process your renewal the same way.
What if I want to add or remove medical restrictions on my license?
You must renew in person at a DPS office. If you're adding a restriction, bring a letter from your doctor stating the restriction. If you're removing one, bring documentation from your doctor saying the condition no longer applies. The office will update your license accordingly.