Where to renew your Texas driver license
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles all driver license renewals in Texas. You can renew in person at any DPS Driver License office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the DPS website if your license type allows it. Not all licenses can be renewed online — commercial licenses and licenses with certain restrictions require an in-person visit.
Finding your nearest DPS office is straightforward: go to the DPS website, select "Locations," enter your city or zip code, and you'll see all offices in your area along with their hours. Many offices are open Monday through Friday, though some have Saturday hours. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day — calling ahead to ask about current wait times can save you a trip.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online through the DPS website if you have a standard Class D license and your license is not expired by more than two years.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
- Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you meet specific conditions — the DPS website will tell you whether you're may be able to access when you start the process.
- Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days of approval, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
- Renewal fees vary based on how long your new license will be valid — typically $16 for a one-year renewal or $48 for a five-year renewal.
Online renewal through the DPS website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license qualifies. Go to the DPS website, select "Online Services," and choose "Driver License Renewal." You'll need your current Texas driver license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against DPS records.
Online renewal works only for standard Class D licenses that are not expired by more than two years. If your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled, or if it has restrictions like corrective lenses or organ donor status that have changed, you must renew in person. The online system will tell you when ready if you don't meet the requirements.
Once you complete the online form and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
Bring your current driver license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days and showing your current address. Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form.
The DPS staff member will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. The entire visit usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You'll pay the renewal fee at the counter — cash, check, or card are accepted. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
If your address has changed, tell the staff member before they process your renewal. If you need to update your name, you'll need to bring a certified copy of the document showing the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Name changes cannot be done online or by mail.
Mail renewal may be able to access and process
Mail renewal is available only if your current license is not expired and you meet specific conditions set by DPS. The easiest way to learn about you're may be able to access is to start the online renewal process on the DPS website — if mail renewal is an option for you, the system will offer it as a choice before you pay.
If you're may be able to access and choose mail renewal, print the process form from the DPS website, sign it, and mail it along with your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — credit cards are not accepted by mail. Mail your packet to the DPS address shown in the instructions, not to a local office.
Processing takes longer by mail than online or in person. DPS typically receives your packet within 3 to 5 business days, processes it within 5 to 7 business days, and mails your new license within another 7 to 10 business days. Your old license will be returned to you in the same envelope as your new one. During this time, you can drive on your current license.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to a DPS office and includes a written test, a driving test, and a new photo. The process is more involved and takes longer than a renewal.
If your license expired within the last two years, you can still renew online or by mail using the standard renewal process. You do not need to retake the written or driving test. However, if you've been driving with an expired license, you may face a traffic citation, so it's worth renewing as soon as possible.
Renewal fees and how long your new license lasts
Texas driver license renewal fees depend on how long you want your new license to be valid. A one-year renewal costs $16, a two-year renewal costs $32, and a five-year renewal costs $48. You choose the length when you renew — there's no requirement to pick one over another, so you can choose based on what works for your situation.
Your new license will have an expiration date printed on it. That date is when you'll need to renew again. If you renew online or by mail, your new license is mailed to you, so you won't have it in hand on the day you explore — plan ahead if you need it for travel or identification purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have a commercial driver license?
No, commercial licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your current commercial license, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and your medical certificate if it's required for your license class. The process is similar to standard license renewal but takes place at the counter.
What if I've moved since my last license was issued?
You can still renew online or by mail, but your new license will be mailed to your current address on file with DPS. If you haven't updated your address yet, do that before you renew. If you renew in person, the staff member can update your address during the visit. Bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days.
How long can I drive on my expired license while waiting for the new one?
Once your renewal is processed, you can legally drive on your current license until your new one arrives in the mail. If your license has already expired and you're renewing it, you're still covered during the processing time. However, if you're pulled over, you should have proof that you've submitted a renewal — your confirmation number from online renewal or your receipt from an in-person visit works.
What if I never receive my new license in the mail?
Contact the DPS by phone or through the website to report it. Have your confirmation number or receipt ready. DPS can check the status of your license and may remail it or issue a replacement. If your license was lost or stolen in the mail, DPS can issue a new one, though there may be an additional fee.
Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked status?
No, you cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with DPS — this usually involves paying outstanding fines, completing a required course, or meeting other conditions. Once your status is cleared, you can renew normally. Contact DPS directly to find out what steps you need to take.