How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Where to renew and what you need to bring

You can renew your Texas driver's license in person at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, or online through the Texas DPS website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route is the most straightforward: bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days), and your Social Security number. If you're renewing by mail, you'll need to request a form from DPS, but mail renewal is slower and only works if your license isn't expired by more than two years.

Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access. You can renew online if your license hasn't been expired for more than two years, you have no medical conditions flagged on your record, and you haven't had any address changes since your last renewal. The online process takes about 10 minutes, costs less than in-person renewal, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest and cheapest option if your license expired less than two years ago and you haven't moved.
In-person renewal at any DPS office requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number.
Mail renewal is available but takes longer; you must request the form from DPS first and your license cannot have been expired for more than two years.
Renewal fees vary by license type and validity period, so check the DPS website for the exact cost before you go in or pay online.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you will need to take the written test and vision test again, even if you're renewing rather than reapplying.

Online renewal step by step

Go to the Texas DPS website and select "Renew Your Driver License" from the main menu. You'll be asked to 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 show you whether you're may be able to access to renew online; if you see a message that you cannot renew online, you'll need to go in person or by mail instead.

If you're may be able to access, you'll upload a new photo or use the one on file. You can take a new photo with your phone or computer camera, or keep your existing photo if it's still a good likeness. After you review your information for accuracy, you'll pay the renewal fee online using a debit or credit card. Texas DPS will mail your new license to the address on file; if you need to change your address, you must do this in person or by mail.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website and check their hours before you go. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days), and know your Social Security number. You do not need to make an appointment at most offices, but some locations offer online check-in to reduce wait time.

At the office, you'll take a new photo and pass a vision test. The vision test checks that you can see clearly enough to drive safely; if you fail, you may be required to wear corrective lenses while driving or get a medical evaluation. The whole process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You'll pay the renewal fee at the counter, and your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.

Mail renewal by request

To renew by mail, call the Texas DPS at 1-888-589-6789 or visit a DPS office to request a renewal process form. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number, date of birth, and signature. Include a new photo (4 by 6 inches, color, taken within the last 90 days) or a note requesting that DPS use your existing photo. Mail the form, your current license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee to the address shown on the form.

Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date DPS receives your process, so plan ahead if you need your license by a specific date. Your current license remains valid while you wait for the new one. If your process is incomplete or DPS has questions, they will contact you by mail, which adds more time to the process.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than two years

If your Texas driver's license expired more than two years ago, you cannot straightforward renew it. Instead, you must reapply as if you were getting your first license. This means you'll need to pass the written knowledge test, the vision test, and the driving test. You'll also need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number may be able to access.

The reapplication process takes longer and costs more than a standard renewal. You can study for the written test using the Texas DPS Driver's Manual, which is available free on the DPS website. If you're nervous about the driving test, many driving schools in Texas offer refresher courses for people who haven't driven in a while.

Renewal fees and how long your new license lasts

Texas driver's license renewal fees depend on how long you want your new license to be valid. A four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. The exact fee changes periodically, so check the Texas DPS website for current pricing before you renew. Online renewal is typically $2 to $5 cheaper than in-person renewal because it saves DPS administrative costs.

Your new license will be valid for either four or eight years from the date it's issued, depending on which term you choose when you renew. After that period ends, you'll need to renew again. If you're over 85 years old, your license is valid for only four years regardless of which option you choose.

What to do if you need your license before it arrives by mail

If you renewed online or by mail and need to drive before your new license arrives, you can continue using your current license as long as it hasn't expired. If your current license has already expired, you can print a temporary license from the Texas DPS website after you complete an online renewal. The temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used while you wait for your permanent license to arrive.

If you renewed in person at a DPS office, ask the staff whether they can issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. Some offices do this automatically; others only issue it if you ask. The temporary license is valid for 30 days and looks like a printed form, not a plastic card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I've moved to a different address?

If you moved and need to update your address, you must renew in person or by mail; online renewal is not available when your address has changed. Bring your new proof of residency to the DPS office, and they'll update your address and issue your new license with the correct information.

What if I lost my current license or it was stolen?

You cannot renew a lost or stolen license. Instead, you'll need to replace it by going to a DPS office in person with proof of identity and proof of residency. Replacement is different from renewal and may have different fees. Ask at the DPS office which process applies to your situation.

Do I need to take the written test again when I renew?

No, you do not take the written test during a standard renewal if your license has been valid and not expired for more than two years. You only take the vision test and have a new photo taken. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must take the written test, vision test, and driving test as part of reapplication.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

After online renewal or in-person renewal, your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date DPS receives your completed process. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives, as long as your current license hasn't expired.

Can I renew my license if I wear glasses or contacts?

Yes. During your vision test, you can wear your glasses or contacts if you normally wear them while driving. If you fail the vision test even with correction, DPS may require you to wear corrective lenses as a condition of your license, or they may ask for a medical evaluation from an eye doctor.

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.