How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License Through TxDOT

How to renew your Texas driver's license through TxDOT

You can renew your Texas driver's license in three ways: online through the TxDOT website, by mail, or in person at a driver's license office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements — it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit an office or use the mail option, both of which take longer but work for more situations.

The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to change information like your address or name. Most people who have a current license and no address changes can renew online without leaving home. If your license has already expired, you have moved, or you need a Real ID, you will have to go to an office or mail in your documents.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the TxDOT website works only if your license is not expired, you have not moved, and you do not need a Real ID or other document changes.
Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and payment to the TxDOT address — it takes 4 to 6 weeks total.
In-person renewal at a driver's license office is required if your license has expired, you need a Real ID, or you have changed your name or address.
You will need your Social Security number, current address, and payment method (credit card, debit card, or check for mail) ready before you start.
TxDOT charges a renewal fee that varies based on your license type and how many years you are renewing for — typically $16 to $48 for a standard license.

Online renewal through the TxDOT website

Go to the TxDOT driver's license renewal page at txdps.texas.gov and select "Renew Your Driver License Online." You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, date of birth, and a credit or debit card. The system will verify your identity and pull up your current information. If everything matches your records, you can complete the renewal in one session without leaving home.

Online renewal works only if your current license is still valid (not expired), you have not moved since your last renewal, and you do not need to change your name, address, or license class. You also cannot use online renewal if you need a Real ID, which requires proof of citizenship and identity documents that must be shown in person. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, skip to the mail or in-person section below.

After you submit your payment online, TxDOT will mail your new license to the address on file. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to drive and use it for identification during that time.

Mail renewal when you cannot go online

To renew by mail, read and print the process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-43) from the TxDOT website. Fill it out completely, including your current address and any changes to your name or other information. Attach your current driver's license (or a copy of it) and mail everything along with your payment to the TxDOT mailing address listed on the form.

Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time TxDOT receives your envelope. You will not be able to drive legally during this period if your current license has already expired, so only use mail renewal if your license is still valid. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — TxDOT does not accept credit cards by mail. Send your envelope to the address on Form DL-43, and keep a copy of what you sent in case you need to follow up.

If your license has expired or you need to change your address, name, or license class, mail renewal will not work. You must visit a driver's license office in person instead. Mail renewal also does not work if you need a Real ID.

In-person renewal at a TxDOT driver's license office

Visit your local TxDOT driver's license office with your current driver's license (or ID card), Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days to prove where you live. You can find your nearest office and check wait times at txdps.texas.gov under "Find a Driver License Office."

In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, you have moved and need to update your address, you want to change your name, or you need a Real ID. It is also the only option if you need to change your license class or medical restrictions. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your payment on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license that day and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Bring your payment method — credit card, debit card, or check. Many offices are busy during lunch hours and on Fridays, so consider visiting early in the morning or mid-week if you have the flexibility. Some offices accept walk-ins, but others require you to book an appointment online first. Check your local office's policy before you go.

Real ID requirements for in-person renewal

If you want a Real ID (marked with a gold star on your license), you must renew in person and bring proof of citizenship and identity. Real ID is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building as of May 2025. You will need your birth certificate or passport, a government-issued photo ID, and proof of your Social Security number (like a Social Security card or tax return).

Real ID renewal takes the same amount of time as a standard renewal — you get a temporary license that day and the permanent one by mail in 7 to 10 business days. The fee for a Real ID is slightly higher than a standard license renewal. If you do not need Real ID, you can renew your standard license online, by mail, or in person without these extra documents.

What to do if your license has expired

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a driving test. If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew it through any of the three methods (online, mail, or in person), but you cannot drive legally until your new license arrives.

If you need to drive before your new license arrives, visit a driver's license office in person. The office will issue you a temporary paper license that day, which is valid for 45 days and lets you drive while you wait for your permanent license by mail. This temporary license is the fastest way to get back on the road legally if your current license has expired.

Payment and fees

TxDOT charges a renewal fee based on your license type and the number of years you are renewing for. A standard five-year license renewal costs around $16 to $25, while an eight-year renewal costs $25 to $48. Real ID licenses cost slightly more. The exact amount depends on your age and license class. You can see the current fee schedule on the TxDOT website before you start your renewal.

Online and in-person renewals accept credit cards and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. Do not send cash by mail. If you are renewing online, your payment is processed when ready. If you are renewing in person, you pay at the office. If you are renewing by mail, your payment is processed when TxDOT receives your envelope.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?

No. TxDOT will not renew your license if you have unpaid traffic fines or court costs. You must pay the fine or resolve the ticket before you can renew. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out what you owe and how to pay it.

How long is my temporary paper license good for if I renew in person?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days from the date it is issued. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, so the temporary is a backup in case the permanent is delayed. If your permanent license does not arrive within 45 days, contact TxDOT.

What if I moved and did not update my address before my license expired?

You must renew in person at a driver's license office. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or government mail dated within the last 60 days) and your current ID. The office will update your address during the renewal process.

Can I renew my license if I am out of state?

If you are temporarily out of state, you can renew online or by mail as long as your license is not expired and you do not need to change your address. If you have moved out of Texas permanently, you will need to get a license from your new state instead.

What happens if I renew online but my payment does not go through?

TxDOT will send you an email if your payment fails. You can log back into the renewal system and try again with a different card, or you can visit a driver's license office or renew by mail instead. Your renewal does not complete until payment is successful.

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.