What you need to do to renew in Texas
Texas lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Which method you can use depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you need a new photo. Most people under 85 with a license expired less than two years can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person.
The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license. You'll need your Texas driver's license number, Social Security number, and a debit or credit card. Texas will mail your new license to the address on file, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online at the Texas DPS website if your license expired less than two years ago and you're under 85 years old.
- Online renewal costs $25 for five years or $50 for eight years and takes about 10 minutes from your computer.
- If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office with your Social Security number and proof of residency.
- Mail renewal is available but slower — you'll need to send documents to DPS and wait several weeks for processing.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days after approval, so plan ahead if you need it for travel or identification.
Renewing online through the Texas DPS website
Go to the Texas Department of Public Safety website and select "Renew Your Driver License" from the main menu. You'll be directed to a page asking whether you want to renew online or explore other options. Click the online renewal link and enter your driver's license number and date of birth to start.
The system will pull up your current information and ask you to confirm or update your address. Review everything carefully — your new license will be mailed to the address you confirm here. Next, you'll answer a few security questions based on your driving history and personal records. These questions verify your identity and prevent fraud. After you answer them correctly, you'll pay the renewal fee with a debit or credit card.
Once payment goes through, you'll receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Write down the confirmation number in case you need to check your renewal status later. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue using your old license until the new one arrives.
Renewing by mail if you prefer not to go online
Request a mail renewal form by calling the Texas DPS at 1-888-589-6789 or visiting a DPS office in person. You can also read the form from the Texas DPS website — it's called the "Driver License Renewal by Mail" process. Fill out the form completely, including your current address and any changes to your information.
Mail the completed form along with a copy of your current driver's license and proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — $25 for five years or $50 for eight years. Do not send cash.
Processing by mail takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date DPS receives your process, plus mailing time both ways. This method is slower than online renewal, so use it only if you cannot renew online or prefer not to. Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records.
Renewing in person at a DPS office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago, if you're 85 or older, or if you need a new photo. Bring your current driver's license (or expired license if you no longer have the current one), your Social Security number, and proof of residency such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website and check their hours before you go. Many offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, but some have limited weekend hours. You can make an appointment online through the DPS website, which usually reduces your wait time. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is.
At the office, a staff member will verify your identity, take a new photo, and process your renewal. The entire visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You'll pay the renewal fee at the counter — $25 for five years or $50 for eight years — by cash, check, or card. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. Ask for a temporary paper license if you need to drive before your new one arrives.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than two years
Texas requires you to renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, even if you're under 85. The DPS treats this as a new license rather than a straightforward renewal because your information may have changed significantly. You'll need to bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, Social Security number, and proof of residency.
The process at the DPS office is the same — you'll get a new photo, verify your identity, and pay the fee. However, the DPS may ask additional questions about why your license lapsed for so long. This does not affect your ability to renew; it's a standard part of the process. Your new license will still arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Costs and payment methods for Texas driver's license renewal
A five-year Texas driver's license costs $25 to renew. An eight-year license costs $50. These are the standard fees as of now, though fees can change. If you renew online or by mail, you'll pay by debit card or credit card. If you renew in person at a DPS office, you can pay by cash, check, or card.
Some people may be charged additional fees if they're renewing after a suspension or if they have outstanding traffic fines. The DPS website will tell you if any additional fees explore to your record before you complete your renewal. If you have questions about fees, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789.
What to do if you need your license before the new one arrives
If you renew in person at a DPS office, ask the staff member for a temporary paper license before you leave. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. Not all offices issue temporary licenses on the spot, so ask when you arrive.
If you renewed online or by mail, you cannot get a temporary license. You'll need to wait for your new license to arrive. If you have an urgent need to drive and your old license is expired, you can visit a DPS office in person and request an expedited renewal, though this still requires an in-person visit and takes the same 7 to 10 business days for mailing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver's license if I've moved out of state?
You can renew online or by mail if your license hasn't expired more than two years and you're under 85, even if you've moved. Update your address during the renewal process to your new out-of-state address, and your new license will be mailed there. If your license expired more than two years ago, you'll need to renew in person at a Texas DPS office, which means traveling back to Texas or visiting a DPS office in your new state if it has reciprocal agreements.
What if I lost my driver's license and need to renew it?
If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a DPS office in person with your Social Security number and proof of residency. The staff will issue a replacement license, which is treated the same as a renewal. Bring the same documents you would for an in-person renewal, and the process takes 15 to 30 minutes.
How do I check the status of my renewal after I submit it?
If you renewed online, use your confirmation number to check your status on the Texas DPS website. If you renewed by mail, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 with your driver's license number. If you renewed in person, your license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days — if it takes longer, call the DPS to confirm it was processed.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
You can renew your license even with an outstanding ticket or fine, but the DPS may place a hold on your renewal if you owe money to the court. The DPS website will notify you of any holds before you complete your renewal. Pay the outstanding fine first, then complete your renewal. If you're unsure whether you have outstanding fines, call the DPS or visit your local court website.
What if my address changed since my last license was issued?
Update your address during the renewal process, whether you're renewing online, by mail, or in person. Your new license will be mailed to the updated address you provide. Make sure the address is correct before you confirm it, because the DPS will mail your new license there. If you need to change your address after you've already submitted your renewal, call the DPS when ready at 1-888-589-6789.