You can renew your Texas driver's license at a Department of Public Safety office, by mail, or online depending on your situation
Texas offers three main renewal routes: in-person at a DPS office, by mail through the postal service, or online through the Texas DPS website. Which option you can use depends on whether your license is expired, how long it has been expired, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If you must go in person — because your license expired more than two years ago, you need a new photo, or you want to change information — you will visit a local DPS Driver License office.
The fastest route is online renewal at dps.texas.gov, which takes about 10 minutes and produces a temporary digital license you can use when ready while your physical card arrives by mail. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit. In-person renewal at a DPS office is necessary only in specific situations, and wait times vary widely by location and time of day.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through dps.texas.gov works if your license expired within the last two years and you do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal requires you to complete form DL-44, include your current license and a check, and mail it to the address on the form; processing takes four to six weeks.
- In-person renewal at a DPS Driver License office is required if your license expired more than two years ago, you need a new photo, or you want to change your name or address.
- DPS offices are located in most Texas cities and counties; you can find your nearest office and check current wait times on the DPS website.
- You do not need an appointment for most in-person renewals, but arriving early in the day typically means shorter waits.
Online renewal through the DPS website
The Texas DPS online renewal system at dps.texas.gov is the fastest option if your license is still valid or expired within the last two years. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a payment method (debit or credit card). The process takes about 10 minutes and generates a temporary digital license that you can display on your phone when ready.
Online renewal does not include a new photo — the system uses the photo from your current license. If you need a new photo because your current one is damaged, outdated, or you straightforward want a new one, you must renew in person at a DPS office. You also cannot change your name, address, or other personal information online; those changes require an in-person visit.
After you complete online renewal, your physical license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary digital license is valid for driving during that time. The renewal fee varies depending on your license type and how many years you are renewing for; the DPS website shows the exact cost before you pay.
Mail renewal using form DL-44
Mail renewal works for most people whose license is not expired or expired within the last two years. You will need to complete form DL-44, which you can read from dps.texas.gov or request by phone at 1-888-589-6789. The form asks for your current license number, personal information, and signature.
Include your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee (made payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety), and the completed form DL-44. Mail the packet to the address printed on the form — this address changes based on your county, so check the form itself rather than using a general mailing address. Processing takes four to six weeks from the date the DPS receives your packet, so plan ahead if your license is close to expiring.
Mail renewal does not include a new photo. If you need one, you must renew in person. You also cannot change your name or address by mail; those changes require an in-person visit to a DPS office.
In-person renewal at a DPS Driver License office
You must renew in person at a DPS Driver License office if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need a new photo, or if you want to change your name, address, or other personal information. You will also need to renew in person if you are changing your license class (for example, adding a commercial endorsement) or if you lost your license and need a replacement.
Bring your current license (or an ID if your license is lost), proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 90 days), and proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Payment is by cash, check, debit card, or credit card; the fee depends on your license type and renewal period.
DPS Driver License offices are located in most Texas cities and counties. You can find your nearest office and check current wait times on the DPS website at dps.texas.gov. Most offices do not require an appointment, but some locations now offer optional appointment scheduling. Arriving early in the day, especially on weekday mornings, typically means shorter waits than afternoons or weekends.
Finding a DPS Driver License office near you
The Texas DPS website has a searchable office locator tool at dps.texas.gov. Enter your city or ZIP code to see all nearby Driver License offices, their hours, and current wait times. Wait times are updated throughout the day and can vary significantly — some offices in rural areas may have no wait, while offices in major cities during peak hours can have waits of 30 minutes to over an hour.
Each office has its own hours, which may differ from other nearby locations. Some offices close for lunch or operate on limited schedules on certain days. Check the specific office's hours before you go, especially if you are traveling a distance. If the office you planned to visit has a long wait, you can check a nearby location's wait time and decide whether to go there instead.
What to bring for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | What You Need | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license number, Social Security number, payment method | 7–10 business days for physical card |
| Form DL-44, current license, check or money order | 4–6 weeks | |
| In-person | Current license or ID, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, payment method | Same day (physical card mailed within 7–10 days) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it expired more than two years ago?
No. Online renewal is only for licenses that expired within the last two years. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS Driver License office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and payment.
Do I need an appointment to renew my license in person?
Most DPS Driver License offices do not require an appointment, but some locations now offer optional appointment scheduling through the DPS website. Check your local office's page to see if appointments are available. Walk-ins are accepted at all offices, though wait times vary.
What if I need a new photo but want to avoid a long wait at the office?
You must renew in person to get a new photo, and there is no way to avoid the office visit. However, you can reduce your wait by going early in the day on a weekday, or by checking the DPS website for current wait times and choosing a less-busy location nearby.
How long does it take to get my physical license after renewing online or by mail?
After online renewal, your physical license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. After mail renewal, processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DPS receives your packet. Your temporary digital license (online only) is valid for driving during this time.
What if I move to a different county in Texas after renewing?
You do not need to renew your license again just because you moved. Your license remains valid until its expiration date. However, you may want to update your address with the DPS for mail delivery purposes; you can do this in person at any DPS Driver License office or by mail using form DL-43.