What You Need to Do to Renew in Texas
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles all driver's license renewals in the state. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at a DPS office, depending on your situation and how much time you have. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some circumstances require an in-person visit.
Your renewal notice arrives about 45 days before your license expires. This notice contains your renewal number, which you will need for online or mail renewal. If you have not received a notice and your license is expiring soon, you can still renew — you just need your driver's license number and other identifying information instead.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes if you have your renewal notice or license number.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires sending your renewal notice, payment, and a new photo to the DPS address listed on your notice.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is necessary if your license has been suspended, if you need to change your address or name, or if you are renewing for the first time in many years.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days of approval, whether you renewed online, by mail, or in person.
- The renewal fee in Texas is $16 for a one-year license, $32 for a two-year license, $48 for a four-year license, or $64 for a six-year license.
Renewing Online Through the DPS Website
Online renewal is the fastest and most straightforward route if you are may be able to access. Go to the Texas DPS website and select the driver's license renewal option. You will need either your renewal notice number or your driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
During the online process, you will upload a new photo or use the photo from your current license. If you use your current photo, the system checks that it meets DPS standards — it must be a clear, front-facing image taken within the last five years. You will also confirm your address and select your license validity period (one, two, four, or six years). Payment is by credit card, debit card, or e-check.
Once you submit your renewal online, you receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new license is mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your current license until the new one arrives.
Renewing by Mail
Mail renewal works if your license is not suspended and you do not need to change your address or legal name. Your renewal notice includes a prepaid envelope and instructions. You will send the notice itself, a new photo, and your payment to the address printed on the envelope.
The photo must be a color, passport-style image — 2 inches by 2 inches, taken within the last five years, with a plain background and your face clearly visible. Do not send your current license; the DPS does not need it. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee. Do not send cash.
Processing by mail takes two to three weeks from the date the DPS receives your envelope. Your new license arrives by mail after approval. If you need your license sooner, mail renewal is not the right choice — use online renewal or visit a DPS office in person.
When You Must Renew in Person at a DPS Office
Some situations require you to visit a DPS office. You must renew in person if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you need to change your legal name or address, if you are renewing for the first time in more than 10 years, or if you are over 85 years old. You also must renew in person if you want to change your gender marker or if your current photo does not meet DPS standards.
To renew in person, bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address), and payment. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.
DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, and some locations have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check wait times and book an appointment on the Texas DPS website before you go.
What Happens After You Submit Your Renewal
Once the DPS processes your renewal — whether online, by mail, or in person — your new license is printed and mailed to your address on file. This takes 7 to 10 business days. You will not receive a temporary license or paper document; your current license remains valid until it expires, even if your new one has not arrived yet.
If your new license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DPS to check the status. Have your confirmation number or renewal notice number ready. The DPS can tell you whether your renewal was approved and when it was mailed.
Fees and Payment Methods
Texas driver's license renewal fees depend on how long you want your license to be valid. A one-year license costs $16, a two-year license costs $32, a four-year license costs $48, and a six-year license costs $64. These are the standard fees; there are no additional processing fees for online or mail renewal.
For online renewal, you can pay by credit card, debit card, or e-check. For mail renewal, send a check or money order — do not send cash. For in-person renewal at a DPS office, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Some offices also accept other payment methods, so ask when you arrive.
What to Do If You Miss Your Renewal important date
If your license has already expired, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a DPS office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. The DPS will process your renewal the same way as a standard renewal, and your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you have submitted a renewal. Do not drive until your new license arrives. If you are stopped by law enforcement, an expired license can result in a citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
The DPS does not check for outstanding tickets during renewal. However, if your license has been suspended due to unpaid fines or other violations, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must visit a DPS office. The office will tell you whether your license can be renewed or whether you must resolve the suspension first.
What if I moved and my renewal notice went to my old address?
You can still renew online or by mail without the renewal notice. Use your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number instead. During the renewal process, update your address to your current one. If you are renewing in person, bring proof of your new address.
How long is my new license valid after I renew?
Your new license is valid for the period you selected during renewal — one, two, four, or six years from the date it is issued. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew again anytime within 60 days before it expires.
Can I renew my license if I am out of state?
Yes. You can renew online from anywhere, and you can renew by mail from anywhere. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need to renew in person while out of state, you must wait until you return to Texas — the DPS does not process renewals at locations outside the state.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You must renew in person at a DPS office and bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Online and mail renewal do not allow name changes.