How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License Through TXDPS

Where to renew your Texas driver's license and what TXDPS requires

The Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS) lets you renew your driver's license in three ways: online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Which route you can use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you have had any address changes. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require you to show up in person.

TXDPS does not charge a separate fee for choosing one method over another — the renewal cost is the same regardless. What changes is how long the process takes and what documents you need to gather beforehand. Online renewal is the fastest option when you are may be able to access, usually taking a few business days. Mail renewal takes longer, typically two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a DPS office can be done the same day you visit, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office, but online renewal is only available if your license is not expired by more than two years and you have no address changes.
TXDPS charges a renewal fee that varies by license type and validity period — a standard five-year renewal costs less than a ten-year renewal.
You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or electronic check) to renew online.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person or by mail and may need to pass a vision test or written exam.
Address changes, name changes, and certain medical conditions require in-person renewal at a DPS office.

Online renewal through the TXDPS website

Online renewal through the TXDPS website is the fastest route if you meet the requirements. You can renew online only if your license is not expired by more than two years, you have no address changes, and you have not had any name changes since your last renewal. You also cannot renew online if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL) or if you have certain medical conditions that require a DPS review.

To renew online, go to the TXDPS website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method — TXDPS accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. The system will verify your identity and ask you to confirm your address and other information. Once you complete the transaction, TXDPS will mail your new license to the address on file. The entire process usually takes five to ten business days from the time you submit your renewal.

One important detail: online renewal does not let you change your address, name, or other personal information. If any of those details need updating, you must renew by mail or in person. TXDPS will use whatever address is currently in their system, so if you have moved recently, you need to update your address before you renew online — or choose a different renewal method.

Mail renewal and what documents TXDPS needs

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but works for more situations. You can renew by mail even if your license has been expired for up to two years, and you can request an address change or name change on the same form. Mail renewal also works for people who cannot visit a DPS office due to disability or other circumstances.

To renew by mail, you need to request a renewal process from TXDPS. You can read the process from the TXDPS website (form DL-44) or call your local DPS office to have one mailed to you. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it back to TXDPS along with your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Do not send cash. Include a copy of proof of your new address if you are changing addresses — TXDPS accepts utility bills, lease agreements, or bank statements dated within the last 60 days.

Mail your renewal packet to the TXDPS address listed on the process. Processing time is typically two to three weeks, but can take longer during busy periods. TXDPS will mail your new license to the address you provided on the process. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal is faster.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

In-person renewal is required in several situations: if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your address or name, if you have a medical condition that requires DPS review, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license. You can also choose in-person renewal if you want your new license the same day.

To renew in person, visit your local DPS office with your current license and proof of your new address if you are moving. Bring a government-issued photo ID if your current license is expired. You may be asked to pass a vision test or answer questions about your driving record. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to pass a written exam on traffic laws. The DPS officer will tell you what is required when you arrive.

Wait times at DPS offices vary widely depending on the location and time of day. Offices in rural areas are often less crowded than those in cities. Many DPS offices now use an online appointment system — you can check the TXDPS website to see if your local office offers appointments and book a time slot in advance. Arriving with an appointment usually cuts your wait time significantly.

Renewal fees and what affects the cost

TXDPS charges different renewal fees depending on your license type and how long you want the new license to be valid. A standard five-year renewal costs less than a ten-year renewal. Commercial driver's licenses cost more than regular licenses. Motorcycle endorsements and other special designations may add to the fee.

You can choose the validity period when you renew — TXDPS offers both five-year and ten-year options for most drivers. The ten-year option costs more upfront but means you will not need to renew again for ten years. The five-year option is cheaper but requires renewal sooner. Check the TXDPS website or ask at your local office for the exact current fees, as they can change.

If you are renewing by mail or in person, you can pay by check, money order, or credit card. Online renewal requires a credit card, debit card, or electronic check. Do not send cash by mail.

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

If your Texas driver's license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it online or by mail — you must renew in person at a DPS office. TXDPS treats this as a new license process rather than a straightforward renewal, which means you may need to pass a vision test and a written exam on Texas traffic laws.

You will also need to bring more documents than you would for a standard renewal. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), proof of your Texas residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and a government-issued photo ID. If you do not have all of these documents, contact your local DPS office before you visit to find out what alternatives they will accept.

The written exam covers basic traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. TXDPS provides a study guide on their website that shows the types of questions you will see. You can study the guide before your visit to prepare. The vision test is a standard eye exam to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely.

Address changes, name changes, and other updates

If you have moved since your last license was issued, you need to update your address when you renew. Online renewal does not allow address changes, so you must renew by mail or in person. If you are renewing by mail, include a copy of proof of your new address — TXDPS accepts utility bills, lease agreements, bank statements, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.

Name changes also require mail or in-person renewal. If you have changed your name since your last license was issued (due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring proof of the name change when you renew in person. Acceptable proof includes a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing by mail, include a copy of the proof document with your process.

Other updates — such as changing your height, weight, or eye color — can usually be made during any renewal method. Online renewal may let you update some of these details. If you are unsure whether a particular change requires in-person renewal, call your local DPS office or check the TXDPS website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it is currently suspended or revoked?

No. TXDPS will not renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation by paying any fines, completing required courses, or meeting other conditions TXDPS has set. Contact your local DPS office or check your driving record on the TXDPS website to find out what you need to do to clear the suspension.

What if I lost my current license and cannot find it?

You can still renew. If you are renewing online, you will need your license number — you can find this on your vehicle registration or insurance documents. If you cannot locate your license number, you can renew by mail or in person instead. For in-person renewal, bring a government-issued photo ID and proof of your Social Security number.

How long is my new license valid after I renew?

Your new license is valid for either five or ten years, depending on which option you chose when you renewed. The expiration date will be printed on the front of your new license. You can renew again anytime within 60 days before the expiration date.

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

Yes, if you are a Texas resident living temporarily out of state, you can renew by mail or online (if you meet the online requirements). You cannot renew in person at a DPS office outside of Texas. If you have moved to another state permanently, you should get a driver's license from that state instead of renewing your Texas license.

What if my renewal process is rejected or delayed?

TXDPS will contact you if there is a problem with your process. Check your mail regularly for any letters from TXDPS. If you submitted your renewal online or by mail and have not heard back within the expected timeframe, call your local DPS office to ask about the status. Have your license number and Social Security number ready when you call.

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.