How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Texas driver's licenses renew every 8 years, and you can renew by mail, online, or in person depending on your situation

A Texas driver's license expires eight years after issue for most adults under 85. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) sends a renewal notice to your address on file about 60 days before expiration. You have three main paths to renew: online through the DPS website, by mail using the renewal packet, or in person at a DPS office. Which route you can use depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have left, and whether your personal information has changed.

The online renewal is the fastest option when available — it takes about 10 minutes and you receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit. In-person renewal is necessary if your license has already expired, if you need to update your address or name, or if you did not receive a renewal notice.

Key Takeaways

Texas driver's licenses expire every 8 years, and DPS mails a renewal notice about 60 days before the expiration date.
Online renewal through the DPS website is available only if your license is still valid and you have not changed your address, name, or other personal information.
Mail renewal requires the renewal packet DPS sends you, a check or money order, and takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time DPS receives it.
In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license has expired, if you moved, or if you need to update your information.
The renewal fee is $16 for a regular license and $32 for a Real ID-compliant license, and you can pay by check, money order, or credit card depending on your method.

Online renewal through the DPS website

Online renewal is the fastest route if you meet the requirements. You can renew online only if your current license is still valid (not expired), your address and name have not changed, and you have not had any medical suspensions or restrictions added. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method — DPS accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.

Go to the Texas DPS website and select the online renewal option. The system will ask you to verify your identity and confirm your information. Once you submit the form and pay the $16 renewal fee (or $32 for Real ID), DPS mails your new license to the address on file. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to drive and use it for identification.

If the system tells you that you are not may be able to access for online renewal, you will need to use mail or in-person renewal instead. This happens most often when your address has changed, when you have a medical condition that affects your driving, or when DPS has flagged your record for review.

Mail renewal using your renewal packet

If you received a renewal notice in the mail, it includes a renewal packet with a form (Form DL-44 or a renewal-specific form), instructions, and an envelope. You do not need to go to an office — you fill out the form, include payment, and mail it back to DPS. The renewal fee is $16 for a standard license or $32 for a Real ID license. You can pay by check or money order only; credit cards are not accepted by mail.

Fill out the form completely and legibly. Include your current license or a copy of it if the instructions ask for it. Mail the packet to the address shown on the envelope — do not mail it to a DPS office unless the packet specifically directs you to do so. DPS typically processes mail renewals within 4 to 6 weeks of receiving them, though processing times can be longer during peak periods.

Keep a copy of what you mail and note the date you send it. Your current license remains valid while your renewal is being processed, so you can continue to drive. If you do not receive your new license within 8 weeks, contact DPS to check the status of your renewal.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

You must renew in person if your license has already expired, if you need to change your address or legal name, if you have a medical condition that requires review, or if you did not receive a renewal notice. You will also need to renew in person if you want to upgrade to a Real ID license and your current license is not Real ID-compliant.

Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website and check its hours. Bring your current license (or an expired license if your current one is lost), proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment. The fee is $16 for a standard renewal or $32 for Real ID. DPS accepts cash, check, money order, and credit cards at the office.

Processing time at the office varies. Some offices issue your new license on the spot; others mail it to you within 7 to 10 business days. Ask the staff member which applies at your location. If you are renewing because your license expired, you may be asked to retake the vision test or answer questions about your medical history.

What to bring and what documents you need

For any renewal method, you need to prove your identity and current address. If you are renewing by mail, the renewal packet tells you what to include. If you are renewing in person, bring your current driver's license as your primary ID. If your license is lost or stolen, bring a passport, state ID card, or military ID instead.

For proof of address, DPS accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government document (such as a tax return or voter registration card) dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your current address. If you have moved and your license still shows your old address, bring proof of your new address.

If you are changing your legal name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing a Real ID license or upgrading to Real ID, you may need to bring additional documents such as a birth certificate or passport. The DPS website lists the full Real ID document requirements.

Real ID versus standard license renewal

A Real ID license meets federal identification standards and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. A standard Texas driver's license cannot be used for these purposes after May 7, 2025, though you can still use it to drive and for most other identification needs. The Real ID license costs $32 to renew, compared to $16 for a standard license.

If your current license is already Real ID-compliant (it will have a star in the upper right corner), you can renew it as Real ID online or by mail without additional documents. If your current license is not Real ID-compliant and you want to upgrade during renewal, you must renew in person and bring the required documents: a certified birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address.

You are not required to upgrade to Real ID to renew your license. You can continue to renew as a standard license if you prefer. However, if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025, you will need either a Real ID license, a passport, or another federally accepted ID.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The renewal fee for a standard Texas driver's license is $16. The fee for a Real ID license is $32. These fees explore whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. DPS does not charge additional processing fees or expedited fees for standard renewal.

Payment methods depend on how you renew. Online renewal accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. In-person renewal at a DPS office accepts cash, check, money order, and credit cards. Mail renewal accepts check or money order only — you cannot pay by credit card through the mail. Make checks or money orders payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

What to do if your license has already expired

If your license has expired, you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person. An expired license is still useful for identification purposes, but you cannot legally drive with it. If you need to drive before your renewal is complete, you can request a temporary driving permit from a DPS office, though availability varies by location.

When you renew an expired license in person, DPS may ask you to retake the vision test or answer questions about your medical history to may support you are still safe to drive. This is routine and does not mean your renewal will be denied. The process takes longer than a standard renewal, so allow extra time at the office.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you may be required to take the written driving test and vision test again, similar to a new license process. Contact your local DPS office to confirm what is required before you go in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. DPS mails renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice. If you want to renew early, you can go to a DPS office in person or contact DPS to request a renewal packet by mail.

How long does it take to get my renewed license?

Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days by mail. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date DPS receives your packet. In-person renewal may issue your license on the spot at some offices, or mail it to you within 7 to 10 business days. Processing times vary, especially during peak periods.

What if I moved and my license still shows my old address?

You must update your address in person at a DPS office or by mail. You cannot change your address online during renewal. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days) and your current license. The renewal fee is the same whether or not you change your address.

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

DPS does not deny renewal based on unpaid traffic tickets. However, if you have an active suspension due to unpaid fines or other violations, your renewal will not be processed until the suspension is lifted. Contact DPS or the court that issued the ticket to resolve the suspension before you renew.

What if I did not receive my renewal notice in the mail?

If your renewal notice did not arrive, you can still renew by going to a DPS office in person or by contacting DPS to request a renewal packet. You do not need the notice to renew — it is straightforward a reminder. Bring your current license and the required documents to an office, or call DPS to have a packet mailed to you.

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.