You can renew by mail, online, or in person at a Texas DPS office — but the method depends on your license type and how long it's been expired
Texas allows out-of-state residents to renew their driver's license without returning to Texas, though the process differs based on whether your license is still valid, recently expired, or expired more than two years ago. Most people renew online or by mail. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you'll need to renew in person at a Texas DPS office, which means traveling back to the state or finding an alternative.
The fastest route for most people is the online renewal at dps.texas.gov, which 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 but works the same way. Both options require that your license hasn't been expired for more than two years and that you haven't had any address changes, name changes, or medical conditions that need updating.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal at dps.texas.gov is the fastest option for out-of-state residents and takes about 10 minutes if your license is current or expired less than two years.
- Mail renewal requires sending your current license and a check to the Texas DPS address, and takes two to three weeks from the time they receive your materials.
- If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online and must renew in person at any Texas DPS office.
- You will need your Social Security number, current mailing address, and either a valid credit or debit card (for online) or a check (for mail).
- Your new license will be mailed to your current address, whether you live in another state or out of the country.
Online renewal: the fastest method for current or recently expired licenses
Go to dps.texas.gov and select "Driver License" from the main menu, then choose "Renew Your Driver License Online." You'll need your current Texas driver's license number, Social Security number, and the date of birth on your license. The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history — this is an automated check and takes less than a minute.
Once you pass the identity check, you'll enter your current mailing address (which can be anywhere in the world), choose your renewal term (four or eight years), and pay the fee with a credit or debit card. The system will confirm your payment when ready. Texas DPS will mail your new license to the address you provided within 7 to 10 business days. You don't need to upload a photo — the system uses your existing photo from your current license.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you've had a name change since your last renewal, if you've had an address change that wasn't reported to DPS, or if you have medical conditions that need to be updated on your license. If any of these explore to you, use mail renewal or in-person renewal instead.
Mail renewal: the alternative if online doesn't work for you
Print the renewal form from dps.texas.gov (form DL-44) or request it by calling the Texas DPS Customer Service line at 1-888-589-6789. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order to the address listed on the form. The current mailing address is Texas Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division, P.O. Box 15888, Austin, TX 78761-5888.
Include a check or money order for $16 (four-year renewal) or $32 (eight-year renewal). Do not send cash. Mail your packet in an envelope marked "Driver License Renewal" so it goes to the right department. Texas DPS typically processes mail renewals within two to three weeks of receiving your materials, though processing times can be longer during peak periods.
Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: your license cannot have been expired for more than two years, you cannot have had a name change, and you cannot have an unreported address change. If you're unsure whether your address change was reported to DPS, call 1-888-589-6789 before mailing your renewal to confirm.
In-person renewal at a Texas DPS office: required if your license expired more than two years ago
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a Texas DPS Driver License office. You can find the office nearest to your home state at dps.texas.gov by using the office locator tool. Call ahead to confirm hours and current wait times, as some offices require appointments while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Bring your expired Texas driver's license, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), proof of residency in your current state (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and payment in cash, check, or card. The renewal fee is $16 for four years or $32 for eight years. The office will take a new photo and issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office's procedures.
If you cannot travel to Texas, you have limited options. Some people renew through a Texas consulate or embassy if they're living outside the United States, though this is not available for all countries. Contact the Texas DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to ask about alternatives in your specific situation.
What documents you need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Payment Method | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license number, Social Security number, date of birth | Credit or debit card | 7–10 business days |
| Current license, completed form DL-44, check or money order | Check or money order | 2–3 weeks | |
| In-person (expired 2+ years) | Expired license, proof of SSN, proof of residency in current state | Cash, check, or card | Same day or 7–10 days |
What happens if your license is expired and you're stopped by police
Driving with an expired license is illegal in all states, including Texas. If you're pulled over while your Texas license is expired, you can be cited even if you're living out of state and your home state's license is current. The safest approach is to renew before your Texas license expires, or to switch to your current state's driver's license if you've established residency there.
If your Texas license has already expired and you're still driving on it, renew it when ready using one of the methods above. If you've moved to another state permanently, you may want to obtain that state's driver's license instead, which typically requires passing a written test and vision test. Check your current state's DMV website for their requirements.
Common issues that prevent online or mail renewal
The most common reason online renewal fails is an address change that wasn't reported to DPS. If you moved out of state but never notified DPS of your new address, the system will reject your online renewal. Call 1-888-589-6789 and update your address with DPS before attempting online renewal again.
Another common issue is a name change. If you've married, divorced, or legally changed your name since your last renewal, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a Texas DPS office with a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or name change court order. Similarly, if you've had a medical condition develop that affects your driving (vision loss, seizures, or certain medications), you'll need to renew in person so a DPS officer can assess whether restrictions are needed on your license.
If your license was suspended or revoked for any reason, you cannot renew it. You must contact the Texas DPS to resolve the suspension or revocation first. Call 1-888-589-6789 to find out the status of your license and what steps are required to restore it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license if I've moved to another country?
Yes, you can renew online or by mail as long as your license hasn't been expired for more than two years. Your new license will be mailed to your international address. If your license expired more than two years ago, you'll need to renew in person at a Texas DPS office, which means traveling back to Texas or contacting the Texas consulate or embassy in your country to ask about alternatives.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Texas DPS mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days of your online renewal. Delivery time depends on your location — if you're in another state, expect 3 to 7 additional days for mail delivery. If you're out of the country, delivery can take 2 to 4 weeks depending on the country and postal service.
What if I need my license before the mail arrives?
You can print a temporary license from dps.texas.gov when ready after completing your online renewal. The temporary license is valid for 45 days and can be used for driving and identification purposes while you wait for your permanent license to arrive.
Do I need a new photo for my out-of-state renewal?
No, online and mail renewals use your existing photo from your current license. Only in-person renewals require a new photo. If you want to update your photo during an online or mail renewal, you'll need to renew in person at a Texas DPS office instead.
Can I renew my license if it's suspended or revoked?
No, you cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the Texas DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what you need to do to restore it. Once it's restored, you can renew using any of the methods above.