How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Where and how to renew your Texas license

You can renew your Texas driver's license through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in three ways: online at the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS driver's license office. Online renewal is the fastest and most common route — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year renewal or $32 for an eight-year renewal. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send documents to the DPS office in Austin. In-person renewal at a local DPS office takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on wait times.

Which method you can use depends on when your license expires and whether you have had any recent changes to your address, name, or medical status. If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must go to a DPS office in person. If you have moved, changed your name, or have a medical condition that affects your driving, you may also need to renew in person.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the DPS website is available if your license expired within the last two years and you have not changed your address, name, or medical status.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send your current license, a completed process form, and payment to the DPS office in Austin.
In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license expired more than two years ago or if you have changed your address, name, or medical information.
The cost is $16 for a four-year renewal or $32 for an eight-year renewal, and you can pay by credit card, debit card, or check.
Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days after approval, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

Online renewal through the DPS website

To renew online, go to the Texas DPS website and select the driver's license renewal option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and ask you to confirm your address and other information on file. If everything is correct, you can pay the renewal fee using a credit card or debit card.

Online renewal is only available if your license has been expired for less than two years, you have not changed your address or name since your last renewal, and you do not have any medical restrictions or changes. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a motorcycle endorsement, you cannot renew online — you must go to a DPS office in person.

After you complete the online renewal, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your expired license until your new one arrives.

Mail renewal and what documents to send

To renew by mail, read and complete the process for Texas Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL-43) from the DPS website. Print the form, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the DPS office in Austin. The mailing address is on the form. Do not send cash.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DPS office receives your documents. You can continue to drive on your expired license during this time. Your new license will be mailed to the address you listed on the process form.

Mail renewal is available only if your license expired within the last two years and you have not changed your address, name, or medical status. If you have moved or changed your name, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

In-person renewal at a DPS driver's license office

To renew in person, find your nearest DPS driver's license office on the DPS website and go during their business hours. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment for the renewal fee. If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, bring a letter from your doctor.

At the office, you will fill out an process form, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. The process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, but wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check wait times on the DPS website before you go.

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago, you have changed your address or name, or you have a new medical condition. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office, and your permanent license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if your license has been expired for 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. This means you will need to go to a DPS office in person, pass a written test on traffic laws, pass a vision test, and have a new photo taken. You will also need to bring proof of residency and proof of your Social Security number.

The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study for the test using the Texas Driver's Handbook, which is available on the DPS website. The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.

The cost of a new license is the same as a renewal: $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Address changes and name changes during renewal

If you have moved since your last renewal, you must update your address when you renew your license. If you renew online or by mail, you can update your address as part of the renewal process. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. The document must show your name and current address.

If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or a court order, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your current license and a certified copy of the document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS office will issue a new license with your updated name.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The cost of renewing your Texas driver's license is $16 for a four-year renewal or $32 for an eight-year renewal. If you renew online, you can pay by credit card or debit card. If you renew by mail, you can pay by check or money order — do not send cash. If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

Some DPS offices may charge an additional fee for services such as a duplicate license or a replacement license if yours was lost or stolen. Check the DPS website for the current fee schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days after your renewal is approved, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. You can continue to drive on your expired license or your temporary paper license until your new one arrives.

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

Yes, you can renew your license even if you have unpaid traffic tickets or fines. However, if you have an outstanding warrant or a suspended license due to unpaid fines, you will not be able to renew until the issue is resolved. Check the DPS website or call your local DPS office to find out whether your license is suspended.

What if I need to renew my license before my current one expires?

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you are planning to travel or if you want to update your address or photo before your current license expires. The renewal process is the same whether you renew early or wait until your license is about to expire.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew my license?

If you renew online or by mail, your current photo will be used on your new license. If you renew in person at a DPS office, you will have a new photo taken. If you want a new photo for an online or mail renewal, you must renew in person instead.

What if my license was lost or stolen?

If your license was lost or stolen, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a replacement license. Go to a DPS office in person with proof of your identity and residency. You will have a new photo taken and receive a temporary paper license at the office. Your permanent license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. The cost is the same as a renewal.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.