How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your Texas driver's license in person at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the DPS website. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you've had a name change, and how soon you need the new one.

If you renew in person, bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If you're renewing by mail or online, the requirements are slightly different — the DPS website lists exactly what documents each method requires before you start.

The renewal fee is $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at an office location. Online and mail renewals accept credit and debit cards only.

Key Takeaways

Texas allows online renewal for most drivers whose licenses are not expired and who have no medical conditions or name changes on file.
In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 30 minutes to an hour during off-peak hours, but wait times vary widely by location and time of day.
Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the DPS receives your process, plus time for your process to arrive.
Your license remains valid for 60 days after expiration if you have a pending renewal process, so you can drive legally during processing.
Real ID-compliant licenses cost the same as standard licenses but require additional proof of citizenship or legal residency status.

Online renewal: fastest option for most drivers

The DPS online renewal system is the quickest path if your current license is not expired and you have no recent changes to your address, name, or medical information. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, review your information, pay the fee, and receive a confirmation number. Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your address or name, if you have medical conditions that require DPS review, or if you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). If any of these explore, you must renew in person or by mail.

One advantage of online renewal: you don't have to visit an office or wait in line. The disadvantage is that you cannot change your photo, so if your current license photo is several years old, you'll keep it for another four or eight years.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

Walk into any DPS office with your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. A staff member will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your renewal on the spot. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 60 days while your plastic license is printed and mailed to you.

Wait times vary significantly by location and time of day. Offices in large cities during lunch hours or late afternoon can have waits of 45 minutes to two hours. Early morning visits on weekdays tend to be faster. The DPS website shows wait times for most offices in real time, so you can check before you go.

In-person renewal is the only option if you need to change your photo, address, or name, or if you have a medical condition that requires a DPS examiner to review. It's also the best choice if your license has been expired for more than two years, because online and mail renewal are not available in that situation.

Mail renewal: no office visit required

You can mail your renewal process to the DPS if your license is not expired and you have no changes to your personal information. read the DL-43 form from the DPS website, fill it out, include a copy of your current license and proof of residency, and mail it to the address on the form along with your payment.

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the DPS receives your process, plus however long your mail takes to reach them. Many people wait 2 to 3 weeks total from the time they mail the process to the time they receive their new license. Your current license remains valid during this time, so you can drive legally while you wait.

Mail renewal costs the same as in-person renewal and is useful if you live far from a DPS office or have a schedule that makes visiting an office difficult. The tradeoff is that you cannot change your photo and you have no temporary license while the new one is being printed, so if your current license expires before the new one arrives, you cannot drive.

Real ID compliance and what it means for renewal

A Real ID-compliant driver's license meets federal security standards and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Texas has been issuing Real ID licenses since 2009, and most people renewing now already have one. If your current license shows a gold star in the upper right corner, it's Real ID-compliant.

If your current license does not have a gold star, you can request a Real ID license at renewal. The fee is the same, but you'll need to bring additional documents: an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers, plus proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). These documents are required only if you're upgrading to Real ID; if you're renewing a license that already has the gold star, you don't need them.

Real ID renewal must be done in person or by mail — it's not available online. If you choose to renew online and your current license is already Real ID-compliant, your new license will be Real ID-compliant as well.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than two years

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DPS office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number, just as you would for a standard in-person renewal.

The DPS treats this as a new license process rather than a renewal, which means the process is identical to what a first-time applicant would do. You'll take a new photo, pass a vision test, and pay the same renewal fee. The main difference is that you already have a license number on file, so the process is faster than explore for a license from scratch.

Temporary licenses and driving while your renewal is pending

If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 60 days. This temporary license has the same legal status as a plastic license — you can drive, get pulled over, and show it as proof of a valid license. Keep it in your wallet until your new plastic license arrives.

If you renew by mail or online, you do not receive a temporary license. However, your current license remains valid for 60 days after it expires if you have a pending renewal process with the DPS. This means if your license expires on March 15 and you mailed your renewal process on March 10, you can legally drive until May 14 even though your license is technically expired. You should carry proof that you have a pending process (your confirmation number or a copy of your mailed process) in case you're stopped.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I've moved out of state?

No. You must renew your Texas license in Texas, either in person or by mail. If you've moved permanently to another state, you should obtain a driver's license from that state instead. If you're temporarily out of state, you can renew by mail or wait until you return to renew in person.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Online and mail renewal do not allow name changes. Bring the certified document, your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to any DPS office.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail and online renewal take 7 to 10 business days after the DPS receives your process, plus mail time. Most people receive their new license within 2 to 3 weeks of starting the process.

Can I renew my license early?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. The new license will have a new expiration date one license term (four or eight years) from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expires. This is useful if you're traveling and want a license with a longer validity period.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew online or by mail if you don't have your current license. You must visit a DPS office in person and bring proof of residency and your Social Security number. The DPS will look up your license record and issue a replacement. This is treated as a replacement rather than a renewal, but the fee and process are the same.

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.