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 Texas DPS website — but not all three routes work for everyone. 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 medical conditions that need updating.
Before you go anywhere, gather these documents: your current or expired Texas driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days), and proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If you've changed your name, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're renewing by mail, you'll mail these documents along with your process; if you're renewing online or in person, you'll show them at that time.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you haven't had major changes like a name or address update.
- Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and works for licenses that expired less than two years ago, but you must send original documents and won't get them back.
- 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 address, medical information, or organ donor status.
- Texas driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration to avoid a gap in your driving privileges.
Renewing online through the Texas DPS website
Online renewal is the fastest route if you meet the requirements. You can renew online if your license is not currently expired, you have no address changes to make, you don't need to update your medical information or organ donor status, and your license was not suspended or revoked. You'll go to the Texas DPS website, create an account or log in, answer questions about your current license, and pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card.
The fee for an eight-year renewal is $61 as of 2024, though this can change. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your current license within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your expired license while you wait for the new one to arrive, as long as it hasn't been expired for more than two years.
Renewing by mail if your license is recently expired
Mail renewal works if your license expired less than two years ago and you have no address changes or updates needed. You'll complete an process form (Form DL-44 or DL-43, depending on whether you're renewing or renewing with changes), include copies of your proof documents, and mail everything to the DPS address listed on the form. The Texas DPS website has the current mailing address and the correct form for your situation.
Processing takes about two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your envelope. One important detail: you must send original documents or certified copies, not photocopies, and DPS will not return them to you. If you need those documents for other purposes, make copies before you mail them. You'll pay the renewal fee by check or money order, and your new license will be mailed to the address you provided on the process.
Renewing in person at a DPS office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need to change your address, if you need to update medical information or organ donor status, or if your license was suspended or revoked. Walk into any DPS office during business hours with your documents. You don't need an appointment at most locations, though some offices accept appointments through the Texas DPS website to reduce wait times.
Bring your current or expired license, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and any documents showing name changes. Tell the staff member at the counter what you need — a standard renewal, an address change, or an update to medical or organ donor information. They'll take your photo, verify your documents, and you'll pay the fee. Your new license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your expired license until the new one arrives, unless your license has been suspended or revoked.
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 reapply as if getting a new license for the first time. This means you'll need to pass the written test and the driving test at a DPS office. You'll also need to provide the same documents as a renewal (proof of residency, Social Security number, and any name-change documents), plus you may need to provide medical certification if you have certain conditions.
This process takes longer than a renewal because of the testing requirement. Schedule an appointment through the Texas DPS website or call your local DPS office to find out when tests are given. Bring all required documents and be prepared to spend an hour or more at the office.
Fees and how to pay
A standard eight-year driver's license renewal costs $61 as of 2024. If you renew online or by mail, you'll pay by credit card or check. If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card — call your local DPS office to confirm which payment methods they accept. Some offices may also accept other forms of payment, so ask when you arrive.
If you're updating your address, medical information, or organ donor status at the same time as your renewal, there is no additional fee. The $61 covers the eight-year license with any updates you need to make.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your Texas driver's license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you want to avoid a gap in your driving privileges or if you're planning to travel. The new license will be valid for eight years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expires.
What if I've moved and need to update my address?
If you've moved, you must renew in person at a DPS office and bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days). You cannot update your address online or by mail. Bring your current or expired license and your proof-of-residency document, and tell the staff member you need an address change with your renewal.
How long can I drive on an expired Texas license?
You can drive on an expired license as long as it expired less than two years ago. Once it's been expired for two years or more, you cannot drive on it and must reapply (including taking the written and driving tests) rather than renewing. If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot drive on it at all, even if it's not yet expired.
What if I need to change my name on my license?
Bring the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — to a DPS office along with your renewal documents. You can renew in person and update your name at the same time. You cannot change your name online or by mail; it must be done in person.
Do I need to take a new photo for my renewal?
If you renew online, DPS will use your photo from your current license. If you renew by mail, your current photo will be used. If you renew in person, DPS will take a new photo. If you want a new photo but are renewing online or by mail, you'll need to renew in person instead.