Where to renew and what you need before you start
You can renew your Texas driver license in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Texas DPS website. The fastest route depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a new photo, and how soon you need the license in hand.
Before you go anywhere, gather these documents: your current Texas driver license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing by mail or online, you will also need a valid form of identification — your passport, military ID, or a certified birth certificate all work. Have these ready before you start, because the process will not move forward without them.
Texas driver licenses expire on your birthday. You can renew up to one year before expiration, so you do not have to wait until the last moment. Knowing this matters because it affects which renewal path is open to you.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo, and takes about one to two weeks.
- Mail renewal is available only if your license has not expired and you do not need a new photo, and requires you to send your current license to DPS.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license has expired, if you need a new photo, or if you are changing your address, and typically takes 30 to 45 minutes.
- You will pay a renewal fee that varies by license type and validity period — standard passenger licenses cost between $25 and $50 depending on how long you renew for.
- DPS offices are busiest on weekday mornings and Saturdays; calling ahead or checking wait times online can save you hours.
Renewing online through the Texas DPS website
Online renewal is the simplest path if your current license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Driver License" and then "Renew," and follow the prompts. You will enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will confirm your current address on file.
You can choose how long to renew for — typically four or six years — and the fee changes based on that choice. Pay by debit card or credit card. Once approved, your new license will be mailed to your address on file within one to two weeks. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal will not work if your license has already expired, if you need to change your address, if you want a new photo, or if the system cannot verify your identity. If any of these explore, move to mail or in-person renewal instead.
Renewing by mail if your license is still valid
Mail renewal works only if your license has not expired and you do not need a new photo. read the DL-44 form from the Texas DPS website or request one by calling 1-888-589-6789. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number and the renewal period you want (four or six years).
Mail the completed form, your current license, proof of residency, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a return envelope with postage if you want your new license mailed back to you faster. Processing takes two to four weeks from the date DPS receives your packet, so mail it early enough that you have your new license before your current one expires.
Keep a copy of everything you send, and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery. If DPS does not receive your packet or if something is missing, they will contact you, but that adds time to the process.
Renewing in person at a DPS office
Go to a DPS office if your license has expired, if you need a new photo, if you are changing your address, or if you prefer to walk out with a temporary license the same day. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and a valid form of ID. You will fill out the DL-44 form at the office or bring one you have already completed.
The DPS will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You will pay the renewal fee by cash, debit card, or credit card. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you, which typically arrives within one to two weeks.
Wait times vary widely by location and time of day. Check the Texas DPS website for your local office's current wait time before you go. Early mornings on weekdays are usually faster than afternoons or Saturdays. Some offices allow you to reserve a time slot online, which can cut your wait significantly.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as if you were getting a license for the first time. This means taking the written test, the driving test, and paying the full process fee instead of a renewal fee. If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can still renew by going in person to a DPS office.
Driving on an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you have submitted a renewal process. Do not wait until your license expires to start the process. Begin renewing at least two to three weeks before your birthday to make sure your new license arrives in time.
Changing your address during renewal
If you have moved since your license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. You cannot change your address online or by mail — you must do it in person at a DPS office. Bring your current license, proof of your new residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 90 days), and your Social Security number.
The DPS will update your address in their system, take a new photo, and issue your renewed license with the new address on it. This takes the same amount of time as a standard in-person renewal — about 30 to 45 minutes plus any wait time.
Renewal fees and payment methods
Texas driver license renewal fees depend on the type of license and how long you renew for. A standard passenger license costs $25 for a four-year renewal or $50 for an eight-year renewal. Commercial driver licenses and other specialty licenses have different fees. The DPS website lists the exact fee for your license type before you pay.
You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at a DPS office. If you renew by mail, send a check or money order — do not send cash. If you renew online, you must use a debit card or credit card. Some DPS offices also accept payment by phone if you call ahead, but this is not standard at all locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or warrant?
No. The DPS system will flag your record if there is an active warrant or if you owe money to the court. You must resolve the ticket or warrant before you can renew. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out what you owe and how to pay it.
What if I lost my current license and cannot mail it in?
You must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your proof of residency and a valid form of ID instead of your current license. The DPS will note in their system that your license was lost and will issue a replacement.
How long does a renewed license take to arrive by mail?
Standard processing takes one to two weeks from the date DPS receives your process or processes your in-person renewal. Mail delivery adds a few more days. If you need your license faster, renew in person and use the temporary paper license until your permanent one arrives.
Can I renew my license if I am out of state?
Yes, if your license is still valid. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. If your license has expired or you need a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office in Texas or contact the DPS to see if they offer remote renewal options for people living outside the state.
What if the DPS rejects my online renewal process?
The system will tell you why — usually because your identity could not be verified, your license has expired, or your address on file is incorrect. Try renewing by mail instead, or go in person to a DPS office with your documents. An employee can verify your identity and process the renewal on the spot.