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 ways to renew: in person at a DPS office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Texas DPS website. The fastest route for most people is online renewal, which takes about 10 minutes and costs less than going in person. If you cannot renew online, the next quickest option is usually your nearest DPS office, where you can walk in without an appointment at most locations. Mail renewal exists but takes longer — typically two to three weeks for processing plus mailing time.
Which method works for you depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you have moved recently, and whether you need a new photo. Understanding these requirements upfront saves a trip or a rejected process.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is available if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address, and you do not need a new photo.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license is already expired, you moved to a new address, or you want a new photo on your license.
- Mail renewal is an option only if your license is still valid and you meet specific conditions — check the DPS website to confirm before sending documents.
- Most DPS offices accept walk-ins during business hours and do not require appointments, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
- You will need your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number for in-person renewal.
Renewing online through the Texas DPS website
Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option if your license is still valid, you have not moved, and you do not need a new photo. You go to the Texas DPS website, create or log into your account, and complete the renewal form. The fee is lower than in-person renewal — currently $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, though these amounts can change. You pay by credit or debit card during the process.
Your new license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. You can use your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal does not work if your license has already expired, if you changed your address since your last renewal, or if you want a new photo. If any of those explore, you must go in person.
Renewing in person at a DPS office
In-person renewal is required if your license is expired, you moved to a new address, or you want a new photo. You can walk into any DPS office during business hours — most do not require appointments. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days). If you moved, bring documents showing both your old and new address.
The in-person fee is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days, and your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Wait times vary — early morning and weekday afternoons are usually shorter than lunch hours or late afternoon. You can check wait times for your nearest office on the DPS website before you go.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal is slower but works if your license is still valid and you meet specific conditions. You cannot use mail renewal if your license is expired, if you changed your address, if you changed your name, or if you need a new photo. The DPS website lists the exact requirements and provides a mail renewal form you must print and complete by hand.
You mail your current license, the completed form, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address shown on the form. Processing takes about two to three weeks, then your new license is mailed to you — total time is typically four to five weeks. Because of the delay, mail renewal makes sense only if you have plenty of time before your license expires and you meet all the conditions. If you are unsure whether you may have access to, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 before sending anything.
Finding your nearest DPS office and checking hours
The Texas DPS website has an office locator tool where you enter your city or ZIP code and see all nearby locations, their hours, and current wait times. Most DPS offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening hours or Saturday appointments. A few locations in major cities stay open later or offer weekend hours — the locator tool shows which ones.
If you live in a rural area far from a DPS office, you may be able to renew at a county tax assessor's office or a contracted service center instead. The office locator will show these options if they are available in your area. Call ahead if you are unsure whether a location offers the service you need.
What documents you need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Fee | Time to Receive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license (on hand, not mailed) | $16 or $32 | 7–10 business days |
| In Person | Current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of address | $16 or $32 | 7–10 business days (temporary license same day) |
| By Mail | Current license, completed form, check or money order | $16 or $32 | 4–5 weeks total |
For in-person renewal, proof of Social Security number means your actual Social Security card, a W-2, a 1099, or a tax return showing your number. Proof of address means a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 90 days. If you moved, bring documents for both your old and new address so the DPS can update their records.
What happens if your license is already expired
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew — you must explore for a new license instead, which requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a driving test. If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew using the in-person method at a DPS office. Bring the same documents as a regular renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is expired. The DPS treats an expired license as invalid for renewal purposes, so you must go in person. If your license expired more than two years ago and you need to drive before you can get a new one, you can request a temporary permit at the DPS office, though availability varies by location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I changed my name?
No, you cannot use the standard renewal process. You must go in person to a DPS office and bring your current license plus a certified copy of the document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DPS will issue a new license with your updated name. This counts as a new license rather than a renewal, so you will need to take a new photo and may need to pass a vision test.
What if I lost my current license?
You cannot renew a license you do not have. You must go in person to a DPS office and request a replacement, which is treated as a new license process. Bring proof of your identity (passport, birth certificate, or other government ID), proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You will take a new photo and pay the standard renewal fee.
How long does a renewed Texas license last?
You choose either a four-year or eight-year license when you renew. The four-year license costs $16 and the eight-year license costs $32. Most people choose the eight-year option because the cost per year is lower, but either is valid. Your choice does not affect how long the renewal process takes.
Can I renew online if I wear glasses or contacts?
Yes, you can renew online even if you wear corrective lenses. Online renewal uses your current photo from your existing license, so the DPS does not need a new photo. If you want a new photo that shows you wearing glasses or contacts, you must renew in person at a DPS office instead.
What if my address changed but I do not have a recent utility bill?
You need proof of your current address dated within the last 90 days. A utility bill works, but so does a lease agreement, a bank statement, a credit card statement, or government mail with your name and address. If you have none of these, contact your DPS office to ask what other documents they accept — some offices are flexible with recent movers who do not yet have bills in their name.