Where to renew and what documents you need
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles all driver's license renewals in the state. You can renew in person at any DPS driver's license office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the DPS website if your license type allows it. The method you choose depends on whether your license has expired, how long it's been expired, and what class of license you hold.
Before you go to a DPS office or submit anything by mail, gather your current driver's license, proof of Texas residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last renewal, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring your original documents or certified copies; photocopies are not accepted.
The DPS office will take a new photo and signature during renewal. If you renew by mail, you keep your current photo and signature unless the DPS requests new ones. Online renewal also keeps your existing photo and signature.
Key Takeaways
- Texas DPS offers three renewal routes: in-person at a DPS office, by mail if your license is not expired or expired less than two years, or online if your license type qualifies.
- You must bring your current license, proof of Texas residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number to any in-person renewal.
- In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes at most DPS offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks for processing, plus mailing time, so plan ahead if your license is about to expire.
- Online renewal is available only for certain license classes and only if your license is not expired; check the DPS website to see if your license type qualifies.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
Walk into any DPS driver's license office with your documents and you can renew the same day. The DPS operates offices in every county, and most are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some larger cities have evening or Saturday hours; check the DPS office locator on their website to find the office nearest you and confirm their hours before you go.
Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The DPS will verify your information, take a new photo and signature, and issue your renewed license on the spot. The fee for a standard five-year renewal is $33 for a Class C license (passenger vehicle). Commercial licenses and other classes cost more. You can pay by cash, check, or card at most offices.
Wait times range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the office and the time you arrive. Early morning and mid-week visits tend to be faster than late afternoon or Friday. If you cannot get to an office during business hours, some DPS locations offer evening or weekend appointments; call ahead to ask whether your local office does.
Mail renewal if your license is current or recently expired
You can renew by mail if your license has not expired or expired less than two years ago. read the DL-44 form from the DPS website, fill it out completely, and mail it with your current license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee to the address shown on the form. The DPS processes mail renewals in the order they arrive, typically within two to three weeks of receipt.
Mail renewal keeps your current photo and signature on file. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide on the form. If you need your license sooner, do not use mail renewal; go to a DPS office instead.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person. The DPS will treat a license expired more than two years as a new license rather than a renewal, which requires a new photo, signature, and vision test.
Online renewal through the DPS website
The DPS allows online renewal for certain license classes if your license is not expired. Log into your account on the DPS website, verify your information, pay the renewal fee by card, and your new license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks. You keep your current photo and signature.
Online renewal is not available for all license types. Commercial licenses, motorcycle endorsements, and some other classes must be renewed in person or by mail. Check the DPS website to see whether your specific license class qualifies for online renewal before you start the process.
If you do not have an online account with the DPS, you can create one on their website using your driver's license number and other identifying information. The account creation process takes a few minutes.
Renewal fees and payment methods
A standard five-year Class C license renewal costs $33. A Class M (motorcycle) renewal is $33. Commercial Driver's License (CDL) renewals cost more and vary by endorsement type. The DPS website lists the exact fee for your license class before you pay.
At a DPS office, you can pay by cash, check, or card. By mail, include a check or money order; the DPS does not accept cash by mail. Online, you must pay by card. If you pay by check and it bounces, the DPS will contact you and may charge a returned check fee.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than two years
If your license expired more than two years ago, the DPS treats the renewal as a new license. You must go to a DPS office in person, bring all the documents listed above, and pass a vision test. The DPS will take a new photo and signature. The fee is the same as a standard renewal.
You cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been expired for more than two years. Plan to spend 30 to 45 minutes at the DPS office for this type of renewal because the vision test adds time to the process.
Name changes and other updates during renewal
If your name has changed since your last renewal — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change. The DPS will update your name on your new license at no extra cost. If you are renewing by mail, include a copy of the name-change document with your DL-44 form.
If your address has changed, update it on the form or during your in-person visit. Address changes are free and take effect when ready on your new license. If you are renewing online, you can update your address before you pay the renewal fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does my renewed license take to arrive if I renew by mail?
Mail renewals are processed within two to three weeks of the DPS receiving your form and documents. Add another week for mailing time to your address. If you need your license sooner, renew in person at a DPS office and receive it the same day.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or child support obligation?
The DPS may suspend your license if you have unpaid traffic fines or child support arrears. Contact the court or the Texas Attorney General's office to resolve the issue before you renew. The DPS will tell you during renewal if there is a block on your account.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You cannot renew by mail or online without your current license. Go to a DPS office in person and bring your proof of residency and Social Security number. The DPS will issue a replacement license and renew it at the same time. The fee covers both the replacement and the renewal.
Do I need an appointment to renew at a DPS office?
Most DPS offices accept walk-ins and do not require an appointment. Some larger offices offer appointment scheduling through their website to reduce wait times. Check your local DPS office's website to see if appointments are available in your area.
Can I renew my license if I am out of state?
You can renew by mail from anywhere. You can also renew online if your license class qualifies and your license is not expired. If you need to renew in person, you must visit a DPS office in Texas.