What Texas Requires to Renew Your License
To renew a Texas driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and your current license or a document showing your legal name if your license has expired more than two years. You can renew in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Texas DPS website if you have not had a name change, address change, or vision correction change since your last license.
The specific documents you bring depend on which renewal method you choose and whether your personal information has changed. Texas accepts a limited list of documents for each category, and bringing the wrong document means you will have to return another time.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring your current license, proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number to renew in person.
- Online renewal is available only if your name, address, and vision correction have not changed since your last license was issued.
- Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired more than two years and you have not had a name or address change.
- Texas DPS offices do not accept appointments, so you should arrive early or check wait times on the DPS website before you go.
- Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days if you renew in person, or within 2 to 3 weeks if you renew by mail.
Documents Needed for In-Person Renewal
When you renew in person at a DPS office, bring your current driver's license or identification card. If your license has been expired for more than two years, bring a document showing your legal name instead, such as a birth certificate, passport, or marriage certificate if your name has changed.
You also need one document proving your identity. Texas accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or a certified birth certificate. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents from a secondary list, which includes a Social Security card, a bank statement, a lease or mortgage, or a utility bill in your name.
Bring one document proving you live in Texas. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 90 days works. A bank or credit card statement also works if it shows your current address. Your name must appear on the document.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number. You can write it on the process form, or the DPS office can look it up if you provide your date of birth and current address.
Online Renewal: When You Can Use It
Texas allows online renewal through the DPS website if your license is not expired more than two years, your name has not changed, your address has not changed, and your vision correction (glasses or contacts) has not changed. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth.
The online process takes about 10 minutes. You pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card, and your new license is mailed to the address on your current license within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to visit a DPS office or provide physical documents.
If any of your information has changed, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a DPS office instead.
Mail Renewal: may be able to access and Process
You can renew by mail if your license is not expired more than two years, your name has not changed since your last license was issued, and your address has not changed. You cannot renew by mail if you need to update your vision correction or if you have had a name change due to marriage, divorce, or court order.
To renew by mail, complete the process form (Form DL-44 or the renewal notice sent to you), include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail both to the address shown on the form. Include a copy of your current license or a document showing your legal name if your license has expired more than two years.
Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires to allow time for processing and delivery. The DPS processes mail renewals within 2 to 3 weeks, and your new license is mailed to the address on your current license.
Fees and How Long Renewal Takes
The renewal fee for a standard five-year Texas driver's license is $25 if you renew in person or by mail. If you renew online, the fee is also $25, plus a small processing fee charged by the payment processor (usually $1 to $2). You can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit or debit card, depending on which method you choose.
If you renew in person, your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, allow 2 to 3 weeks. If you renew online, your license is also mailed within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
What Happens If Your License Has Expired More Than Two Years
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your expired license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number, just as you would for a standard in-person renewal.
You may also be required to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test, depending on how long your license has been expired and your age. The DPS office will tell you what tests you need when you arrive. If you are over 79 years old, you must renew in person and pass a vision test every time.
Finding a DPS Office and Checking Wait Times
Texas has DPS offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Texas DPS website by entering your city or county. The website also shows the current wait time at each office, updated throughout the day.
DPS offices do not take appointments for license renewal. You arrive during business hours and wait your turn. Wait times vary widely depending on the office and the time of day. Offices are usually less busy early in the morning or late in the afternoon on weekdays. Avoid the end of the month and the weeks before holidays, when offices are busier.
Bring all required documents with you. If you are missing any document, the office will not renew your license, and you will have to return another time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if my name has changed?
No, not by mail or online. You must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your current license, a document showing your legal name (such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree), proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The DPS will update your name and issue a new license.
What if I moved to a different address?
If you moved within Texas, you must renew in person at a DPS office and bring proof of your new address. If you moved out of state, you will need to get a new Texas license if you plan to stay in Texas, or you can use your out-of-state license. Bring your current Texas license, proof of your new Texas address, proof of identity, and your Social Security number.
Do I need to take a new photo for my renewal?
If you renew online or by mail, your photo from your current license is used on your new license. If you renew in person, the DPS will take a new photo. You cannot bring your own photo or request to use your old photo.
What if my license was lost or stolen?
If your license was lost or stolen, you cannot renew it. You must get a replacement license instead, which requires an in-person visit to a DPS office. Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. There is a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee.
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you are planning to travel or if you want to renew by mail and need time for delivery. The new license will have a new expiration date based on when you renew, not when your current license expires.