What you need to do to renew with the Texas Department of Public Safety
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles all driver's license renewals in Texas. You can renew in person at a DPS office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the DPS website. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your address or other information.
Most people renew before their license expires, but Texas allows you to renew up to two years after expiration. However, if your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to a DPS office in person and may need to retake the written test and vision screening.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online at the DPS website if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations or address changes in the past five years.
- Mail renewal is available if your license is not expired, you have a valid mailing address on file, and you meet the same restrictions as online renewal.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license has been expired for more than two years, or if you need to update your photo, address, or other personal information.
- Texas driver's licenses are valid for six years, and you can renew up to two years after expiration without retaking the written test or vision screening.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to any in-person renewal appointment.
Renewing online through the DPS website
Online renewal is the fastest option 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 your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The system will verify your information against DPS records.
You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you have had a license suspension or revocation, if you have had certain traffic violations, or if you have changed your address more than once in the past five years. If any of these explore to you, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes a few minutes to complete. You will receive a temporary digital license when ready, and your physical license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal uses the same may be able to access rules as online renewal. You cannot renew by mail if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you have had a suspension or revocation, or if you have had certain violations. You also cannot renew by mail if you need to update your photo or change your address.
To renew by mail, contact the DPS or visit their website to request a renewal form. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address shown on the form. Processing takes four to six weeks from the date DPS receives your process. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal is faster.
Renewing in person at a DPS office
In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to update your photo, or if you are changing your address. You will also need to renew in person if you have had a suspension, revocation, or certain traffic violations.
Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which reduces wait time. Bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form). You will have your photo taken and may need to pass a vision screening.
In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your physical license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.
What documents to bring
For any in-person renewal, bring your current Texas driver's license. You will also need one document that proves your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the past 90 days all work. A government-issued ID from another state or country is not enough for proof of residency.
You must also bring proof of your Social Security number. An original or certified copy of your Social Security card is the easiest option. A W-2 form, 1099 form, or tax return with your Social Security number also works. A birth certificate does not count as proof of Social Security number.
If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing after your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to bring additional documents; call your local DPS office to confirm what you need.
Renewal fees and how long it takes
Online renewal costs less than in-person or mail renewal. The exact fee depends on how long you want your new license to be valid — you can choose a four-year or six-year license. In-person and mail renewal cost more because they include a new photo and additional processing.
Online renewal is the fastest: you get a temporary digital license when ready and your physical license within one to two weeks. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the date DPS receives your process. In-person renewal is fastest for your physical license — you get a temporary paper license the same day and your permanent license within one to two weeks.
What to do if your license has been expired for more than two years
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person. You will need to retake the written knowledge test and pass a vision screening, just as you would for a new license. You do not need to retake the driving test unless DPS requires it based on your driving record.
Bring all the documents listed above, plus any documents related to name changes. Call your local DPS office before you go to ask whether you need to bring anything else or whether you should schedule an appointment. Some offices have longer wait times than others, and an appointment can save you time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?
No. Proof of a Social Security number is required for all renewals. If you do not have a Social Security number, contact the DPS office in your county to learn what documents you may be able to use instead. You will likely need to renew in person.
What if I moved and my address on file with DPS is wrong?
If you have changed your address, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within the past 90 days). You cannot update your address online or by mail during renewal.
How do I schedule an appointment at a DPS office?
Visit the Texas DPS website and look for the appointment scheduling tool. Not all offices offer online scheduling, so if you cannot find your office, call the DPS office directly to ask whether appointments are available. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are seen first.
What if I need my license before the mail arrives?
If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license the same day that you can use while you wait for your permanent license. If you renew online or by mail, you get a temporary digital license that you can show on your phone. Some employers and police officers accept digital licenses, but not all — ask your employer or the officer if you are unsure.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
You can renew your license even if you have an unpaid traffic ticket. However, if your license has been suspended because of an unpaid fine or failure to appear in court, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the court or the DPS to find out whether your license is suspended and how to clear it.