How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Where to renew and what documents you'll need

You can renew your Texas driver's license in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail, or online through the Texas DPS website — but not all three routes work for every person. The route available to you depends on how much time is left on your current license, whether you've had any address changes, and whether your license was suspended or revoked at any point.

If you renew in person, bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. You'll also need to pass a vision test. If you're renewing by mail or online, the documents you send or upload must be clear, readable copies — blurry or partial images will delay your renewal.

Key Takeaways

Texas lets you renew online or by mail if your license is not suspended, you haven't changed your address, and your license expires more than 60 days from now.
In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 30 minutes on average, but wait times vary widely by location and time of day.
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renew online or in person; mail-in renewals take longer because DPS processes them in batches.
You'll need your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number for any renewal method.
If your license is suspended or you've had a name change, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access. Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Driver License Services," and choose "Renew Online." You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will confirm your identity and show you whether you can renew online right away.

You cannot renew online if your license is suspended, if you've changed your address since your last renewal, if your license expired more than two years ago, or if you're under 18. If the online system tells you that you're not may be able to access, you'll need to renew by mail or in person instead.

Once you complete the online form and pay the renewal fee (currently $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license), your new license is mailed to the address on file. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but doesn't require a trip to a DPS office. You'll need to request a renewal process form from the Texas DPS by phone at 1-888-589-6789 or read it from the DPS website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license, a copy of your proof of residency, and a check or money order for the renewal fee.

Mail your packet to the address listed on the process form. Processing time for mail renewals is typically 4 to 6 weeks after DPS receives your packet, plus the time it takes for mail to travel both ways. Your new license will be mailed to you once it's ready. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal is faster.

Like online renewal, you cannot renew by mail if your license is suspended, if you've moved to a new address, or if your license expired more than two years ago. If any of those explore to you, you must go to a DPS office in person.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended, if you've changed your address, if your name has changed, or if you're renewing a license that expired more than two years ago. It's also the only way to renew if you're under 18 or if you need to update your photograph.

Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website and check whether it accepts walk-ins or requires an appointment. Many offices now use an online appointment system; if yours does, booking ahead will save you time. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number. You'll also take a new photograph and pass a vision test.

Wait times at DPS offices vary. Some locations have waits of 15 to 30 minutes during off-peak hours, while busy offices during peak times (lunch hours, late afternoons, Fridays) can have waits of an hour or more. Your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after your visit. You can continue using your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewal fees and payment methods

A four-year Texas driver's license costs $33 to renew. An eight-year license costs $66. These are the standard fees as of now, though fees can change. If you're renewing in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the DPS office. For online renewal, you'll pay by credit or debit card. For mail renewal, send a check or money order — do not send cash through the mail.

Some DPS offices also accept payment through the Texas DPS website before your in-person visit, which can speed up the process slightly. Check your local office's website to see whether this option is available.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person. The DPS staff will tell you the reason for the suspension or revocation and what you need to do to resolve it. This might involve paying a reinstatement fee, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period.

Suspensions and revocations can result from unpaid traffic fines, DUI convictions, accumulating too many points from traffic violations, or failure to pay child support. The steps to clear a suspension vary depending on the cause. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew your license at that same visit or come back later to renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than two years ago?

No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license expired more than two years ago. You must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You'll also need to pass a vision test and have a new photograph taken.

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

Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renew online or in person. Mail-in renewals take longer — usually 4 to 6 weeks after DPS receives your packet, plus mailing time. You can use your current license until the new one arrives.

What counts as proof of residency?

Proof of residency must be dated within 90 days and show your current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail. A copy is fine for mail renewal, but bring the original or a certified copy for in-person renewal.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

It depends on your local DPS office. Many offices now require appointments, which you can book through the Texas DPS website. Some still accept walk-ins, but appointment holders are usually seen first. Check your office's website before you go to see whether an appointment is needed.

What if I've changed my name since my last renewal?

You must renew in person at a DPS office if your name has changed. Bring your current driver's license, legal proof of the name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The DPS office will update your name and issue a new license with your photograph.

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.