Renewing your Texas driver license through the Department of Public Safety
You can renew your Texas driver license by mail, online, or in person at a DPS office. The method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time remains before it expires, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require an in-person visit.
Texas driver licenses are valid for eight years. You can begin the renewal process up to one year before your license expires. The state sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your expiration date, but you do not need to wait for that notice to start.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the DPS website is the fastest method and works if your license is not suspended, your address has not changed, and you have a valid payment method.
- Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and requires you to send your current license, a completed process form, and a check or money order to the DPS address listed on the renewal notice.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is necessary if your license is suspended, expired for more than two years, or if you need to change your address, name, or other personal information.
- The renewal fee is $16 for a standard eight-year license, and you can pay by check, money order, or credit card depending on which method you choose.
- Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days if you renew online, or two to three weeks if you renew by mail.
Renewing online through the DPS website
Online renewal is the fastest option and requires no mailing or office visit. Go to the Texas DPS website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver license number, your Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card to pay the $16 renewal fee.
Online renewal is available only if your license is currently valid (not expired), your address on file has not changed, and you have not had any suspensions or holds on your driving record. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person instead.
After you complete the online form and payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Renewing by mail with a paper process
Mail renewal works for most people and takes about two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your materials. You will need your current driver license, a completed DL-44 form (the standard driver license process), and payment of $16 by check or money order.
The DPS renewal notice you receive in the mail includes the DL-44 form and the mailing address where you should send your materials. If you do not have the notice, you can read the DL-44 form from the Texas DPS website or pick one up at any DPS office. Mail your materials to the address shown on the form or on your renewal notice.
Do not send cash through the mail. Pay only by check or money order made out to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Include your driver license number on the check or money order so your payment can be matched to your process.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with DPS. If you need to change your address, you must do so in person or note the change clearly on your process form when you mail it.
Renewing in person at a DPS office
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you have a suspension or hold on your record, or if you need to change your address, name, or other personal information. You will also need an in-person visit if you want to add or remove the REAL ID designation on your license.
Bring your current driver license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease agreement), and payment of $16 by cash, check, money order, or credit card. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Visit the Texas DPS website to find the office nearest you and check the current wait times. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are served first.
After you complete your visit, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your new license is being printed and mailed. Your permanent license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days.
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 it by mail or online. You must visit a DPS office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and $16 for the renewal fee.
You may also be required to pass a vision test or written knowledge test depending on how long your license has been expired and your age. The DPS office staff will let you know what tests are required when you arrive. Bring your glasses or contacts if you use them for driving.
Understanding the renewal fee and payment options
The standard renewal fee for an eight-year Texas driver license is $16. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. You cannot renew for a shorter period — all renewals are for the full eight-year term.
Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. Mail renewal accepts checks and money orders only. In-person renewal accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards. Do not send cash by mail.
If you are renewing a commercial driver license (CDL), the fee is higher and the process is different. CDL renewals must be done in person at a DPS office.
Tracking your renewed license and what to do while you wait
After you renew online or by mail, you will receive a confirmation number or receipt. Keep this document in case you need to contact DPS about your renewal. You can use your confirmation number to check the status of your license on the Texas DPS website.
You can continue to drive on your current license while your new one is being processed and mailed. Your current license remains valid until the expiration date printed on it, even if you have already submitted a renewal process.
If you renew in person, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. This temporary license has the same legal status as your permanent license and can be used for all driving purposes, including out-of-state travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if my address has changed?
No. Online renewal is only available if your address on file has not changed. If you have moved, you must renew by mail or in person. When you renew in person or by mail, you can update your address at the same time.
What happens if I let my license expire and do not renew it?
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test or vision test.
How long does it take to receive my new license after I renew?
Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your materials. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license when ready, and your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Can I renew my license if I have a suspension on my record?
No. You cannot renew online or by mail if you have a suspension or hold. You must visit a DPS office in person. The office staff will tell you what steps you need to take to clear the suspension before your license can be renewed.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
If you renew online or by mail, your current photo will be used on your new license. If you renew in person, a new photo will be taken. You can request a new photo during mail or online renewal by visiting a DPS office instead.