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, or online through the Texas DPS website — but not all three routes work for everyone. The method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time is left before it expires, and whether you need a new photo.

Before you choose a route, 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, your license must not be expired and you must not have changed your name, address, or vision correction needs since your last renewal.

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 same applies if you need to update your address, change your name, or get a new photo for any reason.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Texas DPS website takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires your current license, proof of residency, and a check or money order for the renewal fee.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license expired more than two years ago or if you need to update your photo, address, or name.
  • Your renewed license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after approval, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
  • Texas driver licenses are valid for eight years, so plan ahead if your renewal window is closing.

Renewing online through the Texas DPS website

Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Driver License Renewal," and follow the prompts. You will need your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to start.

The system will ask you to confirm your address and vision correction information. If everything is correct, you can pay the renewal fee with a debit or credit card. The fee is $16 for a standard eight-year renewal. Once you submit payment, you will receive a confirmation number — save this for your records.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the DPS to check the status of your order.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo. Request a renewal process by calling the DPS at 1-888-589-6789, or read the form from the Texas DPS website. Fill out the process completely, sign it, and include a copy of your proof of residency.

Write a check or money order for the renewal fee — $16 for a standard eight-year license — and mail everything to the address listed on the process form. Do not send cash. Include your current driver license with the envelope so the DPS can match your process to your record.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DPS receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to you after approval. If you need your license sooner, switch to in-person renewal at a DPS office instead.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need a new photo, or if you are changing your address or name. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You will also need to pass a vision test at the office.

Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website and check its hours before you go. Many offices are open Monday through Friday, but hours vary by location. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others require you to schedule an appointment online or by phone. Scheduling ahead can cut your wait time significantly.

The renewal fee is $16 for a standard eight-year license. You can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card — accepted payment methods vary by office, so call ahead if you want to confirm. After you complete the transaction, your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Understanding renewal fees and license validity

A standard Texas driver license renewal costs $16 and is valid for eight years from the date of issue. If you are over 85 years old, your license is valid for four years instead, and the fee is $8. The fee does not change based on which renewal method you choose.

Your renewal window opens 60 days before your license expires. You can renew during this window without penalty. If your license expires before you renew, you can still renew by mail or online within two years of the expiration date, but you cannot drive legally until your new license arrives.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written driving test and vision test. Check the Texas DPS website or call 1-888-589-6789 to confirm what you will need to bring.

What happens if you miss your renewal window

If your license expires and you do not renew within two years, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a DPS office in person, bring all required documents, and pass the vision test. You may also be required to retake the written driving test.

Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation and fine, even if you have already started the renewal process. If you are pulled over, show the officer your renewal confirmation number or receipt if you have one — this may help, but it does not may provide you will not be cited.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, contact the DPS before you go to an office to ask what documents and tests you will need. Some situations may require additional steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Texas does not automatically block license renewal for unpaid traffic fines, but some courts may suspend your license if you fail to pay or appear. Check your court records or contact the court that issued the ticket before you renew. If your license is suspended, you must resolve the suspension first.

What if my address changed since my last renewal?

If you changed your address, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your current license, proof of your new residency (a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. The office will update your address during the renewal.

How long can I drive on my old license after I renew?

You can drive on your current license until it expires, even if you have already submitted a renewal process. Once your new license arrives in the mail, destroy your old one or return it to a DPS office. Carrying both is legal but unnecessary.

Can I renew my license if I am out of state?

Yes, you can renew by mail or online from anywhere as long as your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo. If you need a new photo or your license is expired, you will need to renew in person at a DPS office when you return to Texas, or contact the DPS to ask about options for military members or people living abroad.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew by mail or online if you do not have your current license. You must go to a DPS office in person with proof of residency and your Social Security number. The office will issue a replacement license and can renew it at the same time if it is due.