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

Texas gives you three ways to renew your driver's license, and which one you can use depends on how much time you have left and whether you need a new photo. If your license expires soon or you want to change your address or appearance, you'll need to go to a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person. If your license is still valid for at least 60 days and you don't need a new photo, you can renew by mail or online from home.

The fastest route is usually online through the Texas DPS website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs less than going in person. Mail renewal takes longer but works if you prefer not to visit an office. In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if you're renewing for the first time in Texas, if your license has been expired for more than two years, or if you want to update your photo or personal information.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is available if your license expires within the next 60 days and you don't need a new photo.
  • Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and requires you to send in your current license and a completed form DL-44.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office is necessary if your license has been expired for more than two years or if you need a new photo.
  • You can find your nearest DPS office location and hours on the Texas DPS website, and many offices allow you to check wait times before you go.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to any in-person renewal appointment.

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website

The Texas DPS website at dps.texas.gov has an online renewal system that works if your license is not yet expired and won't expire for at least 60 days. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The system takes about 10 minutes, costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, and you pay by credit or debit card.

After you complete the online form, your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal does not let you change your photo, so if you want a new photo or need to update your address, you must renew in person instead.

Mail renewal by sending in your current license

To renew by mail, you'll need to complete form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License), which you can read from the Texas DPS website or pick up at any DPS office. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee—$16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license—made out to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Mail your packet to the DPS address shown on form DL-44. Processing takes about two to three weeks from the day they receive your envelope, so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon. Like online renewal, mail renewal does not include a new photo, so you cannot change your appearance or update your address this way. Your new license will be mailed to the address currently on file.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

You must renew in person at a DPS office if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you want a new photo, if you need to change your address or other personal information, or if you're renewing a Texas license for the first time. Bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days), and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form).

In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is. The cost is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, or card. You'll have your photo taken at the office, and your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to use your current license until the new one arrives.

Finding a DPS office near you and checking wait times

The Texas DPS maintains a list of all driver license offices on its website at dps.texas.gov. You can search by city or zip code to find the office closest to you, see the hours it's open, and find the phone number. Many offices now show estimated wait times on the website, so you can check before you go. If the wait is long, you can try a different office location or come back at a different time of day—wait times are usually shorter early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Some DPS offices are busier than others depending on the size of the city and the time of year. If you live in or near a large city, you may have several offices to choose from. Smaller towns may have only one office, and some very small towns may require you to travel to the nearest city. The website will show you all available locations and their hours.

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

If your Texas driver's license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must go to a DPS office in person and complete a full process as if you were getting a license for the first time. This means you'll need to bring proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of residency, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Texas residency history.

The process takes longer than a standard renewal because the DPS treats it as a new process rather than a renewal. You'll have your photo taken, and you may be required to take a vision test. The fee is the same as a standard renewal—$16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing your license before it expires versus after

Texas allows you to renew your driver's license up to one year before it expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute. Renewing early is a good idea if you're planning to travel, because it gives you time to receive your new license in the mail before your trip. If you renew early by mail or online, your new license will have a new expiration date that is four or eight years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expired.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it as long as it hasn't been expired for more than two years. Once it's been expired for more than two years, the renewal process becomes more complicated and requires an in-person visit with additional documents. To avoid this, try to renew before your license expires or within a few months after it expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license if I just moved to a different address?

If you moved recently and want to update your address, you must renew in person at a DPS office. You cannot change your address through online or mail renewal. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 90 days), and proof of your Social Security number.

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

After you renew in person, by mail, or online, your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to use your current license until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner, you cannot speed up the mailing process, but you can ask the DPS office for a temporary paper license to use while you wait.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew by mail or online because you need your current license to do so. You must go to a DPS office in person and request a replacement license. Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The office will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot.

Do I need an appointment to renew my license at a DPS office?

Most Texas DPS offices accept walk-ins for driver's license renewals, but some offices in larger cities now offer online appointment scheduling. Check the website for your local office to see if appointments are available. Even if appointments are available, you can usually walk in without one, though you may have a longer wait.

Can I renew my license if it's suspended or revoked?

No, you cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first contact the DPS or the court that issued the suspension or revocation to find out what you need to do to restore your driving privileges. Once your license is restored, you can then renew it through the normal process.