What You Need to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

What documents to bring when you renew

Texas requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current driver's license to the Department of Public Safety office. Your current license itself counts as your primary ID. For proof of residency, bring one document dated within the last 90 days — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and Texas address all work.

If your name has changed since your last license, you'll also need the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring the original or a certified copy. If you were born outside the United States, bring your birth certificate along with your current license and residency proof.

Key Takeaways

Bring your current Texas driver's license, one proof of residency dated within 90 days, and proof of identity — your current license covers this requirement.
If your name changed, bring the original or certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office, and the method you choose depends on whether your license is expired and how long you want to wait.
The fee for a standard five-year renewal is $40, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at an office location.
Texas allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last moment.

Renewing online versus by mail versus in person

Texas offers three renewal paths, and which one works for you depends on whether your license is expired and how soon you need the new one. Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You pay the $40 fee with a debit or credit card.

By-mail renewal works if your license is not expired. You mail your current license, the $40 fee, and a completed DL-44 form (the renewal process) to the address listed on the DPS website. This takes longer — typically 4 to 6 weeks — because the form has to travel both ways. In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license is already expired, if you need to change your address, or if you prefer to walk out with a temporary license the same day. You'll wait in line, but the new license is issued when ready.

If you renew in person, bring all your documents to a DPS office during their business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours. You can find your nearest office and check its hours on the Texas DPS website.

When you can renew and how long it takes

Texas lets you renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you don't have to wait until the expiration date. This is useful if you know you'll be busy or traveling when your license is about to expire. If you renew early, your new license will have a new expiration date five years from the date you renew.

The timeline depends on your method. Online renewal is fastest — 7 to 10 business days by mail. By-mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks because your process and current license have to travel to DPS and back. In-person renewal is when ready; you leave with a temporary license and receive your permanent one by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license is expired, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person. There is no grace period in Texas — once your license expires, it is expired, and you should not drive on it.

The renewal fee and payment methods

A standard five-year Texas driver's license renewal costs $40. This is the fee for most people renewing a regular license. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher and depends on the type of CDL.

At a DPS office, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you renew online, you pay by debit or credit card. If you renew by mail, you can send a check or money order — do not send cash through the mail. Make the check or money order payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Address changes and other updates during renewal

If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. You cannot change your address online; you have to renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your proof of residency (the document dated within the last 90 days) so the office can record your new address.

If you want to change other information — such as your name, gender marker, or organ donor status — you can do some of these during renewal and others only in person. The DPS website lists which changes require an office visit. If you're unsure, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 before you go, so you can bring the right documents.

What happens if your license is expired

Once your Texas driver's license expires, you cannot legally drive, and you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person. Bring all the same documents you would bring for a regular renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of identity (though your expired license can serve as identity proof).

There is no penalty for renewing after expiration, but you should not drive on an expired license. If you are pulled over, you can be cited. The sooner you renew, the sooner you can legally drive again. In-person renewal at a DPS office is the only option, and you'll receive a temporary license to drive home with.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license if I don't have a proof of residency document?

You need at least one document dated within the last 90 days showing your name and Texas address. If you don't have a utility bill, lease, or bank statement, ask the DPS office what other documents they accept — some offices will work with you if you bring multiple partial proofs, such as a voter registration card plus a piece of mail from a government agency.

What if I lost my current license and can't bring it to renewal?

You'll need to report it lost and get a replacement before you can renew. Go to a DPS office with your proof of identity and residency, and they will issue a replacement license. Once you have it, you can renew when ready if you want, or wait until closer to the expiration date.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

If you renew online or by mail, the DPS uses your photo from your current license. If you renew in person, the office will take a new photo. If you want a new photo but are renewing by mail or online, you would need to renew in person instead.

How do I know if I'm may be able to access to renew online?

You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address, and you have not had any other changes to your record. The online system will tell you whether you're may be able to access when you start the process on the Texas DPS website. If it says you're not may be able to access, you'll need to renew by mail or in person.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.