You cannot renew your Texas driver's license by phone

Texas does not offer phone renewal for driver's licenses. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires you to renew in person at a driver's license office, by mail, or online through their website. A phone call cannot complete the renewal because DPS needs to verify your identity, take a new photo, and collect your signature — all things that require you to be physically present or to use their find online system.

If you are looking for the fastest option that does not require a trip to an office, online renewal through the DPS website is available if you meet certain conditions. If you cannot renew online or by mail, you will need to visit a driver's license office in your county.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas driver's license renewal happens in person at a DPS office, by mail, or online — phone renewal is not an option.
  • Online renewal through the DPS website is the fastest method if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change.
  • Mail renewal takes longer but works if you meet the requirements and do not need your license when ready.
  • In-person renewal at a driver's license office is required if your license is expired, if you need a new photo, or if you do not meet online or mail requirements.
  • You can check wait times and book an appointment at your local DPS office through their website before you go.

Online renewal through the DPS website

Online renewal is the fastest way to renew without visiting an office. You go to the Texas DPS website, create or log into your account, and complete the renewal form. You pay the renewal fee online using a credit or debit card. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

You can renew online only if all of these are true: your license is not expired, you have not changed your name, you have not changed your address in the last 60 days, and you do not need a new photo. If any of these do not explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person.

Mail renewal if you cannot go online

Mail renewal works if your license is not expired and you meet the same conditions as online renewal — no name change, no recent address change, and no new photo needed. You request a renewal form from the DPS, fill it out, and mail it back with your old license, a check or money order for the fee, and any required documents.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal. You have to wait for the form to arrive, mail it back, and then wait for DPS to process it and mail your new license. The whole process usually takes 4 to 6 weeks. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal is faster.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

You must renew in person if your license is expired, if you need a new photo, if you have changed your name, or if you do not meet the requirements for online or mail renewal. Bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or an acceptable ID document. If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Visit the Texas DPS website to find the driver's license office nearest you and check current wait times. Many offices let you book an appointment online, which can cut your wait time significantly. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are usually seen first. The renewal is completed on the spot, and you receive a temporary paper license to use while your new one is mailed to you.

What your renewal costs and how long it takes

A standard five-year driver's license renewal costs $25. If you are 85 years old or older, a five-year renewal costs $10. A commercial driver's license (CDL) renewal costs $97 for five years. These fees are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

Online renewal is fastest — your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal gives you a temporary license when ready and your permanent license within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks. If your license is expired and you need to drive before your new one arrives, the temporary paper license from in-person renewal is valid for 45 days.

If your license is expired

You cannot renew an expired license online or by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person. Bring the same documents you would bring for any in-person renewal — your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or acceptable ID. You can still drive on an expired license to the DPS office to renew it, but you cannot drive for any other purpose.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may have to take a new written test and driving test instead of just renewing. Check with your local DPS office or call them before you go to find out what you will need.

Finding your local DPS office and checking wait times

The Texas DPS website has a tool to find the driver's license office in your county. You can search by city or county, and the site shows you the office address, phone number, and hours. Many offices display current wait times on the website so you know what to expect before you go.

If you want to avoid a long wait, book an appointment online if your office offers them. Some offices have appointment slots available weeks in advance. If you cannot book an appointment or if your office does not offer them, go early in the day or on a weekday — Mondays and Fridays tend to be busier than Tuesday through Thursday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license by calling DPS?

No. DPS does not offer phone renewal. You can renew online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name or address recently.

What if I need my new license before the mail arrives?

Renew in person at a DPS office. You receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 45 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. The temporary license works for driving, voting, and most other purposes.

Do I have to take a new photo when I renew?

Not always. If you renew online or by mail and your license is not expired, you can keep your old photo. If you renew in person, DPS takes a new photo. If your license is expired or if you want a new photo, you must renew in person.

What happens if I renew online but then change my address?

You can update your address separately through the DPS website or at a driver's license office without renewing your license. If you change your address within 60 days of renewing online, contact DPS to make sure your new address is on file before your license arrives.

How do I know if I can renew online?

You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have not changed your name, you have not changed your address in the last 60 days, and you do not need a new photo. Start the online renewal process on the DPS website — it will tell you right away if you are not may be able to access and what you need to do instead.