How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Where and how to renew your Texas driver's license

You can renew your Texas driver's license through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in three ways: online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Which method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your address or other information.

The online renewal option is the fastest and most convenient if you meet the requirements. You go to the DPS website, create or log into your account, answer security questions to verify your identity, pay the renewal fee, and receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. This works only if your license is not expired, you have not had a name change since your last renewal, and you do not need to update your address or photograph.

If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail by requesting an process from DPS or downloading one from their website. You fill it out, include your current license and a check or money order for the fee, and mail it to the DPS address listed on the form. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks. In-person renewal at any DPS office takes about 30 minutes and lets you update your address, photograph, or other information on the same day.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired, you have not changed your name, and you do not need a new photograph or address update.
Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks and requires you to send your current license and a check or money order to DPS.
In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 30 minutes and is the only way to update your photograph or make other changes to your record.
Your Texas driver's license is valid for 5 years if you are under 85 years old, and the renewal fee is $25 for a standard 5-year license.
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.

Online renewal through the DPS website

To renew online, go to the Texas DPS website and select the driver's license renewal option. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to create an account or log in. The system will ask you security questions based on your driving record and personal history to confirm your identity.

Once you pass the identity check, you review your current information on file and confirm that it is correct. You then pay the $25 renewal fee using a credit card or debit card. The system will show you a confirmation number, and your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal is not available if your license has already expired, if you have changed your name since your last renewal, if you need a new photograph, or if you want to update your address. In any of those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.

Mail renewal and what to send

To renew by mail, read the driver's license renewal process from the DPS website or call DPS to request one. Fill out the form completely, including your name, address, and license number. You must sign the process in front of a notary public — this is a requirement for mail renewal and cannot be skipped.

Include your current driver's license with the signed process. Pay the $25 renewal fee by check or money order made out to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Do not send cash. Mail everything to the address shown on the process form.

DPS will process your renewal in 4 to 6 weeks and mail your new license to the address you provided. If you need your license sooner, mail renewal is not the right choice — use in-person renewal instead. Keep a copy of your process and the notary's stamp for your records in case you need to follow up.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

You can walk into any DPS office in Texas and renew your license on the spot. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address), and payment for the $25 renewal fee. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

At the office, you will have your photograph taken for your new license. This is the only way to update your photo if your current license photo is outdated or if you straightforward want a new one. You can also update your address, emergency contact information, or organ donor status at the same time.

Processing takes about 30 minutes, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic license is mailed to you. Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. DPS offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the DPS website.

Renewal fees and what affects the cost

The standard renewal fee for a Texas driver's license is $25 for a 5-year license if you are under 85 years old. If you are 85 or older, your license is valid for 8 years and costs $16 to renew. These are the only two fee levels for standard renewals.

If you need to add a Real ID endorsement to your license — which is required for federal identification purposes like boarding a domestic flight — the cost is higher. A Real ID-compliant license costs $27 for a 5-year renewal. You will need to bring proof of citizenship (a passport or birth certificate), proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number when you renew with Real ID.

Some DPS offices charge a small additional fee if you pay by credit card, though this varies by location. Cash, check, and debit card payments do not incur this fee. Ask the office staff before you pay if you are unsure.

Timeline and when to renew

You can renew your Texas driver's license up to one year before it expires. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license. If your license expired less than two years ago, you can renew it by mail or in person without having to take a new written test or vision test.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead, which requires a written test, vision test, and in-person visit to a DPS office. This is a different process than renewal and takes longer.

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access, taking 7 to 10 business days total. In-person renewal is next fastest — you get a temporary license the same day and your permanent license within 7 to 10 days. Mail renewal is the slowest at 4 to 6 weeks. Plan ahead based on when you need your new license.

What to do if your license is expired or lost

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a DPS office in person to explore for a new license. This requires passing a written test on traffic laws, passing a vision test, and having your photograph taken. You will also need to bring proof of citizenship, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

If your license is lost or stolen, you can request a replacement at any DPS office. Bring your proof of identity and residency, and pay a $11 replacement fee. You will receive a temporary license the same day and your permanent license within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to take any tests for a replacement.

If you have a suspended or revoked license, you cannot renew it. You must contact DPS or the court that issued the suspension to find out what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges before you can renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license if I have moved to another state?

No. You must be a Texas resident to hold a Texas driver's license. If you have moved out of state, you should explore for a driver's license in your new state. If you still live in Texas but have moved to a new address, you can update your address during any renewal method — online, by mail, or in person.

What happens if I renew online but my identity verification fails?

If the security questions cannot verify your identity, the system will tell you that you are not may be able to access for online renewal. You will then need to renew by mail or in person instead. This sometimes happens if your personal information on file does not match what the system expects, or if you have not had enough driving history for the system to verify.

Do I need a Real ID to renew my driver's license?

No. A standard Texas driver's license is still valid for driving and most purposes. Real ID is required only if you want to use your driver's license as identification to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you do not need Real ID, you can renew with a standard license for $25.

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

Yes. Unpaid traffic tickets do not prevent you from renewing your license. However, if your license is suspended due to unpaid tickets, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out how to resolve the suspension.

How long does it take to receive my new license after I renew in person?

You receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days the same day you renew in person. Your permanent plastic license is mailed to you and arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive using the temporary license until your permanent license arrives.

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.