How to Renew Your Texas Driver License

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Texas driver licenses expire every eight years, and you can renew yours online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Public Safety office. The method you choose depends on your license type, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your address or photograph. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require an in-person visit.

Your renewal notice arrives by mail about 45 days before your license expires. It contains your renewal number and instructions for each method. You do not have to wait for the notice to renew — you can start the process up to one year before expiration — but having the notice makes the process faster because it includes your renewal number.

Key Takeaways

Texas driver licenses renew online at dps.texas.gov, by mail using your renewal notice, or in person at any DPS office, and the method you choose depends on your license type and whether you need a new photograph.
Online renewal costs $16 and takes about 7 to 10 business days; mail renewal costs $16 plus postage and takes 2 to 3 weeks; in-person renewal costs $16 and is when ready but requires a visit to a DPS office.
You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your name or address, if you wear corrective lenses, or if you are over 79 years old.
If you renew by mail, send your renewal notice and payment to the address printed on the notice; do not send cash, only check or money order.
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after online renewal or 2 to 3 weeks after mail renewal; you can drive on your old license until the new one arrives.

Online Renewal Through the DPS Website

Online renewal is the fastest option for most people. Go to dps.texas.gov, select "Driver License" from the main menu, then choose "Renew Your Driver License Online." You will need your Texas driver license number, the renewal number from your renewal notice (if you have it), and a valid payment method. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.

The online process takes about 10 minutes. You confirm your personal information, review the terms, and pay the $16 renewal fee. Texas does not charge a separate processing fee for online renewal. After you submit, you receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license is mailed to the address on file and arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need to change your name or address, if you wear corrective lenses and need a new photograph, or if you are over 79 years old. If any of these explore, you must renew by mail or in person.

Mail Renewal Using Your Renewal Notice

Mail renewal works if your renewal notice arrived and you do not need to change your address or photograph. Locate the renewal notice in the mail you received from DPS. It contains a prepaid return envelope and instructions. Write a check or money order for $16 payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety." Do not send cash.

Place your check or money order and your renewal notice in the prepaid envelope and mail it. The address is printed on the envelope. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time DPS receives your envelope. Your new license arrives by mail at the address on file. You can drive on your old license during this time.

If you lost your renewal notice, you can still renew by mail by calling the DPS at 1-888-589-6556 and requesting a new notice. They will mail it to you, which adds 1 to 2 weeks to the total time. For this reason, if your license is expiring soon, in-person or online renewal is faster.

In-Person Renewal at a DPS Office

In-person renewal is the only option if you need a new photograph, if you are over 79 years old, if your license expired more than two years ago, or if you need to change your name or address. You can also choose in-person renewal if you prefer to complete it when ready rather than wait for mail delivery.

Find your nearest DPS office at dps.texas.gov/divisions/driver-license/locations. Bring your current Texas driver license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and $16 in cash or card. If you changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are over 79, bring proof of a recent eye exam from an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

DPS offices do not require appointments for license renewal, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less busy on weekday mornings. You receive your new license when ready after the office processes your process, though you may need to wait a few minutes for the photograph and card to be printed.

Address Changes and Name Changes

If you moved since your license was issued, you must update your address. Online renewal does not allow address changes, so you must renew by mail or in person. When you renew in person, bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days. The document must show your name and current address.

If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you cannot renew online. Bring your current license and a certified copy of the document that shows the name change to a DPS office. A certified copy means an official document with a raised seal or stamp from the court or government agency that issued it. Photocopies are not accepted.

What Happens If Your License Expired

If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew it using any method — online, by mail, or in person. The process is the same as a standard renewal, and you pay the standard $16 fee. You can drive on an expired license only if you are actively renewing it; if you are stopped by police, you should have proof that you submitted your renewal process.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DPS office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and $16. The office will process your process the same way as an in-person renewal. You receive your new license when ready.

If your license has been expired for more than four years, DPS may require you to pass the written driving test and vision test again, depending on your age and the reason for the lapse. Call 1-888-589-6556 before you visit to confirm what documents and tests you need.

Tracking Your Renewal and Receiving Your New License

After you renew online or by mail, you receive a confirmation number. You can use this number to check the status of your renewal at dps.texas.gov by selecting "Check Driver License Status." The status page shows whether your process is being processed, whether your license has been mailed, or whether there is a problem that requires your attention.

Your new license is mailed to the address on file with DPS. If you renewed online or by mail, it arrives within 7 to 10 business days for online renewal or 2 to 3 weeks for mail renewal. If you renewed in person, you receive it when ready. You can drive on your old license until the new one arrives, even if the old one is expired.

If your new license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, call 1-888-589-6556. Have your confirmation number ready. DPS can check whether the license was mailed and provide a new mailing address if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Online and mail renewal work the same way whether you are renewing early or at the last moment. In-person renewal also works early. The new license will have a new expiration date eight years from the date you renew.

What if I moved out of Texas after my license was issued?

If you no longer live in Texas, you cannot renew your Texas license. You must obtain a driver license from your new state. Contact the Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency in your new state for their renewal process.

Do I need to take a new photograph for online or mail renewal?

No. Online and mail renewal use your existing photograph from your current license. Only in-person renewal includes a new photograph. If you want a new photograph but do not need to change your address or name, you can choose to renew in person even though online renewal is available.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

Call DPS at 1-888-589-6556 and request a replacement renewal notice. They will mail it to you, which takes 1 to 2 weeks. Alternatively, you can renew online if you have your driver license number, or you can visit a DPS office in person without the notice.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

For online or mail renewal, you must submit the process yourself. For in-person renewal, you must appear in person at the DPS office. DPS does not allow a family member or representative to renew on your behalf.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.