Yes, you can renew by mail if you meet Texas requirements

Texas allows you to renew your driver's license by mail, but only if you meet specific conditions. You must have a current, valid license (not expired more than two years), be a U.S. citizen, and have no medical conditions or legal holds that require an in-person visit. If you may have access to, the mail renewal process takes about two to three weeks from the time the Texas Department of Public Safety receives your process.

The mail route exists specifically to avoid a trip to a DPS office. However, not every renewal situation qualifies — some changes to your license (like a new address or name change) or certain medical flags will require you to renew in person instead. Before you gather documents, confirm that your situation meets the mail renewal rules.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew by mail only if your current license is valid and not expired more than two years, and you are a U.S. citizen with no medical or legal restrictions.
  • You will need to complete Form DL-44 or DL-43 (depending on whether you are renewing or replacing), include a copy of your current license, and provide payment by check or money order.
  • Mail your completed process to the address listed on the Texas DPS website for your region, as there is no single statewide mailing address.
  • Processing takes two to three weeks after the DPS receives your process, and you will receive your new license by mail at your address on file.
  • If your address has changed, you must renew in person at a DPS office rather than by mail.

Who qualifies to renew by mail

Your license must be valid and not expired for more than two years. If your license expired more than two years ago, the DPS treats it as a new license rather than a renewal, and you must visit a DPS office in person. You must also be a U.S. citizen — non-citizens renewing a license must appear in person.

You cannot renew by mail if you have a medical condition that the DPS needs to evaluate, if there is an active legal hold or suspension on your license, or if you are renewing after a conviction for certain traffic offenses. If you have changed your name or address since your current license was issued, you must renew in person. The same applies if you want to change your gender marker or if your current license shows a restriction code that needs updating.

Documents and forms you need to mail

Start with Form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License Renewal by Mail). You can read this form from the Texas DPS website or request it by phone. Fill out all required fields, including your driver's license number, date of birth, and current address. Sign and date the form — an unsigned form will be returned.

Include a photocopy of your current driver's license (both sides if possible). Do not send the original license itself. You will also need to include payment: the current renewal fee varies, but Texas typically charges around $25 to $30 for a five-year renewal. Pay by check or money order only — the DPS does not accept credit cards or electronic payments through the mail. Write your driver's license number on the back of the check or money order.

Do not include additional documents like proof of residency or citizenship unless the DPS specifically requests them in writing. Sending extra paperwork can slow down processing.

Where to mail your process

Texas does not have a single statewide mailing address for driver's license renewals. Instead, the DPS directs mail to regional processing centers based on your county. Go to the Texas DPS website and use their office locator tool to find the correct mailing address for your region. You can also call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to confirm the address before you mail your process.

Use regular first-class mail — certified mail is not required, though some people choose it for tracking. Mail your process at least three weeks before your license expires if you want to avoid driving on an expired license. The DPS processes applications in the order they are received, so earlier submission means earlier processing.

What happens after you mail your process

The DPS typically receives mail within three to five business days. Once received, your process enters the processing queue. You will not receive a confirmation that your process arrived, so keep a record of when you mailed it and what you included. Processing takes about two to three weeks from the date the DPS receives your process, not from the date you mailed it.

Your new license will be mailed to the address shown on your process. If that address is incorrect, update it before you mail your renewal — you cannot change your address by mail renewal. If your new license does not arrive within four weeks of mailing, contact the DPS to check the status of your process. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready when you call.

When you must renew in person instead

If your address has changed since your current license was issued, you cannot use mail renewal. You must visit a DPS office in person to update your address and renew at the same time. The same applies if you have changed your name — the DPS requires an in-person visit to verify the name change with supporting documents.

You also cannot renew by mail if your license has been suspended, revoked, or is subject to a court hold. If you have a medical condition that affects your driving (such as vision problems or seizure disorders), the DPS may require an in-person medical evaluation before renewing. If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies for mail renewal, call the DPS before you prepare your process — it is faster than mailing an process that will be rejected and returned.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my license expired more than two years ago?

You cannot renew by mail. The DPS treats licenses expired more than two years as new applications, which require an in-person visit to a DPS office. You will need to bring proof of citizenship, residency, and identity, and you may need to pass a written test and vision screening.

Can I renew by mail if I changed my address?

No. Any address change requires an in-person renewal at a DPS office. You cannot update your address through the mail renewal process. If you attempt to mail a renewal with a different address than what is on your current license, your process will be rejected.

How do I know if the DPS received my process?

The DPS does not send a receipt or confirmation. Keep a record of when you mailed your process and what you included. If your new license does not arrive within four weeks, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 with your driver's license number to check the status.

What if I need my license before the mail renewal is done?

You can continue to drive on your current license while your renewal is being processed, as long as it has not expired. If your license expires before your new one arrives, you should not drive. If you need a license sooner, visit a DPS office in person for an expedited renewal.

Can I pay for mail renewal with a credit card?

No. The DPS only accepts checks or money orders for mail renewals. Write your driver's license number on the back of the check or money order so the payment can be matched to your process.