How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Renew in person at a Texas DPS office, by mail, or online depending on your license type and when it expires

Texas offers three renewal routes: online through the DPS website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a driver license office. Which one you can use depends on whether your license is Real ID compliant, how long it has been expired, and whether you have had any address changes. Most people renewing a standard license that is not yet expired can renew online in about 10 minutes. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person.

The state mails your new license to the address on file, so plan for 7 to 10 business days after approval. If you need to drive before it arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at a DPS office or print one online after your renewal is processed.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, but only works if your current license is not expired and you have not changed your address.
Mail renewal is available only if your license is not Real ID compliant, you have not moved, and your license expired within the last two years.
In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license expired more than two years ago, you need a Real ID upgrade, or you have changed your address.
Texas mails your new license to the address on file, so request a temporary paper license if you need to drive before it arrives.
Renewal fees range from $16 to $32 depending on license type and validity period; you pay when you submit your renewal.

Renew online through the Texas DPS website

Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is current and you meet the requirements. Go to the Texas Department of Public Safety website, select "Driver License" and then "Renew," and follow the prompts. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and show you the renewal fee before you pay.

Online renewal works only if all of these are true: your license has not expired, you have not changed your address since your last renewal, your license is not Real ID compliant (or you do not need to upgrade to Real ID), and you have no medical or legal holds on your record. If any of these do not explore, you must renew by mail or in person.

After you pay online, the DPS sends your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can print a temporary paper license when ready after your renewal is processed if you need to drive before the physical card arrives.

Renew by mail if your license is not Real ID compliant

Mail renewal is available only for standard (non-Real ID) licenses that expired within the last two years and have not been renewed by mail in the past. You cannot renew by mail if you have moved, if your license is Real ID compliant, or if you need to change any information on your license.

To renew by mail, contact the DPS by phone at 1-888-589-6789 to request a renewal process packet. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee (payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety"), and mail it to the address shown on the packet. The DPS will process your renewal and mail your new license to the address on your current license.

Mail renewal takes longer than online or in-person renewal — typically three to four weeks from the time the DPS receives your packet. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you will need to visit a DPS office in person to request a temporary paper license.

Renew in person at a DPS driver license office

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago, you need to upgrade to Real ID, you have changed your address, or you have any holds on your record. You will also need to renew in person if you want to change your name, correct information on your license, or switch from a standard license to a Real ID compliant one.

Bring your current driver's license (or expired license if it is less than two years past expiration), proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If you are upgrading to Real ID, you must also bring proof of citizenship (a birth certificate or passport) and proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return).

Visit any Texas DPS driver license office during business hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day; many offices are less crowded early in the morning or mid-week. You can check wait times for your local office on the DPS website before you go. The renewal fee is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year Real ID license, payable at the office by cash, check, or card.

Understand Real ID requirements and when you need to upgrade

A Real ID compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID compliant license or passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your current license does not have the gold star, you can upgrade to Real ID when you renew.

Upgrading to Real ID requires an in-person visit to a DPS office. You must bring proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate), proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address. The Real ID license costs $32 for an eight-year license and is valid for travel and federal building access.

If you do not plan to fly or enter federal buildings, you do not need to upgrade to Real ID. A standard driver's license remains valid for driving and most other purposes. You can continue renewing a standard license online or by mail as long as you meet the other requirements.

Get a temporary paper license while you wait for your new card

After you renew online or by mail, your new license is mailed to the address on file and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, you can request a temporary paper license.

If you renewed online, you can print a temporary paper license when ready after your renewal is processed. Log back into the DPS website, select "Driver License," and choose "Print Temporary License." The temporary license is valid for 45 days and can be printed multiple times if needed.

If you renewed by mail or in person, visit a DPS driver license office and request a temporary paper license. Bring your receipt or confirmation number from your renewal. The office will issue a paper license valid for 45 days at no additional cost. This temporary license is valid for driving in Texas and can be used for most purposes until your permanent card arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than two years ago?

No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license expired more than two years ago. You must visit a DPS driver license office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number. The office will process your renewal on the spot, and your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

What if I moved and did not update my address?

You must renew in person at a DPS office if you have moved since your last renewal. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), your current driver's license, and your Social Security number. The office will update your address and process your renewal. Your new license will be mailed to your new address.

How much does it cost to renew my Texas driver's license?

A standard four-year license costs $16 to renew. A Real ID compliant eight-year license costs $32. If you renew online or by mail, you pay when you submit your renewal. If you renew in person, you pay at the DPS office by cash, check, or card.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes, you can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Online and mail renewal are available for licenses that have not yet expired. In-person renewal is also available early. Early renewal does not extend your license expiration date — your new license will expire one year from your current expiration date, not one year from the renewal date.

What if my temporary paper license expires before my new card arrives?

Temporary paper licenses are valid for 45 days. If your new license has not arrived by then, visit a DPS driver license office and request another temporary paper license. Bring your receipt or confirmation number from your renewal. You can request multiple temporary licenses at no cost until your permanent card arrives.

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.