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 at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail, or online depending on your situation. Most people renew in person at a local DPS office, which takes about 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You will need to bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days), and proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form).

If you are renewing by mail, you can only do this if your license is not expired and you meet certain conditions — your license must not have been suspended or revoked, you cannot have any medical restrictions that changed, and you must not need to update your address or other information. Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks from when DPS receives your process.

Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired, you have a valid email address on file, and your license does not have certain restrictions. You can start the process at the Texas DPS website, but you will still need to visit a DPS office to have your photo taken and pay the fee.

Key Takeaways

You can renew in person at any DPS office, by mail if your license is not expired and nothing has changed, or start online and finish in person.
Bring your current license, proof of where you live (utility bill or lease from the last 90 days), and proof of your Social Security number.
In-person renewal usually takes 15 to 45 minutes; mail renewal takes two to three weeks; online-to-in-person takes about a week total.
Your renewed license will be valid for eight years if you are under 85, or four years if you are 85 or older.

Finding the DPS office nearest you

The Texas DPS website has a location finder where you can enter your city or zip code and see all nearby offices, their hours, and whether they are currently accepting walk-ins. Some offices take appointments through the website; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. If you go without an appointment, arrive early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon, as midday and Friday afternoons tend to be busiest.

If you cannot reach a DPS office easily, some counties also have mobile DPS units that travel to smaller towns on a set schedule. The DPS website lists which counties have mobile service and when the units will be in your area.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, you will need to request an process from the DPS website or call the DPS customer service line. You fill out the process, include a check or money order for the renewal fee (currently $48 for an eight-year license if you are under 85), and mail it to the address on the form along with a copy of your proof of residency.

Mail renewal is only an option if your current license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, your address has not changed, and you have no suspensions or revocations on your record. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person. DPS will mail your new license to the address on file, which typically takes two to three weeks after they receive your process.

Renewing online and finishing in person

If you start your renewal online through the Texas DPS website, you will create an account, verify your identity, and upload a new photo. You will then receive a confirmation number and instructions to visit a DPS office within 30 days to complete the process. At the office, you will pay the fee, have your photo officially taken, and receive your new license on the spot or by mail depending on the office's process.

Online renewal is faster than mail renewal because you avoid the back-and-forth mailing time, but you still need to go to an office to finish. This option works well if you want to do most of the work from home but do not mind a quick office visit.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must renew in person at a DPS office. You will also need to pass a vision test and may need to retake the written test depending on how long it has been expired. Bring the same documents as a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.

If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew by mail or online if you meet the other conditions. DPS considers a license expired the day after the expiration date on the card.

Renewal fees and how to pay

The renewal fee for a standard eight-year license is currently $48 if you are under 85 years old. If you are 85 or older, the fee is $24 for a four-year license. You can pay by cash, check, money order, or debit card at a DPS office. If you are renewing by mail, you must send a check or money order. Online renewal requires a debit or credit card.

Some DPS offices also accept credit cards, but not all, so call ahead if you plan to pay by credit card. If you are renewing in person and do not have the exact fee, most offices can accept payment and give you change.

What to expect after you renew

If you renew in person at a DPS office, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 45 days while your permanent card is being made. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. If you renew by mail, your new license will arrive by mail in two to three weeks and you will not receive a temporary license, so plan your renewal before your current license expires.

Your new license will have a new expiration date eight years from the date of renewal (or four years if you are 85 or older). The card will have your current address, photo, and signature on it. If any information on your license is incorrect when you receive it, contact DPS to request a correction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked status?

No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with DPS before you can renew. Contact DPS to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to clear it. Once it is cleared, you can renew in person at a DPS office.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a DPS office?

It depends on the office. Some offices accept appointments through the DPS website; others operate on a walk-in basis only. Check the DPS location finder for your nearest office to see whether appointments are available. If appointments are full, you can still walk in, but wait times may be longer.

What if I moved to a different address since my last renewal?

You must renew in person at a DPS office and bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days). You cannot renew by mail or online if your address has changed. Bring your current license, proof of residency at your new address, and proof of Social Security number.

Can I renew my license if I am out of state?

If you are a Texas resident living temporarily out of state, you can renew by mail if your license is not expired and nothing else has changed. If you are moving out of state permanently, you should renew your Texas license before you leave or contact DPS about your options. You cannot renew online or in person at a DPS office if you are not in Texas.

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

If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days and your permanent card arrives by mail in two to three weeks. If you renew by mail, your new license arrives by mail in two to three weeks with no temporary license. If you start online and finish in person, the timeline is similar — temporary license on the spot, permanent card by mail in two to three weeks.

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.