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

Texas offers three ways to renew your driver's license: at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, through the mail, or online. Which option you use depends on whether your license is still valid, how many years you're renewing for, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but you'll need to go in person if your license has expired for more than two years or if you're renewing for the first time after turning 79.

The fastest route is usually online at dps.texas.gov, which takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing by mail. If you can't renew online, the DPS office is your next option — you can find your nearest location on the same website and book an appointment to skip the walk-in line.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal at dps.texas.gov works if your license is still valid and you don't need a new photo, and you'll receive your renewed license by mail within two weeks.
  • Mail renewal takes four to six weeks and requires you to send in your current license, a completed process form, and payment, all by postal mail.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license expired more than two years ago or if you're over 79 and renewing for the first time.
  • You can find your nearest DPS office and book an appointment on dps.texas.gov to avoid waiting in line.
  • Renewal costs between $25 and $61 depending on how many years you're renewing for, and you can pay online, by mail, or in person.

Online renewal through the DPS website

Online renewal is available if your license is still valid (not expired) and you don't need a new photo. Go to dps.texas.gov, select "Renew Your Driver License" from the homepage, and follow the prompts. You'll need your Texas driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $25 to $61 depending on whether you're renewing for four or six years.

After you submit your renewal online, the DPS mails your new license to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 10 to 14 business days. You can continue using your current license until the new one arrives — there's no gap in validity. If you need your license sooner, you cannot expedite an online renewal, so you would need to renew in person at a DPS office instead.

Mail renewal with a paper process

To renew by mail, read form DL-44 from dps.texas.gov or request it by phone at 1-888-589-6900. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include the correct renewal fee: $25 for a four-year license or $61 for a six-year license.

Processing takes four to six weeks from the date the DPS receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided on the form. Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but works if you prefer not to use the website or if you're renewing for the first time after a long absence. Keep a copy of your completed form and proof of mailing in case questions arise.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

Visit a DPS office if your license expired more than two years ago, if you're renewing for the first time after turning 79, or if you need a new photo. Bring your current license (or expired license if yours lapsed), proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address), and payment. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office.

Find your nearest DPS office and book an appointment at dps.texas.gov by entering your zip code. Booking an appointment typically gets you in within a few days and avoids the walk-in queue. If you walk in without an appointment, wait times vary by location and time of day — early mornings and weekdays are usually shorter. The renewal itself takes 15 to 30 minutes once you're called.

What documents and information you need

For any renewal method, have your current driver's license number and Social Security number ready. If you're renewing in person, bring your actual license (or expired license if it lapsed) plus one document showing your current address — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail all work. If your address has changed since your last license, you'll need to update it during renewal.

If you're renewing by mail, you only need to send your current license and the completed form — no additional documents are required unless you're changing your address or other information. For online renewal, you won't need to submit documents at all; the DPS verifies your information against state records.

Renewal costs and payment methods

A four-year renewal costs $25 and a six-year renewal costs $61. You choose the length when you renew. Online renewal accepts debit or credit card only. Mail renewal accepts checks or money orders (not cash). In-person renewal at a DPS office accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card. There are no additional fees for renewing online versus in person.

If you renew online or by mail, the fee is the same. In-person renewal does not cost more. Some DPS offices may charge a small fee if you request expedited service or a duplicate license on the same day, but standard renewal has a fixed cost regardless of method.

When your renewed license arrives and how to use it

If you renewed online or by mail, your new license is mailed to the address on file. You can use your current license until the new one arrives — there's no waiting period or gap. Once the new license arrives, destroy your old one or keep it for your records; Texas does not require you to return it.

If you renewed in person at a DPS office, you receive your new license when ready before you leave. You can use it right away. If you need a temporary paper license to drive home or to use while traveling, ask the DPS clerk — they can issue one on the spot, though it's not required for in-person renewals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license if it expired more than a year ago?

If your license expired less than two years ago, you can renew online or by mail using your expired license. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office and bring proof of residency. The DPS treats licenses expired beyond two years as lapsed, which requires additional verification.

What if I moved to a different address since my last license?

You can update your address during online or mail renewal by selecting the address change option on the form or website. If you renew in person, tell the DPS clerk your new address and bring one document showing it (utility bill, lease, or bank statement). Your new license will be mailed to the updated address.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

Online and mail renewal use your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office. The DPS will take a new photo during your visit at no extra cost.

How long does it take to get my license if I renew online?

Online renewal takes 10 to 14 business days for delivery by mail. You can continue using your current license during this time. If you need your license faster, renew in person at a DPS office to receive it when ready.

What happens if I mail my renewal and never receive the new license?

Contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6900 with your process date and the address you provided. They can check the status and remail your license if it was lost. Keep a copy of your mailed process and proof of mailing so you have documentation of when you sent it.