What you need to do to renew in Texas
To renew your Texas driver's license, you can either go in person to a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office or renew online through the Texas DPS website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route works for almost everyone. The online route is faster but only available if your license is not expired, you have no medical conditions on your record, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
Your license is valid for six years in Texas. You can renew it up to one year before it expires, which means you have a wide window to get it done without rush. Most people renew within a few months of the expiration date printed on their card.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes if you may have access to, but only works if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number, and usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires, giving you plenty of time to avoid the rush near the expiration date.
- Texas charges $25 for a six-year renewal, or $16 for a five-year renewal if you are 85 or older.
- If your license is already expired, you must renew in person — online renewal is not an option.
Renewing online through the Texas DPS website
Online renewal is the fastest path if you are may be able to access. Go to the Texas DPS website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a payment method (debit or credit card). The system will verify your information against state records and issue a new license number on the spot.
Your new physical license will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your old license until the new one arrives. Online renewal costs $25 for a six-year license.
You cannot renew online if your license has already expired, if you have medical conditions listed on your current license, if your address has changed, or if you need to change your name. In any of those cases, you must go in person.
Renewing in person at a DPS office
Walk into any Texas DPS office with the documents listed below, and a staff member will process your renewal. You do not need an appointment at most offices, though some locations now offer optional appointment scheduling through the Texas DPS website to reduce wait times. Bring your documents in originals — photocopies are not accepted.
The process takes 30 to 45 minutes on average, depending on how busy the office is. You will have your photo taken, answer a few questions about your address and medical history, and pay the renewal fee. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 45 days while your physical license is printed and mailed to you.
In-person renewal costs $25 for a six-year license, or $16 for a five-year license if you are 85 or older. Some offices accept cash, debit, or credit card; others accept only debit or credit. Call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods at your specific location.
Documents you need to bring
Bring originals of all three categories below. Photocopies, faxes, and digital images on your phone will not be accepted.
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Proof of identity | Your current Texas driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID card |
| Proof of Social Security number | Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or tax return with your full SSN visible |
| Proof of current Texas residency | Utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail (all dated within 90 days of your visit) |
If your address on your current license matches your actual address, the proof of residency requirement is waived. If you have moved, you must bring a document showing your new address.
Finding a DPS office near you
Texas has DPS offices in most cities and towns. Use the office locator on the Texas DPS website to find the nearest location, hours, and phone number. Some offices are busier than others — offices in smaller towns often have shorter waits than those in major cities.
If you want to avoid a long wait, call the office before you go and ask what time is typically slowest. Early morning on weekdays is often faster than afternoons or weekends. Some offices now offer appointment slots through the Texas DPS website, which lets you reserve a specific time and skip the walk-in line.
What happens after you renew
If you renewed online, your new license will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renewed in person, you will receive a temporary paper license when ready, and your physical license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Both are valid during this time.
Your new license will have a new expiration date six years from the date you renewed (or five years if you are 85 or older). The number on your license will change if you renewed online, but stay the same if you renewed in person.
Renewing if your license is expired
If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online. You must go in person to a DPS office with the same documents listed above. The process is identical to a standard in-person renewal — there is no separate expired renewal procedure. You will still pay the standard renewal fee of $25 for a six-year license.
There is no grace period in Texas. Once your license expires, it is no longer valid for driving, even if you are only a day past the expiration date. Renew before the date on your card to avoid this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver's license by mail?
No. Texas does not offer mail-in renewal. You can renew online through the Texas DPS website if you meet the conditions, or you must go in person to a DPS office. There is no third option.
What if I need to change my name or address during renewal?
You must renew in person if your address has changed. If you also need to change your name (due to marriage, divorce, or court order), bring the legal document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS office will process both the renewal and the name change at the same time.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
Most new licenses arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 45 days. If you renewed online, your old license remains valid until your new one arrives.
Do I have to renew in person if I have a medical condition on my license?
Yes. If your current license shows any medical restrictions or conditions, you must renew in person so a DPS officer can review your medical status. Online renewal will not process if a medical flag is on your record.
What if I lost my Social Security card and can't find it?
You can bring other documents that show your full Social Security number instead: a W-2 form, 1099 form, tax return, or bank statement. The document must show your complete SSN and be an original, not a copy.