Where and how to renew your Texas driver license

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 every person. Online renewal is the fastest and requires no trip, but it is only open to people whose licenses are not suspended, who have no medical conditions flagged on their record, and whose current license is still valid or expired less than two years ago. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks and works for most people, but you must send original documents and cannot renew if your address has changed. In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about an hour and is the only option if your license is suspended, if you need to update your address, or if you have medical restrictions that need review.

The online route starts at the Texas DPS website. You will enter your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system checks whether you meet the requirements and either lets you proceed or directs you to mail or in-person renewal. If you are approved, you pay the renewal fee (currently $25 for a four-year license or $50 for an eight-year license) by credit or debit card, and your new license arrives by mail in seven to ten business days.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is available only if your license is valid or expired less than two years ago, not suspended, and has no medical flags.
  • Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed DL-43 form, and payment to the DPS address listed on the form, and takes four to six weeks.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license is suspended, your address has changed, or you have medical conditions that need review.
  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to any in-person renewal appointment.
  • Texas driver licenses are valid for four or eight years depending on which term you choose; renewal fees are $25 for four years or $50 for eight years.

Documents you need for in-person renewal

If you renew in person at a DPS office, you must bring three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. For identity, bring your current Texas driver license, passport, military ID, or state ID card. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current address — the document must be dated within the last 30 days. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or a document issued by the Social Security Administration.

If your address has changed since your last license was issued, you must bring proof of your new address. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing after a suspension, bring proof that you have met all conditions of the suspension, such as a letter from the court or the DPS.

Mail renewal step by step

To renew by mail, read or request the DL-43 form from the Texas DPS website. Fill it out completely, including your current driver license number, date of birth, and the address where you want your new license mailed. Do not sign the form yet — you must sign it in front of a notary public or a DPS employee. Once it is signed, mail the form along with your current driver license and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address printed on the form.

Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the date the DPS receives your envelope. You can track the status of your renewal by calling the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 or checking the Texas DPS website with your driver license number. If you need your license before the renewal arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at a DPS office, which is valid for 45 days.

What happens if your license is expired more than two years

If your Texas driver license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must renew in person at a DPS office, and you will need to retake the written test and the vision test. Bring the same documents as for a standard in-person renewal — proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number — plus any documents showing a name change or address change.

The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs. You can study using the Texas DPS Driver Handbook, which is free on the DPS website. The vision test checks whether you can read a standard eye chart from 20 feet away. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail either test, you can retake it the same day or return another day at no extra cost.

Renewing with a suspended or revoked license

If your Texas driver license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person. Before you renew, you must resolve the reason for the suspension — usually by paying a fine, completing a defensive driving course, or meeting a court order. Bring proof that you have done so, such as a receipt from the court, a letter from the DPS, or a certificate of completion from the course.

The DPS will check your record when you arrive. If the suspension has been lifted, you can proceed with renewal. If it has not, the office will tell you what steps you still need to take. Suspensions can be lifted when ready in some cases, such as when you pay a fine, or may take several days if a court order is involved.

DPS office locations and wait times

Texas has DPS offices in most cities and many towns. You can find the office nearest you on the Texas DPS website by entering your zip code. Some offices take walk-ins; others require an appointment. During peak hours — typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays — wait times can reach two hours or more. Early morning, late afternoon, and weekday mornings tend to be less crowded. You can also check wait times on the DPS website before you go.

If you need to renew urgently and your local office has a long wait, you may be able to visit a different office in your region. Some offices in smaller towns have shorter waits. You do not have to renew at the office closest to your home.

Renewing with medical conditions or restrictions

If your Texas driver license has medical restrictions — such as corrective lenses required, hearing aid required, or left foot accelerator only — you must renew in person so a DPS officer can review your medical status. Bring any documents from your doctor that show your condition has not worsened, such as a recent eye exam report or a letter stating you are still safe to drive with your current restrictions.

If your condition has changed, tell the DPS officer. They may ask you to take a vision test or other evaluation. If the DPS determines your condition makes you unsafe to drive, your license may not be renewed, or new restrictions may be added. You have the right to request a hearing if you disagree with the decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver license if I live out of state?

Yes, you can renew by mail or online if you meet the other requirements — your license is not suspended, not expired more than two years, and has no medical flags. You will need a Texas address on file with the DPS, which is usually your last known address in Texas. If you have moved and your address is not current, you must renew in person at a DPS office in Texas or contact the DPS to update your address first.

What if I lost my current driver license?

You cannot renew by mail or online without your current license number. You must go to a DPS office in person and request a replacement license. Bring proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. The DPS will issue you a new license with the same number and expiration date as your old one, so you are not renewing — you are replacing it. The fee is $11.

How long is a renewed Texas driver license valid?

You can choose a four-year license for $25 or an eight-year license for $50 when you renew. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license. If you are under 18, your license is valid for four years. If you are 18 or older, you can choose either term.

Can I change my address when I renew?

You can change your address at a DPS office during in-person renewal if you bring proof of your new address dated within the last 30 days. You cannot change your address by mail or online renewal — if your address has changed, you must renew in person or update your address separately at a DPS office before renewing by mail or online.

What if my renewal is delayed in the mail?

If your renewed license does not arrive within six weeks, contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 with your driver license number. They can check whether your renewal was processed and remail it if needed. In the meantime, you can request a temporary paper license at a DPS office, which is valid for 45 days and lets you drive legally while you wait for your permanent license.