What to bring when you renew in person
Texas requires you to show proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current driver's license when you renew in person. Your current license counts as your identity document. For residency, bring one document from the approved list: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days, or a property tax bill from the current or previous year.
If your name has changed since your last license, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing after your license expired more than two years ago, you will need to pass the vision test and may need to retake the written exam, so plan for a longer appointment.
Key Takeaways
- Bring your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number or an ITIN when you renew in person at a DPS office.
- Texas allows online renewal only if your license is not expired, you have not changed your name, and you have not had certain medical conditions reported to DPS.
- The fee for a standard five-year license is $40; a Real ID-compliant license costs $55 and requires additional identity documents.
- Processing times vary by location, but most renewals are completed the same day or within a few days if you renew online.
- You can find your nearest DPS office and check wait times on the Texas Department of Public Safety website before you go.
Renewing online instead of in person
You can renew your Texas driver's license online through the DPS website if your current license is not expired, your name has not changed, and you have not had a medical suspension or certain other restrictions placed on your record. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as an in-person renewal.
When you renew online, you will need your current license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will also upload a new photo, which DPS takes from your device's camera. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, usually within 7 to 10 business days.
Real ID versus standard license
A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for entering federal buildings and boarding domestic flights. A standard license does not have the star and cannot be used for these purposes after May 7, 2025, though you can still use it to drive.
Real ID renewal requires more documents than a standard renewal. You must bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or consulate document), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of residency. The Real ID license costs $55 for five years, compared to $40 for a standard license. If you are renewing online, you cannot get a Real ID; you must go to a DPS office in person.
Where to renew and how long it takes
You can renew at any Texas Department of Public Safety office. The DPS website has a location finder and shows current wait times for each office. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times change throughout the day and by season. Going early in the morning or on a weekday typically means shorter waits than going on a weekend or after 3 p.m.
If you renew in person, most people receive their new license the same day. If you renew online, your license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner than that, you can request a temporary paper license at the DPS office, which is valid for 45 days while you wait for the permanent one.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as if you were getting your first license. This means taking the written exam and the driving test, not just renewing. If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew it through the normal process.
If your license expired between one and two years ago and you renew online, you will need to pass the vision test at a DPS office before your new license is mailed. You can schedule this vision test appointment through the DPS website at the same time you start your online renewal.
Changing your address during renewal
You can update your address when you renew, whether you renew in person or online. If you renew in person, tell the DPS employee your new address and they will print it on your new license. If you renew online, you enter your new address in the form before you pay the fee.
Texas law requires you to notify DPS of an address change within 30 days of moving, even if your license is not expiring soon. You can change your address online through the DPS website without renewing your license if you need to do it before your renewal date.
Fees and payment methods
A standard five-year driver's license costs $40. A Real ID license costs $55. A commercial driver's license (CDL) renewal costs $75. DPS offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you renew online, you pay by debit or credit card only.
If you are 85 years old or older, your license is free. If you are a veteran, you can request a veteran designation on your license at no extra cost. Some people may be charged a reinstatement fee if their license was suspended or revoked; this fee is separate from the renewal fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than two years?
No. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must reapply for a new license, which includes taking the written test and the driving test. If it expired less than two years ago, you can renew through the standard process.
Do I need a Real ID to fly within the United States?
Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID-compliant license or another acceptable federal ID to board a domestic flight. A passport, military ID, or passport card also work. A standard Texas driver's license will not be accepted for flights after that date.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You can still renew if you have lost your license, but you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your proof of identity and residency as usual. You will not be able to renew online without your current license number.
How long does it take to get my license if I renew online?
Your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online renewal. If you need your license sooner, you can request a temporary paper license at a DPS office, which is valid for 45 days.
Can I renew my license by mail?
Texas does not offer mail-in renewal. You must renew either in person at a DPS office or online through the DPS website. Online renewal is the closest option to mail renewal and takes about 10 minutes to complete.