What you need to bring to the DPS office

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires you to bring your current driver's license, proof of residency, and proof of identity. Your current license serves as your identity document. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current address — it must be dated within the last 90 days. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order documenting the change.

You will also need to bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card or tax return. If you are renewing a Real ID-compliant license (marked with a gold star), bring proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status — a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate. Bring the original documents or certified copies; photocopies alone will not work.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and proof of identity to any DPS office.
  • Real ID renewals require proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, such as a birth certificate or passport.
  • You can renew in person at any DPS office in Texas; you do not have to go to the office in your county.
  • The renewal takes about 30 minutes, and you will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • Bring cash or a debit card; not all DPS offices accept credit cards.

Finding a DPS office near you and checking wait times

The Texas DPS website has a location finder where you can enter your zip code and see all nearby offices, their hours, and current wait times. Visit the DPS Driver License Services page and select "Find a DPS Office" to see real-time information. Wait times vary widely — some offices have 15-minute waits while others may have waits of two hours or more, especially on Fridays and the first week of the month.

If you want to avoid a long wait, go early in the morning on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Many offices open at 8 a.m. Arriving 15 minutes before opening gives you a better chance of being seen quickly. If the office near you has a long wait, you can drive to a less busy office in a neighboring city — you do not have to renew at the office in your county.

The renewal process at the DPS office

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give the staff member your documents. They will verify that you have brought everything required and take you to a station where you will answer questions about your address, any medical conditions, and whether you want to register as an organ donor. You will have your photo taken and your signature captured digitally. The entire process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.

You will pay the renewal fee at the end of your visit. A standard five-year renewal costs $25 for a regular license or $40 for a Real ID license. You can pay with cash or a debit card; not all offices accept credit cards, so bring cash as a backup. You will receive a temporary paper license to use when ready, and your new plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What to do if your license is expired or will expire soon

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it in person — you must explore for a new license instead, which requires a written test and a driving test. If your license expired within the last two years, you can still renew it in person using the same process described above. If your license expires within 60 days, you can renew now without penalty.

Texas allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. If you know you will be out of state or unable to visit a DPS office before your expiration date, renewing early protects you from driving with an expired license, which can result in a traffic citation.

Real ID versus standard license renewal

A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID or a passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your current license is a standard license (no gold star) and you want to upgrade to Real ID during renewal, bring proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status — a U.S. birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card.

The Real ID renewal costs $15 more than a standard renewal ($40 instead of $25). If you do not bring citizenship documents and your current license is standard, you will receive a standard renewal. You can upgrade to Real ID at any time by returning to a DPS office with the required documents.

Renewing a commercial driver's license in person

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), the renewal process is different and more involved. You must renew in person at a DPS office; there is no online or mail option. You will need to pass a medical examination by a certified medical examiner and bring the Medical Examination Report (Form MCSA-5875) to your appointment. You will also need to pass a written test covering commercial driving rules.

CDL renewals take longer than standard license renewals — plan for 45 minutes to an hour. The renewal fee for a CDL is $65 for five years. If your CDL has been expired for more than two years, you must take a driving test in addition to the written test, so contact a DPS office for specific instructions before you visit.

What happens after you leave the DPS office

You will receive a temporary paper license at the end of your visit. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your new plastic license to arrive. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided at the DPS office. If you move before your license arrives, you can update your address online through the DPS website or visit a DPS office to request that your license be mailed to your new address.

If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DPS by phone or through their website to check the status. Keep your temporary license in your wallet until your new one arrives. If you are stopped by law enforcement, the temporary license is proof that your renewal is in progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than two years?

No. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must explore for a new license, which includes a written test and a driving test. You cannot renew an expired license through the standard renewal process. Contact a DPS office to learn what documents and tests you will need.

Do I have to renew at the DPS office in my county?

No. You can renew at any DPS office in Texas, regardless of which county you live in. If one office has a long wait, you can visit a less busy office in a nearby city.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport for Real ID renewal?

You can renew your standard license without citizenship documents. If you want to upgrade to Real ID later, return to a DPS office with your birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate and pay the $15 upgrade fee.

How long does it take to get my new license after I leave the DPS office?

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that is valid for 45 days while you wait. If your license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DPS to check the status.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

Bring proof of your new address dated within the last 90 days, such as a utility bill or lease agreement. You will update your address during the renewal process at the DPS office, and your new license will be mailed to that address.