Where to renew and what you need to bring
You can renew your Texas driver's license at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, online through the DPS website, or by mail. The fastest route is online if you meet the requirements — you must be between 18 and 84 years old, your license must not be suspended or revoked, and you cannot have certain medical conditions that require an in-person exam. If you do not meet those conditions, you will need to visit a DPS office in person.
Before you go or explore online, gather these documents: your current Texas driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will also need to pay the renewal fee, which is $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 7 to 10 business days and costs $33 or $66 depending on whether you choose a four-year or eight-year license.
- You can renew by mail if you are 79 or older, but the process takes 4 to 6 weeks and requires mailing your current license to DPS.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office usually takes 30 minutes to an hour and is required if you are over 84, have a suspended license, or failed the online medical questions.
- Your renewal is valid for 60 days before your license expires, so you can start the process two months early without losing time on your new license.
Renewing online through the DPS website
Go to the Texas DPS website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you a series of medical questions — if you answer no to all of them, you can proceed. If you answer yes to any question, the system will direct you to schedule an in-person appointment instead.
Once you complete the online form and pay the fee with a debit or credit card, DPS will mail your new license to the address on file. The process takes 7 to 10 business days from the time DPS receives and processes your process. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue driving. If you need your license sooner, you cannot expedite an online renewal — you will need to visit a DPS office in person.
Renewing in person at a DPS office
Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website and check the office hours. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now offer online scheduling. Bringing your documents and arriving early in the morning usually means a shorter wait. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or card.
At the office, you will take a new photo, answer medical questions, and pay the renewal fee. The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while DPS mails your permanent license. Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, the paper license is valid for all driving purposes.
Renewing by mail if you are 79 or older
If you are 79 or older, you can renew by mail without visiting an office. Request a renewal process by calling the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 or by visiting a DPS office to pick one up in person. Fill out the process, include a copy of your proof of residency, and mail everything along with your current license and the renewal fee to the address listed on the process.
Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks because DPS must receive your process, process it, and mail your new license back to you. Your current license remains valid during this time. If you need your license before the new one arrives, you cannot use a paper temporary license with mail renewal — you will need to visit an office in person instead.
What happens if your license has been suspended or revoked
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license through any method. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with DPS. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or medical disqualification. Contact DPS or the agency that suspended your license to find out what steps you need to take.
Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew normally. If you need to drive before your license is reinstated, you may be able to request a temporary driving permit, but this depends on the reason for the suspension. DPS can tell you whether a permit is available in your situation.
Renewing when your license has expired
If your license has been expired for less than two years, you can renew it using the same process as a current license — online, by mail (if you are 79 or older), or in person. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office. You will need to take a new written test and a driving test, not just a photo and medical questions.
Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The in-person process takes longer because of the testing, usually 45 minutes to an hour. You will receive a paper temporary license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed.
Understanding the timeline and temporary licenses
Your renewal is valid for 60 days before your license expires. This means you can start the renewal process two months early without losing any time on your new license — the expiration date on your new license will be four or eight years from your current expiration date, not from the day you renew. This is useful if you want to renew early to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date.
If you renew in person, you receive a paper temporary license when ready. This temporary license is valid for all driving purposes — you can use it to drive, show it to police, and present it as identification. Keep it with you until your permanent license arrives. If you renew online or by mail, your old license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you do not receive a temporary license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have a medical condition?
It depends on the condition. If you renew online, DPS will ask medical questions. If you answer yes to any of them, you must renew in person so a DPS officer can evaluate whether you can safely drive. Some conditions disqualify you from renewal; others require restrictions on your license. A DPS officer will determine this during your in-person visit.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
Update your address during the renewal process. If you renew online, you can enter your new address in the process. If you renew in person, tell the DPS officer your new address and bring proof of residency at that address. If you renew by mail, include a letter with your new address along with your process.
How long is my temporary paper license valid?
A temporary paper license issued at a DPS office is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so the temporary usually covers you until then. If your permanent license does not arrive within 30 days, contact DPS to check the status.
Can I renew my license if I owe traffic fines or child support?
No. DPS will not renew your license if you owe unpaid traffic fines or if there is an outstanding child support obligation. You must resolve these issues first. Contact the court that issued the fine or the child support agency to arrange payment or a payment plan before attempting to renew.
What if I lost my current license?
You cannot renew a license you do not have. You must first get a replacement license by visiting a DPS office in person with your proof of residency and Social Security number. Once you have the replacement, you can renew it using any of the normal renewal methods.