Documents and information you'll bring to the DPS office
To renew your Texas driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) accepts a specific list of documents for each category — bringing the wrong document will delay your renewal, so check what counts before you go.
For proof of identity, bring your current Texas driver's license, passport, military ID, or certificate of naturalization. If your current license is expired, it still works as proof of identity for renewal purposes. If you don't have any of these, you'll need to bring two documents from the DPS's secondary identity list, which includes items like a birth certificate, Social Security card, or school ID.
For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 90 days showing your current Texas address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. The document must show your name and address — a bill addressed to "Resident" won't be accepted. If you've recently moved and don't have a 90-day-old document yet, bring your lease or a utility bill in your name plus a secondary document like a voter registration card or insurance policy.
You'll also need to provide your Social Security number verbally or in writing when you explore. The DPS uses this to verify your identity and check for any disqualifying records.
Key Takeaways
- Bring your current Texas driver's license (even if expired), a document proving your address from the last 90 days, and be ready to provide your Social Security number.
- Proof of residency must show your name and current address — utility bills, lease agreements, and mortgage statements all work if dated within 90 days.
- You can renew in person at any DPS office, by mail if you meet specific conditions, or online through the DPS website if your license is not suspended or revoked.
- The DPS charges a renewal fee that varies depending on whether you renew for four or six years; bring a debit card, credit card, or check to pay at the office.
- Processing takes about 7 to 10 business days if you renew in person; mail renewals take longer and have stricter document requirements.
Renewing in person at a DPS office
Walking into a DPS office with your documents is the most straightforward path. Bring your identity document, proof of residency, and your current license. You'll fill out form DL-43 (the renewal process) at the office — you don't need to print it ahead of time. The staff will verify your documents, take a new photo, and collect the renewal fee.
DPS offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though hours vary by location. You can find your nearest office and check its hours on the DPS website. Some offices get busy in the afternoon, so arriving early in the day usually means a shorter wait. You do not need an appointment at most offices, though some locations now offer optional appointment scheduling through the DPS website.
After you pay the fee and submit your process, you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you. Your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If it doesn't arrive within two weeks, contact the DPS to check the status.
Renewing by mail if you're ineligible for online renewal
You can renew by mail only if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not had any address changes since your last renewal, and your license is not expired by more than two years. Mail renewal is slower and has stricter requirements than in-person renewal, so use it only if you cannot visit an office.
To renew by mail, print and complete form DL-43 from the DPS website. Attach a photocopy of your proof of identity and proof of residency — originals are not needed for mail renewals. Write a check or money order for the renewal fee payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety." Mail everything to the address listed on the DPS website for your region.
Mail renewals take 4 to 6 weeks to process, plus mailing time in both directions. You will not receive a temporary license, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your new license arrives. If your process is incomplete or documents are unclear, the DPS will mail it back to you, adding another 2 to 3 weeks to the process.
Renewing online through the DPS website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access. You can renew online only if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not changed your address since your last renewal, and your license is not expired by more than two years. You'll also need a valid email address and a debit or credit card to pay the fee.
Go to the DPS website and select the online renewal option. You'll answer questions about your identity and current information, upload a new photo (or use the photo from your current license), and pay the renewal fee. The entire process takes about 10 minutes. You'll receive a temporary digital license by email that you can display on your phone while your permanent license is mailed to you.
Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you don't receive it within two weeks, log back into your DPS account to check the status or contact the DPS directly.
Renewal fees and payment methods
The renewal fee depends on how long you want your new license to be valid. A four-year renewal costs less than a six-year renewal. The exact amount changes periodically, so check the DPS website for current pricing before you go to the office or mail in your process.
At a DPS office, you can pay with cash, debit card, credit card, or check. If you're renewing by mail, send a check or money order — the DPS does not accept credit cards by mail. If you're renewing online, you'll need a debit or credit card.
What happens if your license is expired or suspended
If your license is expired, you can still renew it using the same process. An expired license is not the same as a suspended or revoked license — expiration straightforward means the validity period has passed, and you can renew at any DPS office or by mail.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person. The staff will tell you what you need to do to lift the suspension or revocation before a new license can be issued. This might involve paying a reinstatement fee, completing a defensive driving course, or resolving an outstanding traffic fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I've moved to a different address?
No, not through online or mail renewal. If you've changed your address since your last renewal, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your new proof of residency along with your identity document and current license. The DPS will update your address in their system during the renewal process.
What if I don't have a document dated within the last 90 days for proof of residency?
Bring two documents instead of one. You can combine an older utility bill or lease with a secondary document like a voter registration card, insurance policy, or school enrollment letter. Both documents must show your name and current address. Call your local DPS office ahead of time if you're unsure whether your documents will work.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
Yes, if you renew in person or online. At a DPS office, the staff will take a new photo as part of the renewal process. If you renew online, you can upload a new photo or use the photo from your current license. If you renew by mail, your current photo is used — you do not get a new one.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
In-person and online renewals take 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail. Mail renewals take 4 to 6 weeks plus mailing time. You'll receive a temporary license (paper in person, digital online) that's valid while you wait for the permanent one.
What if my license was lost or stolen instead of just expired?
A lost or stolen license is a replacement, not a renewal, and requires a different process. You'll need to report it to the DPS and explore for a replacement license, which involves additional steps beyond a standard renewal. Contact your local DPS office or visit the DPS website for replacement procedures.