How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Where to renew and what you need before you start

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 every person. The method available to you depends on how long your license has been expired, whether you have a REAL ID, and whether your address or name has changed since your last renewal.

Before you choose a route, gather these documents: your current or expired driver's license, proof of Texas 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). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it — 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 through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option if your license expired less than two years ago and you have not changed your address or name.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and works only if your license expired less than two years ago and you meet the same restrictions as online renewal.
In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license expired more than two years ago, or if you have changed your address, name, or vision correction needs since your last renewal.
You will need proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and your current or expired license for any renewal method.
DPS offices do not require an appointment for standard renewals, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website

Online renewal is the fastest method if you meet the requirements. Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Driver License Services," and choose "Renew Your Driver License Online." You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will ask you to confirm your address and other information on file.

Online renewal works only if your current license expired less than two years ago, your address has not changed, your name has not changed, and you do not need to update your vision correction information. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, the system will tell you that you must renew in person. Once you complete the online process, your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

Mail renewal by sending documents to DPS

Mail renewal follows the same restrictions as online renewal: your license must have expired less than two years ago, and you cannot have changed your address, name, or vision needs. To renew by mail, read the DL-44 form from the Texas DPS website, fill it out completely, and mail it with a copy of your current or expired license and proof of residency to the address listed on the form.

Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — do not send cash. Mail your packet to the DPS address shown on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your packet, so allow extra time for mail delivery. Your new license will be mailed back to you. If DPS needs more information or finds a problem with your documents, they will contact you by mail, which adds time to the process.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago, if you have changed your address or name since your last renewal, or if you need to update your vision correction information. Walk into any DPS office during business hours — no appointment is needed for a standard renewal. Bring your current or expired license, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and your payment method.

DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, typically from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location. Wait times range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the office and time of day. Early morning or mid-week visits usually have shorter waits than afternoons or Fridays. You will receive your new license on the spot if you pass the vision test and all your documents are in order.

What happens if your license expired more than two years ago

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must go to a DPS office in person. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal, plus be prepared to take a new photo and pass a vision test. The renewal fee is the same ($33 for four years or $66 for eight years), but the process takes longer because DPS treats it as a new issuance rather than a straightforward renewal.

You will also need to provide a new proof of residency document dated within the last 90 days. If your address has changed multiple times since your license expired, bring documentation showing your current address. DPS may ask additional questions about your driving history or require you to retake the written test if your license has been expired for a very long time, though this is uncommon.

Address or name changes during renewal

If you have moved or changed your name since your last license was issued, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days) and, if your name changed, a certified copy of the document that changed it. The DPS office will update your information and issue a new license with your current details.

Do not wait until your license expires to update your address or name. You can update your address or name at any time by visiting a DPS office, and doing so before your renewal date makes the renewal process faster. If you update your information before your license expires, you can often renew online or by mail when the time comes, as long as you do not make another change between the update and the renewal.

Vision test requirements and what to bring

If you renew in person, you will take a vision test at the DPS office. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. You do not need a separate eye exam from an optometrist — the DPS vision test is all that is required. If you fail the vision test, DPS will restrict your license to require corrective lenses, or they may ask you to see an eye doctor and return with documentation of your vision correction.

If you are renewing online or by mail and your vision has changed, you must renew in person instead. The system will not let you proceed online if your vision needs have changed since your last license was issued. If you are unsure whether your vision information needs updating, renew in person to avoid delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Online and mail renewal take 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail. In-person renewal gives you your new license when ready if all your documents are correct. Mail renewal can take longer if DPS needs to contact you for missing information.

Can I drive with my expired license while I wait for my new one?

No. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive. If you renew online or by mail, do not drive until your new license arrives. If you need to drive before your renewal is complete, renew in person at a DPS office to get your license the same day.

What if I lost my current license and cannot find it?

You can still renew. Bring your proof of residency and proof of Social Security number to a DPS office, and tell them your license is lost. They will issue a replacement license with a new number. You do not need to file a separate lost-license report if you are renewing at the same time.

Do I need a REAL ID to renew my driver's license in Texas?

No. A standard Texas driver's license and a REAL ID are two different products. You can renew a standard license without upgrading to REAL ID. If you want to upgrade to REAL ID during renewal, you must renew in person and bring additional documents like a passport or birth certificate.

What if my renewal is rejected or I get a notice from DPS?

If DPS rejects your online or mail renewal, they will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include missing documents, an address mismatch, or a problem with your Social Security number. Follow the instructions in the letter, which usually ask you to visit a DPS office in person with corrected documents.

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.