Documents and information you'll bring to the DPS office
To renew your Texas driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) accepts a specific list of documents for each category — you don't need all of them, but you do need at least one from identity and one from residency.
For proof of identity, DPS accepts your current or expired Texas driver's license, a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID card, or a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship. If your current license is expired, it still works as your identity document for renewal purposes.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank statement, an insurance policy, or a government check. The document must show your current Texas address and be dated within the last 90 days. A utility bill in your name is the most straightforward option.
Key Takeaways
- You need one identity document (your expired license works), one residency document dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number.
- Texas offers online renewal for some drivers, but you must visit a DPS office in person if your license has been expired for more than two years or if you've never held a Texas license.
- The renewal fee is $61 for a four-year license or $97 for an eight-year license, paid at the DPS office or online if you renew by mail.
- You will take a new photo at the DPS office unless you renewed online and chose to keep your previous photo.
- Processing times vary: in-person renewals are usually completed the same day, while mail renewals take two to three weeks.
When you can renew online or by mail instead of visiting an office
Texas allows online renewal through the DPS website if your license is not expired and you meet certain conditions. You must have held a Texas driver's license for at least two years, have no medical conditions that affect your driving, and not need to change your address, name, or other information on the license. Online renewal costs $61 and takes about 10 business days.
If you don't meet the online requirements but your license expired less than two years ago, you can renew by mail. You'll fill out Form DL-44, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail your documents to the address on the form. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires the same identity and residency documents as an in-person visit.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must visit a DPS office in person. The same applies if you've never held a Texas license or if you need to update your address, name, or other personal information.
What happens at the DPS office during renewal
When you arrive at a DPS office with your documents, a staff member will verify your identity and residency, check your Social Security number against DPS records, and confirm your current address. You'll answer questions about your health and any medical conditions that might affect your ability to drive safely. Be honest about these — DPS uses the answers to determine whether any restrictions should appear on your license.
You'll take a new photograph unless you renewed online and chose to keep your previous photo. You'll also take a vision test. If you wear glasses or contacts to drive, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you'll be asked to see an eye care professional and return with documentation of your corrected vision before your license is issued.
After verification is complete, you'll pay the renewal fee and receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. If you need your license sooner, some DPS offices offer expedited service for an additional fee.
Renewal fees and payment methods
A four-year Texas driver's license costs $61 to renew. An eight-year license costs $97. These are the standard fees as of 2024, though DPS may adjust them — check the DPS website to confirm the current amount before you visit.
At a DPS office, you can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card. If you renew by mail, you must include a check or money order — DPS does not accept credit or debit cards by mail. If you renew online, you pay by credit or debit card through the DPS website.
Some DPS offices charge an additional fee for expedited service, which shortens the time you wait for your permanent license to arrive. This fee varies by location, so call your local DPS office to ask if expedited service is available and what it costs.
How to find your nearest DPS office and check wait times
The DPS website has a location finder where you can enter your city or ZIP code to see all nearby driver's license offices. The finder shows office hours, phone numbers, and whether each location accepts walk-ins or requires an appointment. Some offices operate by appointment only, especially in larger cities.
Many DPS offices publish current wait times on their websites or through the DPS app. If you're renewing in person, arriving early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon typically means shorter waits than midday or Friday. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times is always an option.
If your local office has a long wait, you can visit a different DPS office in your region. Your renewal is processed through the statewide system, so it doesn't matter which office you visit — you'll still receive your license by mail at your Texas address.
Special situations: name changes, address updates, and medical restrictions
If you've changed your name since your last license was issued, you'll need to bring documentation of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot renew online if your name has changed; you must visit a DPS office in person.
If you've moved to a new address in Texas, you can update it during renewal. Bring a residency document showing your new address. If you're renewing online, you can update your address through the website. If you're renewing in person or by mail, the DPS staff or form will ask for your current address.
If you have a medical condition that affects your driving — such as vision loss, hearing loss, or a condition that causes seizures or loss of consciousness — DPS may add restrictions to your license. These might include corrective lenses required, hearing aid required, or daylight driving only. You'll be asked about your health during the renewal process, and DPS may request a medical report from your doctor. If a restriction is added, it will appear on your renewed license.
What to do if your documents don't match or are missing
If your identity or residency document has a different name or address than what's on your current license, bring an explanation. For example, if you're renewing under a married name but your passport is under your maiden name, bring your marriage certificate. DPS staff can usually resolve minor discrepancies on the spot if you have supporting documentation.
If you don't have the exact documents DPS requires, call your local office before you visit. DPS staff can tell you which alternative documents they'll accept. For residency, if you don't have a utility bill or lease, a bank statement, insurance policy, or government check dated within 90 days will work. For identity, if you don't have a passport or military ID, your expired Texas license is sufficient.
If you've lost your Social Security card, you don't need to bring it — you just need to know your Social Security number. DPS will verify it through the Social Security Administration's records during your renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's been expired for five years?
No, you cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been expired for more than two years. You must visit a DPS office in person. Bring your identity and residency documents, take a new photo and vision test, and you'll receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within two to three weeks.
What if I don't have a utility bill for proof of residency?
A lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, bank statement, insurance policy, or government check will work as long as it shows your current Texas address and is dated within the last 90 days. You need only one document from this list.
Do I have to take a new photo when I renew?
If you renew in person at a DPS office, yes, you'll take a new photo. If you renew online, you can choose to keep your previous photo or take a new one. If you renew by mail, you'll use your previous photo unless you request a new one.
How long does it take to get my license after I renew?
If you renew in person, you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready, valid for 45 days. Your permanent license arrives by mail in two to three weeks. If you renew by mail or online, the timeline is longer — two to three weeks for mail renewal, about 10 business days for online renewal.
Can I renew my license if I owe traffic fines or child support?
DPS will not renew your license if you owe child support or have an unpaid traffic fine that's been reported to DPS. You'll need to pay or resolve the debt before you can renew. Contact the court or child support office that issued the debt to find out how to pay it or set up a payment plan.