How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Texas driver's license in person at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, or online through the Texas DPS website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route works for nearly everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not expired by more than two years, you have no medical conditions flagged on your record, and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal.

For an in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of Texas 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 have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have changed your address, the residency document serves that purpose.

For an online renewal through the DPS website, you will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The system will verify your information against state records and send your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website takes 7 to 10 business days and works only if your license expired less than two years ago and you have not changed your name or address.
In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 30 minutes to an hour and works regardless of how long your license has been expired.
You must bring your current license, proof of Texas residency dated within 90 days, and proof of your Social Security number to renew in person.
If you have changed your name, bring the certified document that changed it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
DPS offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card; fees vary based on license type and validity period chosen.

Online renewal step by step

Go to the Texas DPS website and select the online renewal option. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm or update your address and emergency contact.

Review the vision and medical questions on the form. If you answer yes to any medical condition question, you will be directed to renew in person instead. If all answers are no, you can proceed to payment. Texas charges $16 for a one-year renewal, $32 for a two-year renewal, $48 for a three-year renewal, $64 for a four-year renewal, and $80 for a five-year renewal. Choose the validity period you want and pay by debit or credit card.

After payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. You can use your current license until the new one arrives. If your license is already expired, you can still drive legally while your online renewal is processing, but do not wait longer than two years after expiration to renew — the online system will reject you.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website and check its hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. You do not need to make an appointment at most offices, but some locations use an online check-in system that lets you reserve a time slot and reduce wait time.

Arrive with all required documents: your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. If you have changed your name, bring the certified document. The DPS officer will review your documents, take a new photo, and ask you to pass a vision test. You will then pay the renewal fee and receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed.

Processing time at the office is usually 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the location is. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, the temporary paper license is valid in Texas and most other states.

What happens if your license is expired

Texas allows you to renew your license up to two years after expiration without penalty through the online system. If you renew in person, you can renew at any point after expiration, even if it has been longer than two years. However, if your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot use the online system — you must go to a DPS office in person.

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you have submitted a renewal request. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show your confirmation number from an online renewal or your temporary paper license from an in-person renewal, but these do not override the fact that your license is expired. Renew before your license expires to avoid this risk.

If your license expired more than two years ago and you want to renew, bring all the same documents you would for a standard renewal. The DPS officer may ask additional questions about why the renewal was delayed, but this does not change the documents required or the fee charged.

License types and renewal fees

Texas offers several license types: a standard Class C license for regular driving, a commercial Class A, B, or C license if you drive commercial vehicles, and a motorcycle endorsement. Renewal fees depend on the type of license and the validity period you choose. A standard Class C license costs $16 for one year, $32 for two years, $48 for three years, $64 for four years, or $80 for five years.

Commercial licenses cost more: a Class A or B commercial license is $50 for one year, $100 for two years, $150 for three years, $200 for four years, or $250 for five years. A Class C commercial license is $25 for one year, $50 for two years, $75 for three years, $100 for four years, or $125 for five years. A motorcycle endorsement adds $15 to the cost of any license type.

If you have a commercial license or motorcycle endorsement, you must renew in person — the online system does not handle these. Bring the same documents as for a standard renewal, plus any additional documentation required for your specific license type.

Address changes and name changes during renewal

If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. For online renewal, enter your new address in the form and the system will update it automatically. For in-person renewal, bring a proof of residency document dated within the last 90 days showing your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail addressed to you at the new location all work.

If you have changed your name since your last license, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order for name change, or adoption decree. A photocopy is not sufficient — the document must be certified or an official certified copy from the issuing agency.

Do not attempt to change your name or address online if you have actually changed either one. The system will reject your renewal if the information does not match state records, and you will have to start over in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, but only in person at a DPS office. The online system will not process renewals for licenses expired longer than two years. Bring your current (expired) license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number, and the DPS officer will renew it the same way as a standard renewal.

What if I do not have proof of residency dated within 90 days?

You will need to obtain one before renewing in person. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail addressed to you at your current address all work. If you cannot get a document dated within 90 days, contact your local DPS office to ask about alternative documents they may accept.

How long does it take to get my new license by mail?

Both online and in-person renewals result in a new license mailed within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while you wait. If you renew online, you can continue using your current license until the new one arrives.

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

Most DPS offices do not require appointments, but some use an online check-in system where you can reserve a time slot to reduce wait time. Check the website for your local office to see if appointments are available or recommended.

What if I changed my name but do not have a certified copy of the document?

You will need to obtain a certified copy from the agency that issued the document — the county clerk for a marriage certificate or divorce decree, or the court for a name change order. A photocopy or uncertified copy will not work. Contact the issuing agency to request a certified copy; this usually takes one to two 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.