Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your Texas driver license in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail, or online through the Texas DPS website — but not all three routes work for every person. The method you use depends on whether your license is expired, how long it's been expired, and whether you've had any changes to your address or medical conditions since your last renewal.

Before you go anywhere, gather these documents: your current or expired Texas driver license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days), and proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If you've changed your name, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're renewing because your license was lost or stolen, you'll need to report that to DPS before you can renew.

The DPS has about 130 driver license offices across Texas. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but wait times vary widely by office and time of day. You can check current wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Texas DPS website works only if your license is not expired and you have no medical or address changes, and takes about one week.
  • Mail renewal is available for people whose licenses are not expired, but processing takes two to three weeks and you cannot renew a lost or stolen license by mail.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office is the only option if your license is expired, and you can walk in without an appointment at most locations.
  • You will need your current or expired license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and proof of your Social Security number.
  • A renewed Texas driver license costs $16 for a two-year license or $32 for a five-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, or card at DPS offices.

Renewing online through the Texas DPS website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you're able to use it. You go to the Texas DPS website, create an account or log in, and complete the renewal form. The whole process takes about 15 minutes. Your new license will be mailed to you within one week, and your current license remains valid until the new one arrives.

Online renewal has strict limits on who can use it. Your license cannot be expired, you cannot have changed your address, and you cannot have any medical conditions or restrictions that need to be reviewed. If any of those explore to you, you'll need to renew by mail or in person instead. You also cannot renew online if your license was lost, stolen, or damaged.

The fee for online renewal is the same as in-person renewal: $16 for a two-year license or $32 for a five-year license. You pay by debit or credit card during the online process.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works if your license is not expired and you have no address changes or medical updates. You request a renewal process from the Texas DPS by phone at 1-888-589-6789, or you can read the form from the DPS website. Fill out the form, include a copy of your proof of residency and proof of Social Security number, and mail everything to the address on the form along with a check or money order for $16 or $32.

Processing by mail takes two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your packet. Your current license stays valid during that time. You cannot renew a lost or stolen license by mail — you must go in person for that.

Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but saves you a trip to a DPS office. The tradeoff is that you have less control over the timeline and cannot track your process the way you can with an online submission.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

In-person renewal is required if your license is expired, if you've moved and need to update your address, or if you have a medical condition that needs to be reviewed. You can also renew in person if you prefer not to use mail or online options. Walk into any DPS driver license office with your documents, take a number, and wait your turn. Most offices do not require an appointment, though some locations in high-traffic areas may offer appointment slots.

The DPS will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. The whole visit usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You'll pay $16 for a two-year license or $32 for a five-year license by cash, check, or card. You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready, and your plastic license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks.

If you want to avoid a long wait, go early in the morning on a weekday, or check the DPS website for current wait times at your nearest office before you go. Some offices are consistently less busy than others.

What happens if your license is expired

If your Texas driver license has been expired for less than two years, you can renew it using the same process as a non-expired license — in person, by mail, or online (if you meet the other requirements). You cannot drive legally with an expired license, so renew before you need to use it.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it. You'll have to explore for a new license instead, which requires taking the written test and vision test again. This is treated as a new process, not a renewal, and the process is longer and more involved than a standard renewal.

Address changes and medical updates

If you've moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address when you renew. You can do this in person at a DPS office or by mail, but not online. Bring proof of your new residency — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or other official document dated within the last 90 days that shows your name and current address.

If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive — vision problems, seizure disorders, or other conditions — you may need to provide medical documentation when you renew. The DPS will tell you what's needed based on your answers to the health questions on the renewal form. Some medical updates require in-person renewal so a DPS officer can review your condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver license if I don't have proof of residency?

No. Proof of residency dated within the last 90 days is required for all renewals. If you don't have a utility bill or lease in your name, you can use a mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government document that shows your current address. Call your local DPS office to ask what documents they accept if you're unsure.

How long does a renewed Texas driver license last?

You choose between a two-year license for $16 or a five-year license for $32 when you renew. A five-year license costs more but means you won't have to renew again for five years. Both are valid for driving when ready upon issuance.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

You cannot renew a lost license by mail or online. You must go in person to a DPS office and report the loss. Bring your proof of residency and proof of Social Security number. The DPS will issue you a replacement license on the spot, and you'll pay the renewal fee plus a replacement fee.

Do I need an appointment to renew my license at a DPS office?

Most DPS offices accept walk-ins without an appointment. However, some high-traffic locations offer appointment slots to reduce wait times. Check the Texas DPS website to see if your nearest office takes appointments and to view current wait times before you go.

Can I drive with my old license while I wait for my new one?

Yes. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready that's valid for driving. If you renew by mail or online, your current license remains valid until your new license arrives. You do not need to stop driving while your renewal is being processed.