How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Where to renew and what you need before you start

You can renew your Texas driver's license at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail, or online through the Texas DPS website — but not all renewal types work through all three channels. The fastest route is usually online if you're renewing a standard license that hasn't expired more than two years ago. Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a DPS office typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the location is.

Before you choose your method, gather these documents: your current driver's license (or ID card), proof of Texas residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You'll also need to know your Texas driver's license number.

Check the Texas DPS website to see which renewal method applies to your situation. If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to a DPS office in person. If you need a new photo, you also must renew in person.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option for standard licenses that expired less than two years ago and takes about one week.
Mail renewal requires your current license, proof of residency, and a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your packet.
In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license expired more than two years ago or if you need a new photo.
The renewal fee is $61 for a five-year license or $123 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by credit card online, check or money order by mail, or cash or card in person.
You can find your nearest DPS office and check wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go.

Renewing online through the Texas DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS Online Services portal at dps.texas.gov and select "Driver License Online Renewal." You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and show you whether you're may be able to access to renew online.

If you're may be able to access, you'll enter your mailing address and choose your license term — five years ($61) or eight years ($123). You can pay with a credit or debit card. After you submit, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail within about one week. You can use your old license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need a new photo, if you've had a name change, or if you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). If any of these explore, skip to the in-person section below.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works only if your license expired less than two years ago and you don't need a new photo. Complete the process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-43), which you can read from the Texas DPS website or pick up at any DPS office. Fill in your current information, sign and date the form, and include a copy of your proof of residency.

Write a check or money order for $61 (five-year license) or $123 (eight-year license) made payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety." Mail your completed form, proof of residency, check or money order, and your current driver's license to the address listed on the DPS website — it varies by region. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.

Processing takes about two to three weeks from the day DPS receives your packet. You can continue using your current license during this time. If you don't receive your new license within four weeks, contact the DPS by phone or through their website to check the status.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need a new photo, if your name has changed, or if you're renewing a CDL. Bring your current driver's license, proof of Texas residency dated within the last 90 days, and your Social Security number. If your name changed, bring the certified document that shows the change.

Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website. Many offices allow you to check wait times online before you arrive. Some locations accept walk-ins; others require an appointment. If appointments are required at your location, book one through the DPS website — this usually saves 30 minutes or more of waiting time.

At the office, a staff member will verify your identity, take a new photo, and process your renewal. You'll pay $61 for a five-year license or $123 for an eight-year license by cash, check, or card. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. Bring the temporary license with you until the permanent one arrives.

What happens if your license is expired more than two years

If your license has been expired for more than two years, Texas treats this as a new process rather than a renewal. You cannot use the online or mail process — you must go to a DPS office in person. Bring your current (expired) license, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and proof of your legal name if it has changed.

You'll also need to pass a vision test at the DPS office. The staff will take a new photo and process your process. The fee is the same as a regular renewal: $61 for five years or $123 for eight years. Your new license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks, and you'll receive a temporary paper license to use in the meantime.

Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)

CDL renewals must be done in person at a DPS office — you cannot renew by mail or online. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and your medical certificate (Form MCSA-5875) if your CDL requires one. Most CDLs require a medical certificate, so check your license to see if it has a medical restriction code.

At the DPS office, you'll pass a vision test, answer medical history questions, and have your photo taken. The renewal fee is $61 for five years or $123 for eight years. Your new CDL will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. You'll receive a temporary paper license to use until the permanent one arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I don't have proof of residency?

No — proof of residency dated within the last 90 days is required for all renewal methods. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, insurance bill, or government notice. If you don't have one, contact the DPS office to ask what alternatives they accept in your situation.

What if my name changed since I got my current license?

You must renew in person at a DPS office and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS will not process a renewal by mail or online if your name has changed.

How long does a temporary paper license last?

Your temporary paper license is valid until your permanent license arrives by mail, which usually takes one to two weeks. Once your permanent license arrives, the temporary one is no longer valid. Keep both with you until the permanent one arrives, in case you're stopped by law enforcement.

Can I renew my license if I'm out of state?

If you're a Texas resident living temporarily out of state, you can renew by mail or online if your license hasn't expired more than two years ago. If your license expired more than two years ago or you need a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office in Texas or contact the DPS to ask about exceptions.

What if I lose my license before the new one arrives?

Contact the DPS when ready to report it lost. You can request a replacement at any DPS office in person. Bring your proof of residency and Social Security number. There is an additional fee for a replacement license, separate from the renewal fee you already paid.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.