Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your Texas driver 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 takes about 20 to 30 minutes once you're called; online renewal is faster but only works if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.

For either method, bring your current driver license and proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days. If you're renewing in person, you'll also need to pass a vision test. You do not need to bring a new photo; DPS will use your existing one unless your license is more than eight years old, in which case you'll have a new photo taken at the office.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal takes minutes and costs less, but only works if your license is valid, you have no medical conditions listed, and your address hasn't changed.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office requires your current license, proof of residency from the last 90 days, and a vision test.
  • A standard five-year renewal costs $25 online or $27 in person; a REAL ID renewal costs $37 in person and cannot be done online.
  • You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last moment.
  • DPS offices accept walk-ins, but wait times vary by location and time of day — calling ahead or checking the DPS website for current wait times can save you hours.

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and select "Renew Driver License" under the Online Services section. You'll enter your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and show you whether you're may be able to access to renew online — if you're not, it will tell you why and direct you to renew in person instead.

If you're may be able to access, you'll review your information, confirm your address, and pay the renewal fee with a debit or credit card. The fee for a standard five-year renewal is $25 online. 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.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website and check the current wait time before you go — many offices post live updates. Bring your current driver license, proof of residency dated within the last 90 days, and be prepared to pass a vision test. You do not need an appointment; DPS offices accept walk-ins during business hours.

When you arrive, take a number at the entrance. You'll be called to a window where a DPS employee will verify your information, take a new photo if needed, and administer a vision screening. The entire process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes from the time you're called. You'll pay the renewal fee — $27 for a standard five-year renewal — and receive your new license on the spot. You can drive when ready; there's no waiting period.

REAL ID renewal and what it costs

A REAL ID is a driver license that meets federal security standards and can be used to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. Texas calls this an "Enhanced" driver license. If your current license is already Enhanced, you can renew it in person at a DPS office for $37. You cannot renew a REAL ID online.

If your current license is a standard license and you want to upgrade to REAL ID during renewal, you'll need to renew in person and bring additional documents: a certified birth certificate or passport, and two proofs of residency. The cost is $37 for the five-year Enhanced license. A standard five-year renewal remains $27 in person or $25 online.

When your address has changed

If you've moved since your last renewal, you must renew in person at a DPS office — online renewal is not available for address changes. Bring your current driver license and two proofs of residency at your new address, both dated within the last 90 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address.

The DPS employee will update your address in the system during your visit. Your new license will show your current address and will be mailed to that address. If you need your license to show a new address before your renewal is due, you can also visit a DPS office to request an address change without renewing — this is free and takes about 10 minutes.

Renewing early and what to do if your license is expired

You can renew your Texas driver license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you're planning a trip or want to avoid the rush closer to your expiration date. The new license will have a new expiration date five years from the date you renew, not five years from your old expiration date.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it using the same process — in person or online if you meet the online conditions. There is no penalty for renewing after expiration, and you do not need to retake the written driving test. However, you should not drive on an expired license; if you're stopped by police, you can be cited. Renew as soon as you notice your license has expired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked license?

No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with DPS before you can renew. Contact the DPS Driver License Division to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take. Online renewal will reject you when ready if there's a suspension on your record.

What if I lost my current driver license?

You'll need to replace it before you can renew. Visit a DPS office with your proof of residency and pay a replacement fee (usually around $11). Once you have your replacement license, you can renew it using the standard process.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

DPS typically mails renewed licenses within 7 to 10 business days of your renewal. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If more than two weeks pass and you haven't received it, contact the DPS Driver License Division.

Do I have to take a new photo when I renew?

Only if your current license is more than eight years old. Otherwise, DPS will use your existing photo. If you renew online, you won't have a new photo taken at all — your current photo will be used on your new license.

What if I want to change my name on my driver license during renewal?

You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. DPS will update your name in the system and issue a new license with your current name.