Documents and information you'll bring to the DPS office
To renew your Texas driver's license in person, you need to bring your current license, proof of identity, and proof of residency. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires these documents before they will issue a new license. What counts as proof varies — you have options for each category, so you don't need one specific document.
Your current driver's license serves as your primary ID. If you've lost it, you can still renew, but you'll need to bring two forms of identity instead. Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a consular report of birth abroad.
For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 90 days that shows your current Texas address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. If you're using a document that doesn't have your name on it — like a lease in a spouse's name — bring a second document that connects you to that address, such as a marriage certificate or a bill addressed to you.
Key Takeaways
- Bring your current Texas driver's license, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), and proof of residency dated within 90 days.
- You can renew in person at any DPS office, by mail if your license is not expired or will expire within 60 days, or online if you meet specific requirements.
- The renewal fee is $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license; you can pay by cash, check, or card at the office.
- Processing takes about 7 to 10 business days after you submit your process; you'll receive your new license by mail.
- If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address; if your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, court order, or adoption decree).
When you can renew by mail instead of visiting an office
Texas allows mail renewal for some drivers, which means you don't have to go to a DPS office. You're may be able to access to renew by mail if your current license is not expired or will expire within 60 days, and you have no medical conditions or restrictions that need updating.
To renew by mail, complete form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License), include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail both to the address listed on the form. You'll also need to include a copy of your proof of residency. The DPS will send your new license by mail once they process your process, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days after they receive it.
Mail renewal is slower than in-person renewal because of postal time, so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon. If you're renewing within 60 days of expiration, mail renewal may not arrive before your license expires.
Online renewal and who qualifies
Texas offers online renewal through the DPS website, but only certain drivers can use it. You're may be able to access for online renewal if your license is not expired, you have no medical conditions or restrictions, and you're renewing a standard (not commercial) license. You also cannot have changed your name or address since your last renewal.
Online renewal costs $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license, paid by credit or debit card. You'll need your current license number, your Social Security number, and your date of birth. After you complete the online form, the DPS will mail your new license within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements because you don't have to travel to an office or wait for mail. However, if you've moved, changed your name, or have medical restrictions, you must renew in person.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
If you're renewing in person, visit any Texas DPS office during business hours. You don't need an appointment at most offices, though some locations allow you to reserve a time slot online to reduce wait time. Bring all your documents — your current license, proof of identity, and proof of residency — and be prepared to have your photo taken and your signature recorded.
The renewal process at the office usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the location is. You'll fill out form DL-44 at the office, pay the renewal fee, and receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while the DPS prints and mails your permanent license. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
In-person renewal is required if you've changed your name, changed your address, have medical conditions or restrictions, or are renewing a commercial driver's license. It's also the best option if your current license is already expired, because expired licenses cannot be renewed by mail or online.
Renewal fees and payment methods
A standard four-year Texas driver's license renewal costs $33. An eight-year license costs $66. These are the only two renewal lengths available; you cannot choose a different duration. The fee is the same whether you renew in person, by mail, or online.
At a DPS office, you can pay with cash, check, or debit or credit card. If you're renewing by mail, send a check or money order — the DPS does not accept cash through the mail. Online renewal requires a credit or debit card. If you're paying by check or money order, make it payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
What to do if your name or address has changed
If your address has changed since your last renewal, bring proof of your new address dated within 90 days — the same documents that work for initial proof of residency. You must renew in person; you cannot change your address by mail or online.
If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change. This might be a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, a court order for a name change, or an adoption decree. You must renew in person to update your name on your license.
Bring both your old and new documents to the DPS office so the staff can verify the change. The DPS will update your records and issue a new license with your current name and address.
How long the renewal process takes
The time from process to receiving your new license depends on which renewal method you choose. In-person renewal is fastest: you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer because of postal delays — you'll wait for your process to arrive at the DPS, then 7 to 10 business days for processing, then mail delivery of your new license. Online renewal is similar to mail renewal in timing: 7 to 10 business days after submission, then mail delivery.
The 7 to 10 business day processing window is measured from when the DPS receives your process, not from when you submit it. If you're renewing by mail, add several days on each end for postal delivery. Plan your renewal at least two weeks before your license expires to allow time for processing and delivery.
If your license expires before your new one arrives, you can use the temporary paper license (if you renewed in person) or your expired license plus a copy of your process confirmation (if you renewed by mail or online) as proof that renewal is in progress. However, it's better to renew early to avoid this situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's already expired?
Yes, but you must renew in person at a DPS office. Expired licenses cannot be renewed by mail or online. Bring your expired license along with your proof of identity and residency, and the DPS will process your renewal the same way they would for a non-expired license.
Do I need to take a new photo and pass a vision test when I renew?
Yes, you'll have your photo taken at the DPS office if you renew in person. For mail and online renewal, the DPS uses your photo from your current license. A vision test is required only if you have a medical condition or if the DPS requests one based on your age or driving record.
What if I've lost my current license and can't find it?
You can still renew. Bring two forms of identity instead of your current license — for example, a passport and a birth certificate. You must renew in person at a DPS office. The staff will note that your previous license was lost and issue a new one.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No, you must renew in person or submit the process yourself by mail or online. The DPS requires your signature and photo as part of the renewal process. If you're unable to visit an office, mail or online renewal are your options.
What happens if I renew my license but move before it arrives?
Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided on your process. If you move after you explore but before the license arrives, contact the DPS to update your mailing address. You can call the DPS or visit a local office with proof of your new address to have your mail redirected.