What you need to do to renew your Texas driver's license
To renew your Texas driver's license, you have three paths: renew online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, renew by mail, or renew in person at a DPS office. Most people can renew online if their license is not expired and they meet a few basic requirements. The online route takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person because you skip the office visit fee.
Your license must not be expired, suspended, or cancelled to renew online. You also cannot renew online if you are over 79 years old, if your address has changed, or if you need to update your name or photo. If any of those explore to you, you will need to renew by mail or in person instead.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option and works if your license is current and you have not changed your address or name.
- You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send your current license and a completed form to the DPS address listed on their website.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 30 minutes and is required if your license is expired, if you are over 79, or if you need a new photo.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the renewal process.
Renewing online through the Texas DPS website
Online renewal is the quickest and cheapest option if you are under 79, your license is not expired, and your address and name have not changed. Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and follow the steps. You will enter your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to verify your identity.
The fee for online renewal is lower than in-person renewal because you do not pay the office visit charge. You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or electronic check. After you submit your payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
Renewing by mail when you cannot go online
Mail renewal works if your license is expired or if you cannot renew online for another reason. You will need to complete Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License) or Form DL-43 (Renewal process for Texas Driver License), depending on your situation. The DPS website has both forms available to read and print.
Mail your completed form, your current driver's license, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address shown on the DPS website. Do not send cash. Include a note with your phone number so the DPS can contact you if there is a problem with your process. Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks, though it may take longer during busy periods.
Renewing in person at a DPS office
In-person renewal is required if your license is expired, if you are over 79 years old, if you need a new photo, or if you have changed your address or name. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment. The office visit fee is higher than online renewal, but you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that you can use when ready.
Visit the DPS office locator on their website to find the office nearest you and check their hours. Some offices take walk-ins, while others require you to schedule an appointment online. The appointment system shows you available times and estimated wait times. Plan to spend about 30 minutes at the office, though this varies by location and how busy they are that day.
What documents and information you will need
For any renewal method, have your current driver's license and Social Security number ready. If you are renewing in person, bring proof that you live at the address on your license. The DPS accepts a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail as proof of residency. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 90 days.
If you are renewing by mail, you do not need to send proof of residency unless your address has changed. If your address has changed, you must renew in person or contact the DPS before you mail your process. If your name has changed since your last license, you will need to bring or mail a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
How long your new license takes to arrive
If you renew online or by mail, your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after the DPS processes your process. Processing time depends on how busy the DPS is and whether there are any problems with your process. If you renew in person, you will receive a temporary paper license when ready that you can use while you wait for your plastic license to arrive in the mail.
Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days. If your plastic license does not arrive within that time, contact the DPS with your confirmation number. They can look up your process status and tell you where your license is in the process.
Fees and payment methods for renewal
The renewal fee depends on how long your new license will be valid. A standard renewal is valid for five years, and the fee varies based on your age and whether you renew online or in person. Online renewal costs less because there is no office visit fee. The DPS website shows the exact fee before you submit your payment.
You can pay online with a credit card, debit card, or electronic check. If you renew by mail, send a check or money order made out to the Texas Department of Public Safety. If you renew in person, the office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Do not send cash by mail.
What to do if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged
If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to read, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person to replace it. Bring proof of identity, such as a passport or birth certificate, and proof of residency. The replacement fee is the same as the renewal fee, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot.
If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police so that if someone tries to use it, you have a record of the theft. Bring the police report number with you to the DPS office if you have one, though it is not required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?
No, you cannot renew an expired license online or by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and a valid form of identity. The DPS will treat this as a replacement rather than a renewal, and the fee may be different.
What happens if I move to a different address before my license arrives?
Contact the DPS with your confirmation number and tell them your new address. They can update your mailing address so your license goes to the right place. If your license is already in the mail, you may be able to pick it up at a DPS office instead.
Do I need a new photo if I renew online or by mail?
No, online and mail renewal use your photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office. You can also request a new photo at any time by visiting an office, even if your license is not due for renewal yet.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No, you must renew your own license. You cannot authorize someone else to renew it online or by mail. If you cannot go to a DPS office in person, mail renewal is your option. If you have a disability that makes it hard to visit an office, contact the DPS to ask about accommodations.
What if the DPS rejects my mail renewal process?
The DPS will contact you by phone or mail if there is a problem with your process. Common reasons for rejection include a missing signature, an incorrect fee, or a form that is filled out wrong. Once you fix the problem, you can resubmit your process or renew in person at an office.