Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Texas driver license at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail, or online through the DPS website — but not all three routes work for every person. The method you can use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you have had any address changes or name changes since your last renewal.

If you renew online or by mail, you will need your current or recently expired license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage 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 in person at a DPS office, bring those same documents plus your original birth certificate or passport.

Your license is valid for six years if you are under 85 years old, and two years if you are 85 or older. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date, so you do not have to wait until the last moment.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the DPS website is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address or name since your last renewal.
  • Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and works for most people, but you cannot use it if your license has been expired for more than two years.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license is expired by more than two years, if you need a name or address change, or if you want to change your photo.
  • You can renew up to one year before your expiration date, so plan ahead to avoid driving on an expired license.
  • The renewal fee is $25 for a six-year license or $16 for a two-year license if you are 85 or older.

Online renewal through the DPS website

Online renewal is the fastest route if you meet the requirements. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address or legal name, and you do not need a new photo. You will need your license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to start the process on the DPS website.

The online system will ask you to review your current information, confirm your address, and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. Once you complete the transaction, your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Delivery typically takes five to seven business days after the order is processed.

If you do not meet the online requirements — for example, if your license expired more than two years ago or you moved — you will need to use mail renewal or visit a DPS office in person.

Mail renewal by sending documents to DPS

Mail renewal works if your license expired less than two years ago and you have not changed your address or name. You will need to send your current or expired license, a completed DL-44 form (the Texas driver license process), proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to the DPS address listed on their website.

Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — $25 for a standard six-year license. Do not send cash. Mail your packet to the address shown on the DPS website; different regional offices may have different mailing addresses, so check before you send.

Processing time is usually two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot use mail renewal and must go to a DPS office in person.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago, if you have changed your legal name or address and want to update your license, or if you want a new photo. Bring your current or expired license, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and your original birth certificate or passport.

Visit any DPS office during business hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day; many offices are busier in the morning and on weekdays. Some DPS offices allow you to make an appointment online through their website, which can reduce your wait time significantly.

The renewal process at the office takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you are called. You will have your photo taken, review your information, and pay the fee. Your new license will be mailed to your address within five to seven business days.

What happens if your license is expired

Driving on an expired license is against the law in Texas, even if you have already started the renewal process. If you are pulled over, you can be cited and fined. However, if you can show proof that you submitted a renewal process before your license expired, an officer may issue a warning instead of a citation.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to a DPS office in person. The office will process your renewal the same way, but you will need to bring all original documents including your birth certificate or passport.

If you are concerned about the time it takes to receive your new license in the mail, ask the DPS office for a temporary paper license (called a receipt) when you renew in person. This receipt is valid for 45 days and shows you have a pending renewal process.

Fees and payment methods

The renewal fee for a standard six-year driver license is $25. If you are 85 years old or older, the fee for a two-year license is $16. These fees do not change based on where you renew — online, by mail, or in person.

For online renewal, you can pay by credit card or debit card. For mail renewal, send a check or money order; do not send cash. For in-person renewal, most DPS offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card, but call ahead to confirm what your local office accepts.

If you are renewing because your license was lost or stolen, the replacement fee is $11 instead of the standard renewal fee. If you need to change your address or name at the same time, you may be charged an additional fee — check the DPS website or call your local office for details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver license if I live out of state?

Yes. You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address or name. If you have moved out of state, you will need to renew in person at a DPS office the next time you are in Texas, or you can request a mail renewal form from the DPS website and send it with your documents.

What if I changed my name since my last renewal?

You must renew in person at a DPS office and bring your original birth certificate or passport plus a court order or marriage certificate showing your name change. You cannot use online or mail renewal if your name has changed.

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

Online and mail renewals take five to seven business days for delivery after processing. In-person renewals also take five to seven business days for mail delivery, but you can ask for a temporary paper receipt valid for 45 days if you need to drive before your new license arrives.

Can I renew my license if it has been suspended or revoked?

No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with DPS before you can renew. Contact your local DPS office or call the DPS customer service line to find out what steps you need to take to clear the suspension or revocation.

What if I need to change my address at the same time I renew?

If you are renewing online or by mail, you can update your address during the renewal process. If you are renewing in person, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days) and the office will update it for you at the same time.