How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

What You Need to Do to Renew in Texas

Texas lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Which method you can use depends on your license type, how long it's been expired, and whether you've had any address changes. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require you to show up in person.

The state sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires, though you don't have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before expiration. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online—you must explore in person as if it were a new license.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option if your license is not expired, you have no address changes, and your current address matches DPS records.
Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and works for most people, but you must send your current license and a check or money order to the DPS address they provide.
In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license expired more than two years ago, you've changed your name, or you need a new photo.
Texas charges a flat renewal fee that varies by license type and validity period; the DPS website shows the exact amount before you pay.
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days for online renewal, or two to three weeks for mail renewal.

Renewing Online Through the DPS Website

Online renewal is the fastest route if you meet the requirements. Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Driver License" and then "Renew," and follow the prompts. You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system checks your records in real time and tells you when ready whether you can renew online.

You cannot renew online if your license is already expired, if you've had a name change since it was issued, if you've moved to a different address than what DPS has on file, or if you need a new photo. If the system rejects you, it will tell you which method to use instead. Once you complete online renewal, your new license ships within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal works for most people and requires no office visit. The DPS sends a renewal packet with your notice about 60 days before expiration; it includes a form, instructions, and the mailing address. If you didn't receive a packet or lost it, you can read the renewal form from the DPS website or call the DPS to request one.

Fill out the form, include your current license, and send a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address on the form. Do not send cash. Mail your packet at least three weeks before your license expires to allow time for processing and delivery. The DPS processes mail renewals in the order received, and your new license arrives two to three weeks after they receive your packet.

Renewing in Person at a DPS Office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago, if you've changed your name since it was issued, if you need a new photo, or if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL). Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address), and payment (cash, check, or card). Some offices accept walk-ins, but many now require you to schedule an appointment online through the DPS website.

Check the DPS office locator to find the nearest location and see whether appointments are required. Processing times vary by office but typically take 30 minutes to an hour. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewal Fees and Payment Methods

Texas charges different renewal fees depending on your license type and how long you want it valid. A standard driver's license renewal for five years costs less than an eight-year renewal. The DPS website displays the exact fee before you pay, so you know the amount before committing. You can pay by debit card or credit card for online renewal, by check or money order for mail renewal, or by cash, check, or card at an office.

If you're over 85 years old, your renewal fee is lower, and your license is valid for only two years instead of five or eight. Military members stationed outside Texas may have different fee structures; check the DPS website for your situation.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired

If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew by mail or online using the same process. If it expired more than two years ago, the DPS treats it as a new license process, not a renewal. You must visit a DPS office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pass a vision test, and have a new photo taken. You cannot use an expired license as proof of identity for this purpose.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you've submitted a renewal process. The expiration date on your license is the date you must stop driving with it, regardless of whether your new one has arrived.

Name Changes and Address Changes

If you've changed your name since your license was issued, you cannot renew online or by mail—you must go to a DPS office. Bring your current license, proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency. The office will issue you a new license with your updated name.

If you've moved to a different address within Texas, you can update your address during renewal. For online renewal, the system checks whether your address matches DPS records; if it doesn't, you'll be directed to mail or in-person renewal. For mail renewal, include a proof of residency document with your packet. At an office, bring a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement showing your new address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

Yes, if it expired less than two years ago. You can renew online, by mail, or in person. If it expired more than two years ago, you must explore in person as a new license, not a renewal.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days for delivery. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks after the DPS receives your packet. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license when ready, and your permanent license arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

What if I need to renew before my notice arrives?

You can renew up to one year before expiration without waiting for the notice. Go to the DPS website for online renewal, read the mail renewal form, or visit an office. You don't need the notice to start the process.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

Not usually. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo. You get a new photo only if you renew in person, if your license is more than eight years old, or if you request one. Some people choose to visit an office specifically to get a new photo.

What if my address changed but I haven't moved yet?

Update your address with the DPS during renewal only if you've already moved to the new address. If you're planning to move but haven't yet, wait until after you move to renew, or renew now and update your address separately through the DPS website later.

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.