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 in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail, or online through the Texas DPS website — but not all three routes work for every person. The online option is fastest if you're under 85, your license hasn't been suspended, and it expired less than two years ago. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks. In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 30 minutes once you're called, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Before you choose a method, gather your current Texas driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're renewing in person, you'll also need to pass a vision test — bring your glasses or contacts if you use them.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is available if your license expired less than two years ago, you're under 85, and your license has never been suspended.
Mail renewal takes four to six weeks and requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and proof of residency to the DPS address on the form.
In-person renewal at a DPS office is the only option if your license expired more than two years ago or has been suspended.
You'll need proof of residency dated within the last 90 days, such as a utility bill or lease agreement, no matter which method you choose.
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renew online or in person, or within the four to six week mail processing window if you renew by mail.

Renewing online through the Texas DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and select "Renew Your Driver License Online." 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 information against DPS records. If everything matches, you'll pay the renewal fee online — currently $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license — using a debit or credit card.

After you complete the online transaction, the DPS will mail your new license to the address on file. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue driving. This route works only if your license expired within the past two years, you're under 85, and your license has never been suspended or revoked.

Renewing by mail

read or request Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License) from the Texas DPS website. Complete the form, sign it, and include a photocopy of your current license and your proof of residency. Mail the packet to the address listed on the form — currently the DPS office in Austin, though this can change. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee ($33 for four years or $66 for eight years). Do not send cash.

The DPS will process your process and mail your new license to you. The entire process takes four to six weeks from the day they receive your packet. Mail renewal works for most people, but not if your license expired more than two years ago, you're 85 or older, or your license has been suspended. If any of those explore, you must renew in person.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website and check its hours. You can walk in without an appointment, though some offices now offer online scheduling to reduce wait times. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. If your name has changed, bring the legal document that shows the change.

At the office, a staff member will verify your information, take a new photo, and conduct a vision test. You'll pay the renewal fee at the counter. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago, you're 85 or older, or your license has been suspended or revoked.

What happens if your license has been suspended or revoked

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license through any method. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the DPS. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or driving without insurance. Contact the DPS directly to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do to clear it.

Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew in person at a DPS office. Bring proof that the issue has been resolved — this might be a receipt showing paid fines, a court document, or proof of insurance. The DPS staff will verify the clearance before processing your renewal.

Renewing when your name has changed

If you've married, divorced, or legally changed your name since your last license, you'll need to show proof of the change. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and the legal document — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're renewing online, the system will ask whether your name has changed; if it has, you'll be directed to renew in person instead.

For mail or in-person renewal, include a photocopy of the legal document with your process. The DPS will issue a new license with your updated name. This process takes the same amount of time as a standard renewal.

Renewing when your license is lost or damaged

If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to read, you cannot renew it — you must replace it. Replacement is a different process from renewal and requires an in-person visit to a DPS office. Bring proof of residency and your Social Security number. The DPS will issue a replacement license with the same expiration date as your original license would have had.

If your license is damaged but still readable and not expired, you can renew it normally through any of the three methods. The new license will have a new expiration date based on the type of renewal you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while I'm waiting for my renewed license to arrive?

Yes. Your current license remains valid until your new license arrives in the mail. You can continue driving legally during the processing period, whether you renewed online, by mail, or in person.

What if I need my license before the normal processing time?

If you renewed in person or online, your license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. There is no expedited option through the DPS. If you need to drive before then, your current license is still valid. If your current license has already expired, contact the DPS office where you renewed to ask about temporary documentation.

Do I have to renew in person if I'm over 85?

Yes. Texas requires all drivers 85 and older to renew in person at a DPS office. This is true even if your previous license was renewed online or by mail. You'll need your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

What if the address on my proof of residency doesn't match my license?

Your proof of residency must show your current address. If it doesn't match your license, bring a second document that shows your current address — such as a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement — along with the first one. The DPS will update your address on your new license.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must renew your own license in person or online using your own information. Mail renewal requires your signature on the form. There is no proxy or power-of-attorney option for driver's license renewal in Texas.

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.