Where and how to renew your Texas driver's license
You can renew your Texas driver's 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 method you choose depends on whether your license has expired, how long it has been expired, and whether you need to update your address or other information.
In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 30 minutes to an hour and requires you to bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. Mail renewal is available only if your license expired within the last two years and you have no changes to report. Online renewal through the Texas DPS portal works for licenses that expired within the last two years and requires you to log in with your driver's license number and date of birth.
Key Takeaways
- Texas offers three renewal routes: in-person at a DPS office, by mail for licenses expired less than two years, or online through the DPS website for the same expiration window.
- You will need your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return) for in-person renewal.
- If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person and may need to pass a vision test and written exam depending on your age.
- The renewal fee is $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license; payment methods vary by location and renewal method.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
Walk into any Texas DPS office with your documents and you can renew the same day. Bring your current driver's license, one document showing your current address (utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail), and one document proving your Social Security number (your Social Security card itself, a W-2, a tax return, or a birth certificate). You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day — early morning and weekday visits are usually shorter.
If your license expired more than two years ago, the DPS may require you to pass a vision test and take a written exam on traffic laws. If you are 79 or older, you must renew in person and pass a vision test. The DPS will take a new photo and issue your renewed license on the spot or mail it to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office.
Mail renewal for licenses expired less than two years
If your license expired within the last two years and you have no address change, no name change, and no corrections to make, you can mail your renewal process to the DPS. You will need to complete Form DL-44 (the standard driver's license process) or use the mail renewal form available on the Texas DPS website, include a copy of your current license, and enclose a check or money order for the renewal fee.
Mail your packet to the address listed on the DPS website for your region. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DPS receives your process. Your new license will arrive by mail. If you need your license sooner or have any changes to report, use in-person or online renewal instead.
Online renewal through the Texas DPS portal
The Texas DPS website allows you to renew online if your license expired within the last two years, you have no address or name changes, and you have a valid email address. Log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, review your information, pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card, and submit. You will receive a temporary digital license by email when ready and your physical license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal is the fastest option for those who meet the requirements because you avoid office wait times and receive proof of renewal when ready. However, if you need to update your address, correct your name, or change your photo, you must renew in person.
Documents you need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Current License | Proof of Residency | Proof of SSN | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-person | Yes | Yes | Yes | Cash, check, debit, credit |
| Copy included | No | No | Check or money order | |
| Online | No (info used to log in) | No | No | Credit or debit card |
Renewal fees and payment options
A four-year Texas driver's license costs $33 to renew. An eight-year license costs $66. These are the standard fees set by the state and do not vary by location. At in-person DPS offices, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. By mail, you must send a check or money order. Online, you must use a credit or debit card.
If you are 65 or older, your renewal fee is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. Some DPS offices may charge a small additional fee for certain services, such as a duplicate license or a corrected address, so confirm the total cost when you arrive or before you submit an online process.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than two years
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot use mail or online renewal. You must go to a DPS office in person. The DPS treats this as a new license process rather than a straightforward renewal, which means you will need to provide proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of citizenship or legal presence in the United States (such as a passport, birth certificate, or visa).
You will also be required to pass a vision test and take a written exam on Texas traffic laws. The DPS provides study materials online, and the exam covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. If you pass, your new license is issued the same day or mailed within 7 to 10 business days. If you fail the written exam, you can retake it at the same office or another DPS location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
No. The DPS will not renew your license if you have an unpaid traffic fine or an outstanding warrant related to a traffic offense. You must pay the fine or resolve the warrant before you can renew. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out the amount owed and payment options.
What if I need to change my name or address during renewal?
You must renew in person at a DPS office if you need to change your name or address. Bring your current license, proof of your new address, and a document supporting the name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order). Mail and online renewal do not allow changes to your personal information.
How long does it take to receive my renewed license by mail?
By mail, renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DPS receives your process. In-person renewal usually results in your license being mailed within 7 to 10 business days, though some offices issue it the same day. Online renewal sends a temporary digital license by email when ready and your physical license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
If you renew in person or online, the DPS will take a new photo or use your existing photo from the system. If you renew by mail, your photo remains the same as your current license. You can request a new photo at an in-person renewal if you wish, though this does not change the renewal fee.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the DPS or the court that issued the suspension or revocation to find out what steps are required to restore your driving privileges. Once your license status is cleared, you can renew through any of the three methods.