How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your Texas driver's license in person at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Texas DPS website. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need a Real ID-compliant license.

Before you go or submit anything, gather these documents: your current Texas driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're renewing a Real ID license, you'll also need proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport.

The DPS office will take a new photo and signature during renewal. You cannot use a photo from a previous license. Processing times vary: in-person renewals are often completed the same day or within a few days, while mail renewals typically take two to three weeks, and online renewals take about one week.

Key Takeaways

You can renew in person at any DPS office, by mail if your license is valid and you meet age and type requirements, or online through the Texas DPS website.
You will need your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number; Real ID renewals require proof of citizenship as well.
In-person renewal usually takes a few days or less, mail renewal takes two to three weeks, and online renewal takes about one week.
Your license expires on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before expiration or after it has expired.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is available only if your current license is still valid (not expired), you are between 18 and 84 years old, and your license is a standard (non-Real ID) license or a Real ID license that does not require a new photo. You cannot renew by mail if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL) or if your address has changed since your last renewal.

To renew by mail, complete the process form DL-44 or DL-43 (available on the Texas DPS website), include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the address shown on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your proof of residency. The DPS will mail your new license to the address on file; if you want it sent to a different address, include a note with your process.

Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks from the time the DPS receives your process. If you need your license sooner, choose in-person or online renewal instead.

Renewing online

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option for many people. You can renew online if your current license is valid, you are between 18 and 79 years old, and your license is a standard license or a Real ID license that does not require a new photo. You cannot renew online if you have a CDL, if your address has changed, or if you need a Real ID for the first time.

Go to the Texas DPS website, select the online renewal option, and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You'll pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The DPS will mail your new license to the address on file within about one week.

Online renewal does not include a new photo or signature. If your license is expiring soon and you want to renew before it expires, online renewal is often the quickest path.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

In-person renewal at a DPS office works for any driver's license type and any age, and it is the only option if your license has expired, your address has changed, you need a Real ID for the first time, or you need a new photo. Bring your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number. If you need a Real ID, bring proof of citizenship as well.

You do not need an appointment at most DPS offices, but wait times vary widely depending on the office and time of day. Check the Texas DPS website for your nearest office and its current wait time before you go. Some offices are busier on certain days; going early in the morning or mid-week often means a shorter wait.

The DPS will take a new photo and collect your signature during your visit. Your new license will be mailed to you within a few days. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, ask the DPS office for a temporary paper license valid for 30 days.

Real ID versus standard license

A Real ID-compliant 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. A standard Texas driver's license does not have the star and is not Real ID-compliant, but it is still valid for driving and most other purposes.

If your current license is a standard license and you want to upgrade to Real ID during renewal, you must renew in person at a DPS office. You will need to bring proof of citizenship — a birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or tribal ID. The Real ID upgrade does not cost extra; you pay only the standard renewal fee.

If your current license is already a Real ID and you are renewing by mail or online, your new license will also be a Real ID, as long as your photo does not need to be updated.

What happens if your license has expired

You can renew your license up to one year after it expires. If it has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew; you must explore for a new license instead, which requires taking a written test and a driving test.

If your license is expired, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a DPS office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The renewal fee is the same whether your license is current or expired.

You should not drive with an expired license. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited. Renew as soon as you notice your license has expired.

Renewal fees and payment

The renewal fee for a standard Texas driver's license is based on how many years you are renewing for. A four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. The exact amount depends on your age and license type; check the Texas DPS website for current fees, as they change periodically.

For in-person renewal, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the DPS office. For mail renewal, send a check or money order only — do not send cash. For online renewal, pay by credit or debit card.

If you are a Texas resident over 85 years old, your license renewal is free, but you must renew in person at a DPS office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

Yes, you can renew your license even if you have an unpaid traffic fine. However, if you have an active suspension due to a conviction, failure to pay, or failure to appear in court, the DPS will not renew your license until the suspension is lifted. Contact the court or the DPS to find out whether your license is suspended.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

If your address has changed, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must renew in person at a DPS office and bring proof of your new residency dated within 90 days. The DPS will update your address during the renewal process.

How long is my new license valid after I renew?

Your new license is valid for either four or eight years from the date of renewal, depending on which term you chose. Your expiration date will be printed on the front of your license. You can renew up to one year before the expiration date or up to one year after it expires.

Can I renew my license if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, you can renew a standard Texas driver's license if you are not a U.S. citizen, as long as you have a valid Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You cannot upgrade to a Real ID license without proof of citizenship. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to a DPS office.

What if I lost my license and need to renew?

If your license is lost, you cannot renew it by mail or online. Go to a DPS office in person and ask for a replacement. Bring proof of residency and your Social Security number. A replacement costs the same as a renewal, and you will receive a new license with the same expiration date as your old one.

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.