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 any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Texas DPS website. The method you choose depends on whether your license is expired, how long it has been expired, and whether you have had any address changes or name changes since your last renewal.

Before you go anywhere or submit anything, gather these documents: your current driver's license (even if expired), proof of Texas residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If your name has changed since your last license, bring the document that proves it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing online or by mail, you will also need a valid payment method.

The Texas DPS charges a renewal fee that varies depending on how many years you are renewing for. A five-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check at any DPS office or online.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name or address.
In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 30 minutes to an hour and works for any renewal situation, including expired licenses and name changes.
Mail renewal is available only if your license expired less than two years ago and you have not had a name or address change.
You must bring proof of Texas residency and proof of your Social Security number to any in-person renewal.
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after in-person renewal, or within 2 to 3 weeks after mail renewal.

Renewing online through the Texas DPS website

Online renewal is the fastest route if your license is still valid (not expired) and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal. Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Driver License" and then "Renew Online," and follow the prompts. You will need your driver's 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 the renewal fee.

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes. You pay by credit card or debit card, and your new license is mailed to the address on file. The entire process costs the same as in-person renewal — the fee depends on whether you choose a five-year or eight-year license. Your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

If the online system rejects you — usually because your license is expired or your information does not match the DPS database — you will need to renew in person or by mail instead.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

Walk into any Texas DPS office with your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You do not need an appointment. Tell the clerk you are renewing, and they will hand you a form to fill out. The form asks for your name, address, and whether anything has changed since your last license.

After you submit the form, a clerk will scan your documents, take a new photo, and collect payment. The whole visit usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that you can use to drive while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your new plastic license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

In-person renewal works for every situation: expired licenses, name changes, address changes, and licenses that have been suspended or revoked (though a revoked license may require additional steps). If you have any doubt about whether you can renew online or by mail, go in person — it is the safest option.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is available only if your license expired less than two years ago and you have not changed your name or address. To renew by mail, contact the Texas DPS by phone at 1-888-589-6789 and request a renewal process. They will mail it to you, or you can read the form from the Texas DPS website.

Fill out the form completely, include a copy of your proof of residency and proof of your Social Security number, and mail everything to the address shown on the form along with your payment. Mail the package to the DPS office listed in the instructions, not to a local office.

Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the day the DPS receives your envelope. Your new license is mailed to the address you listed on the form. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you cannot use a temporary license with mail renewal — you will need to renew in person instead if your current license is already expired.

What to do if your license is expired by more than two years

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must go to a DPS office in person. Bring the same documents: your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

The in-person process is identical to a standard renewal. The clerk will fill out your form, take a new photo, and collect payment. You will receive a temporary paper license and your permanent license within 7 to 10 business days. There is no penalty or extra fee for renewing a license that has been expired for a long time — you pay the standard renewal fee.

What to do if your name or address has changed

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The clerk will update your name in the system and issue a new license with your current name.

If you have moved to a new address in Texas, you can renew online if your license is not expired and you have no other changes. The online system will ask for your new address and update it before you pay. If your license is expired or you have other changes, renew in person and bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days.

If you have moved out of Texas and then moved back, you may need to provide additional proof of your return. Call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 before you go to an office to confirm what documents you need.

Finding a DPS office and what to expect when you arrive

Texas has DPS offices in most cities and towns. Use the office locator on the Texas DPS website to find the one nearest you, see its hours, and check whether it is currently open. Some offices close for lunch or have limited hours on certain days. Offices are usually busiest in the morning and on Fridays, so going on a Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon often means a shorter wait.

You do not need an appointment for a standard renewal. Walk in during business hours with your documents. If the office is very busy, you may be given a number and asked to wait. Bring your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged while you wait.

If you cannot get to an office during regular hours, some DPS offices offer evening or Saturday hours. Check the office locator for your location. If you live far from any office or have mobility issues, call 1-888-589-6789 to ask about mail renewal or other options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been suspended or revoked?

A suspended license can usually be renewed once the suspension period ends and you have paid any required fees. A revoked license is more complicated — you may need to take a written test or driving test before you can renew. Call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 or visit an office in person to find out what you need to do.

What if I lost my current license?

You can still renew in person at a DPS office without your current license. Bring your proof of residency and proof of your Social Security number. The clerk will look up your record in the system and issue a new license. You will pay the standard renewal fee, not a replacement fee.

How long can I drive on the temporary paper license?

The temporary paper license is valid until your new plastic license arrives, which is usually 7 to 10 business days. If your new license does not arrive within that time, contact the DPS to check the status. Do not drive after the expiration date on the temporary license.

Can I renew my license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. You need proof of legal presence in the United States, which can be a passport, visa, employment authorization document, or other approved document. Bring this along with your proof of residency and Social Security number. Visit a DPS office in person — you cannot renew online or by mail without U.S. citizenship.

What if my address on file is wrong but I do not know what it says?

Go to a DPS office and ask a clerk to look up your record. They can tell you what address is on file and help you correct it during your renewal. You will need to bring proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 90 days).

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.