Documents and information you'll bring to the DPS office

To renew your Texas driver's license in person, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) accepts several documents for each category, so you have options depending on what you have on hand.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: your current or expired Texas driver's license, a passport, a military ID, a birth certificate, or a state ID card. If you're renewing by mail or online, the rules are slightly different — you won't need to bring physical documents, but you'll need to provide information from documents you have at home.

Proof of residency means a document showing your current Texas address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days all work. If you've moved recently and your driver's license still shows an old address, bring the residency document along with your license.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring one form of identity (current license, passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of your current Texas address, and know your Social Security number.
  • If you renew in person at a DPS office, you'll also need to pass a vision test and have your photo taken.
  • Texas allows online renewal for some drivers and mail renewal for others — check the DPS website to see which method works for your situation.
  • Renewal fees vary by license type and how long you want the license to last, ranging from a few dollars for a one-year renewal to around $60 for an eight-year renewal.
  • You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute.

What happens during an in-person renewal visit

When you arrive at a DPS office with your documents, a staff member will check that you have everything required and verify your information. They'll ask you to sign a form confirming your address and other details. You'll then take a vision test — the same one used for initial licenses — to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely.

After the vision test, you'll have your photo taken for the new license. Wear something you're comfortable with; the photo rules are the same as for any state ID. The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You'll receive a temporary paper license to use while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you, which typically arrives within two weeks.

Online and mail renewal options

Texas DPS offers online renewal for drivers whose licenses are not suspended or revoked and who meet other requirements. You can renew online if your license is not expired by more than two years, you have no medical conditions that might affect your driving, and you're not changing your address. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs less than an in-person renewal.

Mail renewal is available for certain drivers as well. You'll receive a renewal notice in the mail before your license expires; the notice includes instructions and a form to fill out. You mail the form back with a check or money order, and DPS processes it without requiring you to visit an office. Mail renewal takes longer — usually three to four weeks — so send it in well before your expiration date.

If you don't meet the requirements for online or mail renewal, you must renew in person at a DPS office. This includes situations where your address has changed, you need to update your name, or your license has been expired for more than two years.

Renewal fees and license validity periods

The cost of renewal depends on how long you want your new license to be valid. Texas offers one-year, four-year, six-year, and eight-year licenses. A one-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal, but you'll need to renew more often. Most drivers choose a four-year or six-year license as a balance between cost and convenience.

Fees also differ slightly between in-person, online, and mail renewal. Online renewal is typically the least expensive option. You can check the current fee schedule on the DPS website, as prices may change. If you're over 85 years old, you may be may be able to access for a lower renewal fee — ask at the DPS office or check the website for details.

Finding a DPS office and scheduling an appointment

Texas has DPS offices in most cities and many smaller towns. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website by entering your zip code. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others require an appointment. During busy times of year, appointment slots fill up quickly, so scheduling ahead is a good idea even if walk-ins are allowed.

To schedule an appointment, visit the DPS website or call the office directly. Many offices now use an online appointment system that shows available times. If you walk in without an appointment, you may wait longer, especially during lunch hours or late afternoon. Early morning visits tend to have shorter waits.

What to do if your license is expired or will expire soon

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so there's no need to wait until the last day. Renewing early gives you time to handle any issues that come up — for example, if DPS needs more information or if your documents are rejected for some reason.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it using the same process. However, if it expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online; you must go to a DPS office in person. Driving with an expired license is illegal, so renew as soon as you can if yours has lapsed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I've moved out of state?

No. Texas only renews licenses for people who live in Texas. If you've moved to another state, you need to get a driver's license from that state instead. You can surrender your Texas license to DPS if you want.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

You can still renew your license. Bring a document from DPS or another government agency showing that you don't have a Social Security number, or bring a letter from your employer or school stating that you don't have one. DPS staff can help you figure out what document works.

Do I need to take the written driving test again to renew?

No. Renewal does not include a written test. You only take the vision test. If your license was suspended or revoked, you may need to pass a written test as part of getting it reinstated, but that's a different process from renewal.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Your plastic license card is mailed to you and usually arrives within two weeks. You'll receive a temporary paper license at the DPS office that you can use to drive while you wait for the card. If your card doesn't arrive after three weeks, contact DPS to check on it.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must renew your license yourself in person if you're renewing at a DPS office. However, if you're renewing by mail, you can have someone mail the form for you — you just have to sign it first. Online renewal requires you to do it yourself.