Documents and information you must bring to renew
To renew your Texas driver's license in person, you need your current license, proof of residency, and proof of identity. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires these three categories for every renewal, whether you're renewing by mail, online, or at a DPS office.
Your current license serves as both your identity document and proof that you held a valid license before. If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot use the standard renewal process — you'll need to explore for a replacement first. Proof of residency must be a document dated within 90 days of your visit, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government notice. Proof of identity can be your Social Security card, birth certificate, passport, or military ID.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring your current Texas driver's license, a document showing your current address dated within the last 90 days, and a document proving your identity such as a birth certificate or passport.
- If your address has changed, you can update it during renewal without paying an extra fee, but you must show proof of your new address.
- Texas allows online renewal for some drivers, but only if your license is not expired more than two years and you meet other restrictions — check the DPS website to see if you may have access to.
- Renewal by mail is available only if your license expires while you are outside Texas, or if you are over 79 years old and your vision has not changed.
- The renewal fee is $61 for a four-year license or $123 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at an office.
When your license expires and how long renewal takes
Your Texas driver's license expires on your birthday in the year shown on the card. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license. If you renew before that date, your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days if you renewed online, or within 2 to 3 weeks if you renewed in person at a DPS office.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it using the same process, but you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives. Renewing after expiration does not cost more, but it does not extend your waiting time either — you still receive your new license in the same timeframe.
Renewing online through the DPS website
The Texas DPS website allows online renewal if you meet specific conditions. Your license must not be expired more than two years, you must have a valid email address on file, your vision must not have changed since your last renewal, and you must not have any medical conditions that would require a new photo or vision test. You also cannot renew online if your name has changed or if you need to update your address.
To renew online, visit the DPS website, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and follow the payment steps. You will pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, so if you have moved, you must renew in person instead.
Renewing in person at a DPS office
Walk-in renewal at a DPS office requires you to bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of identity. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The DPS website shows wait times for each office in real time, so you can check before you go.
At the office, you will have your photo taken and may be asked to take a vision test. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. The vision test checks whether you can read a standard eye chart; if you fail, you may be required to show a current vision test from an eye doctor before your license is issued. Payment is due at the time of renewal, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
Renewing by mail if you live outside Texas
You can renew by mail only if your license expires while you are living outside Texas, or if you are 79 years old or older and your vision has not changed. To renew by mail, contact the DPS by phone at 1-888-589-6789 to request an process packet. You will mail in your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a completed process form.
Mail renewal takes longer than in-person or online renewal — typically 4 to 6 weeks from the time DPS receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide on the process. If you are renewing by mail because you live out of state, make sure the address you provide is where you want your license sent, not necessarily where you currently live.
Updating your address during renewal
If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must show proof of your new address during renewal. Proof of residency must be a document dated within 90 days of your renewal visit, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government notice. A cell phone bill, insurance bill, or credit card statement does not count as proof of residency.
Updating your address during renewal does not cost extra — the renewal fee covers both the new license and the address change. If you update your address online, your new address must match the address on file with your bank or utility company, because the DPS verifies addresses against third-party databases.
What happens if your license is suspended or has restrictions
If your license is suspended or has restrictions (such as a requirement to wear corrective lenses), you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DPS office. A suspension means you are not legally allowed to drive, and renewing your license does not lift the suspension — you must resolve the underlying issue (such as unpaid traffic fines or a lapsed insurance policy) before your new license will be issued.
If your license has restrictions, such as "corrective lenses required," those restrictions will carry over to your new license unless you provide documentation that the restriction no longer applies. For example, if you had a restriction because of a vision problem, you can bring a letter from an eye doctor stating that your vision has improved and the restriction is no longer necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than two years ago?
Yes, you can renew a license that expired more than two years ago, but you must renew in person at a DPS office. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than two years, because the DPS requires a new photo and may require a new vision test.
What if I don't have proof of residency dated within the last 90 days?
You will need to obtain a document dated within 90 days of your renewal visit. A utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement are the easiest to get quickly. If you cannot obtain a document within 90 days, you can bring two documents that are older, such as a previous utility bill and a government notice, though this is less common and may require you to speak with a DPS representative.
Do I need to take a new vision test when I renew?
Not always. If you renew online, you confirm that your vision has not changed, and no test is given. If you renew in person, the DPS may ask you to read an eye chart as part of the renewal process. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you must show a current eye exam from an optometrist or ophthalmologist before your license is issued.
Can I renew my license if my name has changed?
You can renew in person at a DPS office if your name has changed. Bring your current license, proof of your name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order), proof of identity, and proof of residency. You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed, because the DPS must verify the name change before issuing your new license.
How much does it cost to renew, and what payment methods does DPS accept?
A four-year license costs $61, and an eight-year license costs $123. At a DPS office, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards only. By mail, you must send a check or money order. The fee is the same whether you renew before or after your license expires.