How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Where to renew and what you need before you start

You can renew your Texas driver's license in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail, or online depending on your situation. Most people renew online or by mail because it takes less time than going to an office. Before you choose a method, check whether you are may be able to access: you must have a valid Texas license, be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, have a current address on file with DPS, and not have any medical conditions that would disqualify you from driving.

Gather these documents before you start, no matter which method you use: your current driver's license, proof of Texas residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. If you are renewing a license that expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online—you must go to a DPS office in person.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you have not had any address changes.
Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and costs less than in-person renewal, but you must mail your current license to DPS and wait for the new one.
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.
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renew online, or within two to three weeks if you renew by mail.
The renewal fee is $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by credit card, debit card, or check depending on your method.

Renewing online through the Texas DPS website

Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if you meet the requirements. Go to the Texas DPS website and select "Driver License" under the "Online Services" section. You will need your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and check your driving record. If everything is clear, you will choose your license term (four years or eight years) and pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card.

After you complete the online transaction, DPS will mail your new license to the address on file. The new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to change your address, update your photo, or correct information on your license, you cannot do it online—you must go to a DPS office in person.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal takes longer but does not require a trip to a DPS office. read the DL-44 form from the Texas DPS website or request one by calling 1-888-589-6789. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and gather your documents: your current driver's license, proof of residency, and a check or money order for the renewal fee payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety."

Mail everything to the address listed on the DL-44 form. DPS will receive your package, verify your information, and mail your new license back to you. The entire process takes about two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your mail. You must mail your current license with your process, so you will not have a physical license during this time. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can print a temporary license from the DPS website after you mail your renewal.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

Go to a DPS office if your license expired more than two years ago, if you want to update your photo, or if you need to change your address or correct information on your license. Bring your current driver's license (or an expired license if yours is more than two years old), proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You will also need to pass a vision test and have your photo taken.

Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website and check the office hours before you go. Wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring your documents in original form—photocopies are not accepted for proof of residency. The renewal fee is $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, or debit card at the office. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if your license is expired or lost

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it—you must explore for a new license. This requires an in-person visit to a DPS office, a vision test, and a new photo. You will also need to provide proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The process is similar to a standard renewal, but the fee may be different and the process form is different.

If your license was lost or stolen, report it to DPS by calling 1-888-589-6789 or visiting a DPS office. You can request a replacement license by mail or in person. A replacement license costs $11 and is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary license at a DPS office.

Understanding the different license terms and fees

When you renew, you choose between a four-year license and an eight-year license. A four-year license costs $33 and is a good choice if you expect your address, name, or appearance to change soon. An eight-year license costs $66 and saves you money over time because you will not need to renew as often. Drivers age 85 and older must renew every two years, and the fee for a two-year license is $16.

If you are a commercial driver (holding a CDL), your renewal process is different and requires an in-person visit to a DPS office. Military members and their families may be may be able to access for a longer license term or fee waiver—contact your local DPS office for details. If you are renewing while living outside Texas, you can still renew by mail or online as long as you have a valid Texas address on file.

What to do if your renewal is delayed or rejected

If you do not receive your new license within 10 business days of renewing online or within three weeks of mailing your renewal, contact DPS at 1-888-589-6789. Have your driver's license number and the date you submitted your renewal ready. DPS can track your license and tell you where it is in the process. If your license was lost in the mail, DPS can issue a replacement.

Your renewal may be rejected if your documents do not match DPS records, if your address cannot be verified, or if there is a problem with your driving record. DPS will mail you a letter explaining why your renewal was denied and what you need to do next. In most cases, you will need to visit a DPS office in person to resolve the issue. If you have questions about the denial, call 1-888-589-6789 and ask to speak with a representative.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. DPS will not renew your license if you have an unpaid traffic fine or if you owe child support. You must pay the fine or resolve the child support issue before you can renew. If you are unsure whether you have an outstanding fine, contact the court that issued the ticket or call DPS at 1-888-589-6789.

What if my address changed since my last license?

You can update your address online through the Texas DPS website without renewing your license. If you want to update your address and renew at the same time, you must go to a DPS office in person. Mail and online renewal do not allow address changes.

How long can I drive on an expired license while waiting for my renewal?

You cannot legally drive on an expired license. If you renew online or by mail, your current license remains valid until your new license arrives. If your license has already expired, you must have a valid license to drive legally. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, request a temporary license at a DPS office.

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

No, unless you renew in person at a DPS office. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must go to a DPS office in person. Drivers over age 79 are required to renew in person and have a new photo taken.

What if I moved out of Texas but still have a Texas license?

You can renew your Texas license by mail or online as long as you have a valid Texas address on file with DPS. However, if you now live in another state, you should get a driver's license from that state instead. Holding a license from a state where you do not live can cause problems with insurance and vehicle registration.

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.