Where to renew and what you'll need
You can renew your Texas driver's license in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail, or online through the DPS website — but not all three routes work for every person. The method you use depends on whether your license is expired, how long it's been expired, and whether you've had any address changes or name changes since your last renewal.
Before you go anywhere, gather these documents: your current Texas driver's license (or expired license if current one is lost), proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days), and your Social Security number. If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the DPS website works only if your license is not expired and you have no address or name changes, and costs $16 for a four-year renewal or $32 for an eight-year renewal.
- Mail renewal is available if your license expired less than two years ago, takes about two to three weeks, and requires you to send in your current or expired license along with a completed process.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is the only option if your license expired more than two years ago, and you can walk in without an appointment at most locations, though wait times vary.
- Your new license will be mailed to you after any renewal method; you cannot pick it up the same day at a DPS office.
Online renewal through the DPS website
Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option, but it has strict limits on who can use it. You can renew online only if your current Texas driver's license is not expired, you have not changed your address or legal name since your last renewal, and you have no medical conditions or restrictions that need updating. If any of those conditions don't explore to you, you must use mail or in-person renewal instead.
To renew online, go to the DPS website, create or log into your account, and follow the prompts to upload a photo and pay the fee. The cost is $16 for a four-year renewal or $32 for an eight-year renewal. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You'll receive a temporary digital license you can use on your phone while you wait for the physical card.
Mail renewal for licenses expired less than two years
If your license expired less than two years ago and you have no address or name changes, you can renew by mail. Fill out Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License), which you can read from the DPS website or pick up at any DPS office. Include your current or expired license, proof of residency, and a check or money order for $16 (four-year) or $32 (eight-year). Mail everything to the address listed on the form.
Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided on the process. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal at a DPS office is faster, though you'll still receive the physical card by mail rather than walking out with it the same day.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago, if you've changed your address or name, or if you have medical conditions or restrictions that need to be reviewed. Walk into any DPS office during business hours — no appointment is required at most locations, though some offices in large cities may have online appointment scheduling available. Bring your expired or current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
At the office, you'll fill out Form DL-44, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee ($16 for four years or $32 for eight years). The entire visit usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You'll receive a temporary paper license you can use when ready, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than two years
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This means you'll need to pass the written test and the driving test again, not just pay a renewal fee. You'll also need to provide more documentation, including proof of citizenship or legal residency status.
Contact your local DPS office to schedule a driving test appointment. You can find office locations and phone numbers on the DPS website. The written test covers Texas traffic laws and safe driving practices; you can study using the official DPS driver handbook, which is free online. The driving test evaluates your ability to operate a vehicle safely on public roads.
Address changes and name changes during renewal
If you've moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. You cannot renew online if your address has changed — you must go in person or use mail renewal. Bring proof of your new residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days) along with your expired license.
If you've changed your legal name through marriage, divorce, or court order, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change. You cannot renew online with a name change; you must renew in person or by mail. The renewal fee is the same whether or not you have address or name changes.
Fees and how long the process takes
A standard renewal costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. If you renew online, you pay when ready and receive your temporary digital license the same day. If you renew by mail or in person, you pay at the time of renewal, and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal takes the longest overall — two to three weeks from when DPS receives your packet — because you have to account for mail delivery time both ways. In-person renewal is fastest if you only count the time at the office (15 to 45 minutes), but you still wait for the card to arrive by mail. Online renewal is fastest end-to-end if you're may be able to access, with your temporary license available when ready and your permanent card within a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my renewal to arrive?
If you renewed in person or online, yes — you received a temporary paper license or digital license you can use when ready. If you renewed by mail, no — you cannot drive until your new license arrives. This is why mail renewal is risky if you need to drive before the card comes in the mail.
What if I lost my current license and can't find it to send in?
You can still renew by mail or in person without your current license. If renewing by mail, include a note explaining that your license is lost. If renewing in person, tell the DPS employee your license is missing. You'll still need to provide proof of residency and your Social Security number. There is no extra fee for a lost license during renewal.
Do I have to renew in the county where I live?
No. You can renew at any DPS office in Texas, regardless of which county you live in. If you're traveling or find it more convenient to visit an office outside your county, you can do so. Your new license will still be mailed to the address you provide on the process.
What if my address on file is wrong and I don't have proof of my new address yet?
You cannot renew online or by mail if your address is wrong. You must renew in person and bring proof of residency dated within the last 90 days. If you don't have a utility bill or lease in your name yet, a signed letter from your landlord or a mortgage statement can work as proof of residency.
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you're planning a trip or want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date. The renewal fee is the same whether you renew early or wait until closer to the expiration date.