You can renew your Texas driver's license in person, by mail, or online depending on how long it has been expired

If your Texas driver's license has expired, you cannot legally drive. The state of Texas allows you to renew through three different methods, and which one you can use depends on how recently it expired and whether you need to change any information on your license. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles all driver's license renewals.

The fastest route is usually online through the Texas DPS website if your license expired within the last two years and you do not need to update your address, name, or other personal details. If your license expired more than two years ago, or if you need to change information, you will need to visit a DPS office in person or mail in your renewal process.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Texas DPS website takes about 7 to 10 business days and costs $16 if your license expired within the last two years and nothing on your record has changed.
  • Mail-in renewal requires you to send your expired license, a completed process form (DL-44), and the renewal fee to the DPS address listed on their website, and takes 4 to 6 weeks.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office is the only option if your license expired more than two years ago, and you will receive a temporary paper license the same day.
  • You must bring proof of residency, proof of identity, and your Social Security number to any in-person renewal appointment.
  • If you were driving with an expired license, you may face a traffic citation, though Texas law allows a grace period in some situations.

Renewing online if your license expired recently

Online renewal is available only if your Texas driver's license expired within the last two years and you do not need to change your name, address, or other information on the license. You will go to the Texas DPS website, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and pay the $16 renewal fee using a credit or debit card. The system will then mail you a new license to the address on file.

The new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. During this time, you should not drive unless you have a valid reason under Texas law — for example, driving to a DPS office to renew in person. Keep your expired license with you in case you are stopped by police, as it shows you have a pending renewal.

Renewing by mail when you cannot visit an office

Mail-in renewal works if your license expired within the last two years and you do not need to change any information. You will need to read and print the DL-44 form from the Texas DPS website, fill it out completely, and mail it along with your expired license and a check or money order for $16 to the DPS address shown on the form.

Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DPS receives your envelope. Mail can be delayed, so send your renewal at least 6 to 8 weeks before you need to drive legally. Include a return address on your envelope so the DPS can send your new license back to you. Do not drive during this waiting period unless you have a valid legal reason.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago, or if you need to change your name, address, or other information on the license. You will visit a DPS office in your county, bring the documents listed below, and complete the renewal on the spot. The office will give you a temporary paper license that day, which is valid for driving while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.

Bring your expired driver's license, proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 90 days), and your Social Security number. You may also need to pass a vision test. The renewal fee is $16 for a standard license. Wait times at DPS offices vary by location and time of day; many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online to reduce waiting time.

What documents you need for in-person renewal

Texas requires specific documents for any in-person renewal. You must bring one form of identity (a passport, birth certificate, military ID, or similar document), one form of proof that you live at your current address (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one. Bring your expired license as well, even though it is no longer valid for driving. The DPS office will keep it when you renew.

Driving with an expired license and traffic stops

Driving with an expired Texas driver's license is against the law. If you are stopped by police, you can receive a traffic citation. However, Texas Transportation Code Section 521.409 allows a grace period: if your license expired within the last 60 days and you were driving to renew it or for another lawful reason, you may not be cited. This grace period does not explore if your license expired more than 60 days ago.

If you receive a citation for an expired license, you can often have it dismissed by showing proof that you have since renewed. Contact the court listed on your citation to ask about dismissal procedures. Do not delay renewal if your license has expired, as the longer you wait, the fewer options you have and the greater the risk of a citation.

Finding a DPS office near you and scheduling an appointment

The Texas DPS website has a tool that shows all DPS offices in your county and their hours of operation. Many offices now allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can save you hours of waiting. If you schedule an appointment, arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all required documents. Walk-ins are accepted at most offices, but wait times can be 1 to 3 hours depending on the location and time of day.

Some DPS offices are busier than others. If your local office has long wait times, you may be able to visit an office in a nearby county. Check the DPS website for office locations and current wait times before you go. Early morning and mid-week visits typically have shorter waits than afternoons and Fridays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive to the DPS office if my license is expired?

Texas law allows you to drive to renew your license even if it is expired, as long as you are driving directly to the DPS office or to another lawful destination. If you are stopped by police, explain that you are driving to renew your license. Keep your expired license and proof of your appointment (if you scheduled one) in your vehicle.

How much does it cost to renew a Texas driver's license?

The renewal fee is $16 for a standard five-year license. If you renew online or by mail, you pay $16. If you renew in person at a DPS office, the fee is also $16. Some offices may accept only cash or check, so call ahead to confirm payment methods.

What if I lost my expired license and cannot find it?

You can still renew without your expired license. Bring all other required documents (proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number) to a DPS office in person. The office will look up your license record in their system and process your renewal. You will pay the standard $16 renewal fee.

How long is a Texas driver's license valid after renewal?

A standard Texas driver's license is valid for five years from the date of renewal. Your new license will show the expiration date. You can renew it anytime within 60 days before it expires, which means you do not have to wait until the last day to begin the renewal process.

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

Texas allows you to renew your license even if you have unpaid traffic tickets or fines. However, the state may suspend your license for other reasons, such as failure to pay child support or unpaid court costs. If your license is suspended, you will need to resolve the suspension before you can renew. Contact the DPS or the court that issued the suspension to find out what steps to take.