What TxDOT requires to renew your driver license
Texas allows you to renew your driver license in person at a TxDOT Driver License office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the TxDOT website. The method you use depends on whether your license is expired, how long it has been expired, and whether you have made changes to your personal information since your last renewal.
If you renew in person, you will need to bring your current driver license (or expired license if current one is not available), proof of residency such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 90 days, and proof of Social Security number such as a Social Security card or W-2 form. You will also need to pass a vision test and have your photograph taken. If you are renewing online or by mail, the requirements are different and fewer documents are needed.
Your Texas driver license is valid for eight years if you are under 85 years old, or four years if you are 85 or older. TxDOT will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for that notice to begin the renewal process.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew your Texas driver license in person at any TxDOT Driver License office, by mail if your license expired less than two years ago, or online if you meet specific requirements.
- In-person renewal requires your current or expired license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and proof of Social Security number, plus a vision test and new photograph.
- Online renewal through the TxDOT website is the fastest option if you are may be able to access, but you cannot change your address or other personal information this way.
- If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written driving test.
- TxDOT offices accept appointments through their website, and wait times vary by location and time of day.
Renewing online through the TxDOT website
Online renewal through the TxDOT website is available only if your license is not expired or expired less than two years, you have not changed your address, and you do not need to update your photograph or personal information. You will need your current or recently expired driver license number and your date of birth to start the process on the TxDOT website.
The online renewal process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You will answer questions about your driving record and health status, review your current information, and pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. TxDOT will mail your new license to the address on file, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. During this time, you can print a temporary license from the website to use while you wait for your physical license to arrive.
Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal because you do not pay for the vision test or photograph. However, if you need to change your address, name, or other personal details, you must renew in person instead.
Renewing by mail if your license is not too old
You can renew by mail if your license expired less than two years ago and you do not need to change your address or personal information. To renew by mail, complete the process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-43), which you can read from the TxDOT website or request by calling 1-888-589-6789.
Mail your completed form, your current or expired driver license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for the fee; TxDOT does not accept credit cards by mail. Your new license will be mailed to you within 2 to 3 weeks after TxDOT receives your process. You should not mail your original documents; send copies instead and keep the originals for your records.
Mail renewal is slower than online renewal and requires you to handle documents in the mail, but it avoids the need to visit an office or take a new photograph. If your license has been expired for more than two years, the mail option is not available.
Renewing in person at a TxDOT Driver License office
In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your address or personal information, or if you prefer not to renew online or by mail. You can visit any TxDOT Driver License office in Texas; you do not have to go to the office in your county.
Before you visit, schedule an appointment through the TxDOT website or by calling 1-888-589-6789. Appointments are free and can usually be scheduled within a few days. Walk-ins are accepted at most offices, but wait times are typically longer than for appointments. Bring your current or expired driver license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, proof of Social Security number, and any documents related to name changes if applicable.
At the office, you will complete a short form, pass a vision test, have your photograph taken, and pay the renewal fee. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have an appointment. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may be required to retake the written driving test as well.
What documents count as proof of residency
TxDOT requires proof of residency dated within the last 90 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement showing your current address. The document must have your name and address printed on it; a handwritten address does not count.
If you do not have a document dated within 90 days, you can use two documents that are older, as long as they are both dated within the last year and show your current address. If you have recently moved and do not yet have a document in your new name at your new address, bring a lease or rental agreement signed by both you and your landlord, or a utility bill process showing your new address.
If you live in a temporary location such as a shelter or transitional housing, you can use a letter from the facility on official letterhead stating your name and the address where you are currently living, dated within 90 days.
Understanding renewal fees and payment methods
The cost of renewing your Texas driver license depends on how long your new license will be valid. A standard eight-year renewal costs one amount, while a four-year renewal for drivers 85 and older costs less. The exact fee changes periodically; you can find the current fee on the TxDOT website or by calling 1-888-589-6789.
At a TxDOT office, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. By mail, you must send a check or money order. TxDOT does not accept payment plans or partial payments; you must pay the full renewal fee at the time of renewal.
If you renew online or by mail and your process is rejected for any reason, TxDOT will return your payment. If you renew in person and change your mind before paying, you can leave without completing the renewal, though you will have used your appointment slot.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than two years
If your Texas driver license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a TxDOT Driver License office in person. In addition to the standard renewal documents, you may be required to retake the written driving test, depending on how long your license has been expired and your age.
Drivers whose licenses have been expired for more than two years should call 1-888-589-6789 before visiting an office to find out whether they will need to take the written test. If you do need to retake the test, you can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is available free on the TxDOT website. The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Schedule an appointment at a TxDOT office as soon as possible if your license is significantly expired. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you have begun the renewal process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. TxDOT will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for that notice. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license; it will still be valid for eight years (or four years if you are 85 or older) from the date you renew.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
By mail or in person, your new license is typically mailed within 7 to 10 business days after TxDOT processes your renewal. Online renewal is similar. If you renew in person or online, you can print a temporary license from the TxDOT website to use while you wait for your physical license to arrive by mail.
What if I changed my name since my last license?
If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your other renewal documents. You must renew in person; you cannot change your name through online or mail renewal.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
An outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine does not prevent you from renewing your license. However, if you have an active suspension on your license due to unpaid fines or other violations, you must resolve the suspension before you can renew. Call 1-888-589-6789 to check whether your license is suspended.
What if I lost my driver license and need to renew it?
If your license is lost or stolen, you must visit a TxDOT office in person to renew it. You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license number. Bring proof of residency and proof of Social Security number, and TxDOT will issue a replacement license. There may be an additional fee for a replacement license; call 1-888-589-6789 to confirm the current cost.