Where and how to renew your Texas driver license
You can renew your Texas driver license in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail, or online through the Texas DPS website — but not all three routes work for every person. The method available to you depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you have had any address changes or medical conditions flagged on your record.
The fastest route for most people is online renewal through the Texas DPS portal at dps.texas.gov. You can renew up to 30 days before your license expires or up to two years after it expires. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes, costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method.
If you cannot renew online — because your license has been expired for more than two years, you have a commercial driver license (CDL), or your address has changed — you must renew in person at a DPS office. In-person renewal takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You will need to bring your current 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).
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website works for most people whose license expired fewer than two years ago and costs $16 to $32.
- Mail renewal is available only if you are 79 years old or older, have a disability, or are on active military duty outside Texas.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license expired more than two years ago, you hold a CDL, or your address has changed.
- Bring proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement from the last 90 days) and proof of Social Security number to any in-person visit.
- Your new license arrives by mail 7 to 10 business days after online renewal or in-person processing.
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website
The Texas DPS online renewal portal is the simplest path for most drivers. You can renew starting 30 days before your license expires and up to two years after it expires. The process takes about 10 minutes: you log in with your license number and date of birth, verify your personal information, choose your license type (standard or Real ID), pay the fee, and submit.
The cost is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You pay by debit card or credit card. After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license is mailed to the address on file and arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you hold a CDL, if your address has changed since your last renewal, if you have a medical condition or restriction that needs to be reviewed, or if your name has changed. In any of those cases, you must renew in person.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
You must renew in person if online renewal is not available to you. DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have extended hours on certain days. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but you can schedule one online at dps.texas.gov to skip the walk-in line. Appointments are usually available within a few days.
Bring your current driver license, proof of residency dated within the last 90 days (utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax receipt), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, 1099, or tax return). If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Processing takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on the office's workload.
In-person renewal costs the same as online renewal: $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. You will receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Mail renewal for specific groups
Mail renewal is available only to drivers who are 79 years old or older, have a disability that makes it difficult to visit an office in person, or are on active military duty stationed outside Texas. If you meet one of these conditions, you can request a mail renewal form from the DPS website or by calling 1-888-589-6789.
Fill out the form, include a copy of your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number, and mail everything to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks. The cost is the same as online or in-person renewal. Your new license arrives by mail.
What happens if your license is expired
You can renew your license up to two years after it expires through the online portal. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a DPS office and may be required to retake the written test and vision test, depending on how long it has been expired and your age.
Driving on an expired license is illegal in Texas. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you should renew as soon as possible to avoid legal issues.
Real ID versus standard license
When you renew, you can choose between a standard driver license and a Real ID-compliant license. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal identification standards. You will need a Real ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025.
To get a Real ID, you must provide proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency (a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate) in addition to your proof of residency and Social Security number. A Real ID costs the same as a standard license. If you renew online and do not have the citizenship documents ready, you can choose a standard license now and upgrade to Real ID later in person.
Finding a DPS office and checking wait times
You can find the DPS office nearest you and check current wait times on the Texas DPS website at dps.texas.gov. The site shows which offices are open, their hours, and estimated wait times updated throughout the day. You can also schedule an appointment online to avoid waiting in line.
Some DPS offices are busier than others. If your local office has a long wait, you can visit a different location. Rural offices and offices in smaller cities typically have shorter waits than those in major metropolitan areas.
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. Depending on how long it has been expired and your age, you may need to retake the written test and vision test. Contact your local DPS office or call 1-888-589-6789 to find out what tests you will need.
What if I moved and my address changed since my last renewal?
You must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring proof of your new address dated within the last 90 days, such as a utility bill or lease. You cannot renew online if your address has changed.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days after you renew online or in person. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
No, but you can schedule one online at dps.texas.gov to skip the walk-in line. Appointments are usually available within a few days. Walk-ins are accepted at all DPS offices during business hours.
What if my name has changed since my last renewal?
You must renew in person. Bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS office will update your name on your new license.