What Texas requires you to bring to renew
To renew your Texas driver's license, you need to bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of identity. Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will not process your renewal without these three things, so gather them before you go to a DPS office or explore online.
Your current license serves as both your identity document and proof that you already hold a valid Texas license. Proof of residency means a document showing your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days works. Proof of identity means a document with your name and date of birth: a passport, birth certificate, military ID, or Social Security card. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill or lease from the last 90 days), and proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card).
- You can renew online through the Texas DPS website if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations, though not all drivers are may be able to access.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 30 minutes, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready while your plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- The renewal fee is $61 for a four-year license or $97 for a six-year license, and DPS accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.
- If your license is expired by more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must go to a DPS office in person.
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website
Texas allows some drivers to renew online without visiting an office. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have no medical conditions that require a DPS review, and you have not had certain violations like a suspended license or a conviction for driving without a license in the past five years. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as in-person renewal.
Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Driver License Services," then "Renew Your Driver License." You will enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. DPS will verify your information against their records. If you are approved, you pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You do not receive a temporary license when you renew online, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your new card arrives.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
If you cannot renew online or prefer to renew in person, visit any DPS office in Texas. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of identity. You do not need an appointment — DPS offices operate on a walk-in basis, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Early morning and weekday visits typically have shorter waits than afternoons or weekends.
The DPS staff member will check your documents, take a new photo, and process your payment. The entire visit usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 45 days while your plastic license is printed and mailed to you. Your new card arrives in 7 to 10 business days under normal circumstances, though delays can occur during high-volume periods.
Renewal fees and payment methods
A four-year Texas driver's license costs $61 to renew. A six-year license costs $97. You choose the length when you renew. DPS accepts cash, personal check, debit card, and credit card at all offices. If you pay by check, write it to "Texas Department of Public Safety."
Some DPS offices have ATMs on site if you need cash, but not all do. Call ahead to confirm payment methods at your specific office if you plan to pay by check or have concerns about accepted payment types.
When your license is expired by more than two years
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person. Bring the same documents — current license (even though it is expired), proof of residency, and proof of identity. You may also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test, depending on how long your license has been expired and your age. DPS staff will tell you what tests you need when you arrive.
The fee is the same as a standard renewal. Plan for a longer visit than a standard renewal because of the additional testing, though most people are still finished within an hour.
What happens after you renew
Once DPS processes your renewal, your new license is printed at a facility in Austin and mailed to the address on your process. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days, which gives you time to receive your plastic card before the temporary expires.
If you do not receive your new license within 10 business days, contact DPS to check the status. You can call the DPS Driver License Customer Service line or visit a DPS office with your temporary license. If your license arrives damaged or with incorrect information, return it to DPS and request a replacement.
Finding a DPS office near you
Texas has DPS offices in most cities and many smaller towns. Visit the Texas DPS website and use the office locator tool to find the nearest location, hours of operation, and current wait times. Some offices are busier than others — offices in smaller towns often have shorter waits than those in major cities.
If you live far from a DPS office or have mobility issues, ask about mobile DPS units that visit certain locations on a schedule. The DPS website lists mobile unit routes and dates. You bring the same documents and pay the same fee as you would at a permanent office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it is already expired?
Yes, you can renew an expired license as long as it expired less than two years ago. If it expired more than two years ago, you must go to a DPS office in person and may need to retake the vision and knowledge tests. Bring your expired license along with proof of residency and identity.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
Bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change along with your other documents. DPS will update your name in their system and print your new license with the correct name. You cannot renew online if your name has changed — you must go to a DPS office in person.
How long is my temporary paper license valid?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days from the date DPS issues it. This gives you time to receive your plastic license by mail. If your plastic license does not arrive within 45 days, contact DPS before your temporary expires so they can issue a replacement or extension.
What if I move before my new license arrives?
Contact DPS when ready with your new address. You can call the Driver License Customer Service line or visit a DPS office. DPS can redirect your license to your new address if it has not already been mailed. If it has already been mailed to your old address, you may be able to pick it up from the new resident or file a change of address with the post office.
Do I need a new photo every time I renew?
Yes, DPS takes a new photo at every renewal, whether you renew in person or online. If you renew online, DPS uses the photo from your current license on file. If you renew in person, DPS takes a new photo at the office. You cannot use an old photo or submit your own.