Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your Texas driver license in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail, or online depending on your situation. The fastest route is online through the Texas DPS website if you meet the requirements — no appointment needed, no waiting in line. By mail takes about two to three weeks. In person at a DPS office is necessary only if you cannot renew online or by mail, or if your license has been expired for more than two years.

Before you start, gather your current driver license and a way to pay the renewal fee. The fee varies depending on how long your new license will be valid — a standard five-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. You will also need a mailing address if you are renewing by mail, or an email address if you are renewing online.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option if your license is not expired by more than two years and you have not had certain violations.
  • By-mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send your current license and a check or money order to the DPS address listed on the renewal form.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license expired more than two years ago, or if you cannot renew online or by mail.
  • You can check your renewal status and pay the fee on the Texas DPS website without leaving home.

Renewing online through the Texas DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS online services portal and select the driver license renewal option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will confirm your identity and show you the renewal fee based on the license type and validity period you choose.

Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired by more than two years, you have no disqualifying violations on your record, and you are not changing your address or name. If any of these explore to you, you will need to renew by mail or in person instead. After you complete the online transaction and pay the fee, your new license will be mailed to your address on file within one to two weeks.

Renewing by mail

Request a renewal form by calling the DPS at 1-888-589-6789, or read the form from the Texas DPS website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address shown on the form. Do not send cash.

Mail your package to the DPS processing center and expect to receive your new license in two to three weeks. Keep a copy of your mailed form for your records. If you need your license before the new one arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at a DPS office in person, though this requires a separate trip.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

Visit a DPS office near you with your current license and payment for the renewal fee. You can find office locations and hours on the Texas DPS website. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, and bring proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work.

Processing times at DPS offices vary by location and time of day. Arriving early in the morning or on a weekday typically means shorter waits than afternoons or weekends. You will receive your new license on the spot or within a few days, depending on the office's processing speed.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew it using any of the three methods above. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office. You cannot drive legally with an expired license, even if you have submitted a renewal request.

When you renew an expired license in person, bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of identity, proof of address, and payment. The DPS may require you to retake the vision test or written exam depending on how long your license has been expired, so ask the office staff what to expect before your visit.

Changing your address or name during renewal

If you are moving or changing your name, you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person. When you renew in person, bring a document proving your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days) and a document proving your name change if applicable (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

By mail, include a copy of your address or name change document with your renewal form. The DPS will process the change along with your renewal and mail your new license to your new address.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The renewal fee depends on the type of license and how long it will be valid. A standard five-year renewal costs one amount; an eight-year renewal costs more. You can pay online with a debit or credit card, by mail with a check or money order, or in person with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The Texas DPS website shows the exact fee for your renewal type before you pay.

If you are renewing by mail, never send cash. Write your driver license number on the back of your check or money order. If you are paying online, the system will process your payment when ready and confirm your transaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than two years?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a DPS office. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than two years. Bring your expired license, proof of identity, proof of address, and payment. The DPS may require you to retake the vision test.

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

Your new license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks after you complete the online renewal and payment. You will receive a confirmation email with your transaction details. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can print your online confirmation as temporary proof.

What if I am renewing by mail and want to change my address?

Include a copy of a document showing your new address with your renewal form — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. The DPS will process the address change and mail your new license to your new address.

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

Unpaid traffic fines may prevent you from renewing your license online. If you encounter a block, you will need to resolve the outstanding fine before you can renew. Contact the court or municipality where the ticket was issued to pay or set up a payment plan, then try renewing again.

What documents do I need to bring if I renew in person?

Bring your current or expired driver license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days). If you are changing your name or address, bring the supporting documents for that change as well.