Where to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

You can renew at a Texas DPS office, by mail, or online depending on your situation

Texas offers three ways to renew your driver's license: in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Texas DPS website. Which option you use depends on whether your license is expired, how long it's been expired, and whether you need a new photo. Most people can complete the process without visiting an office, but some situations require you to show up in person.

The fastest route for most people is online renewal through the Texas DPS website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. If you're not may be able to access for online renewal, the DPS office is your next option — you'll need to bring documents and your current license, and the process takes about 30 minutes including wait time. Mail renewal exists but is slower and only works if your license expired less than two years ago and you haven't changed your address.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is available if your license expired less than two years ago and you don't need a new photo or address change.
You must renew in person at a DPS office if your license has been expired for more than two years, you need a new photo, or you're changing your address.
Mail renewal is an option only if your license expired within the last two years and your address hasn't changed, but it takes three to four weeks.
Texas DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, and you can find your nearest location and check wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to any in-person renewal appointment.

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website

Start at the Texas DPS website and select "Renew Driver License" from the homepage. You'll answer questions about your current license, confirm your address, and pay the renewal fee with a debit or credit card. The system will ask whether you want a four-year or eight-year license — the eight-year option costs twice as much but lasts longer. Your new license will arrive by mail in seven to 10 business days.

You're only may be able to access for online renewal if all of these are true: your license expired less than two years ago, you don't need to change your address, you don't need a new photo, and you're not a commercial driver. If any of these don't explore to you, skip to the in-person section below.

In-person renewal at a Texas DPS office

Find your nearest DPS office by entering your zip code on the Texas DPS website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours. The website shows wait times for each location updated throughout the day — check before you go, because some offices have waits of 30 minutes or more during lunch hours and late afternoon.

Bring these documents: your current driver's license, one form of proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address dated within the last 90 days), and your Social Security number. You don't need to bring the physical card — you can provide the number verbally. The office will take a new photo, process your renewal on the spot, and issue a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your new license arrives in seven to 10 business days.

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you're changing your address, if you need a new photo, or if you're renewing a commercial driver's license. You also need to renew in person if you're changing your name — bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.

Mail renewal for licenses expired less than two years

Mail renewal is available only if your license expired less than two years ago and your address hasn't changed. read the DL-44 form from the Texas DPS website, fill it out completely, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your proof of residency — the same documents accepted at DPS offices work here.

Processing takes three to four weeks from the date the DPS receives your envelope, plus mailing time both ways. This option is slower than online or in-person renewal and carries the risk that your documents could be lost in the mail. Most people find online renewal faster and safer if they're may be able to access.

What to do if your license has been expired for more than two years

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew — you must explore for a new license. This requires an in-person visit to a DPS office and costs more than renewal. Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of your legal name and date of birth (a birth certificate, passport, or military ID). The office will take a new photo and issue a temporary license while your permanent one is mailed.

The DPS treats this as a new process rather than a renewal because of the length of time your license has been expired. The fee is higher than renewal, and the process takes the same amount of time at the office, but you'll need to bring additional identity documents.

Commercial driver's license renewal

Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cannot be renewed online or by mail — you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and your medical certificate if your CDL requires one. The office will take a new photo and may ask questions about your driving record or any violations since your last renewal.

CDL renewal takes longer than standard license renewal because the DPS verifies your commercial driving record and checks for any disqualifying violations. Allow extra time at the office, and check the wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

Yes. If it expired less than two years ago, you can renew online, by mail, or in person. If it expired more than two years ago, you must explore for a new license in person at a DPS office, not renew. The DPS treats licenses expired longer than two years as new applications.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Your new license arrives by mail in seven to 10 business days after you renew, whether you renew online, in person, or by mail. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while you wait for the permanent one.

What if I need to change my address when I renew?

You must renew in person at a DPS office if you're changing your address. Online and mail renewal are not available when your address is different from what's on your current license. Bring proof of your new address dated within the last 90 days.

Do I have to get a new photo when I renew?

Not necessarily. If you renew online or by mail, the DPS uses your photo from your current license. If you renew in person, the office takes a new photo automatically. You cannot request a new photo without renewing in person.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew a license you don't have. Instead, you need to explore for a replacement license at a DPS office. Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of your legal name and date of birth. A replacement costs less than a new license but more than a renewal.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.