The fastest way to renew in Texas
You can renew your Texas driver's license online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer — usually 4 to 6 weeks — but costs the same. In-person renewal at a DPS office is fastest if you need the license when ready, though you may wait in line.
You're may be able to access to renew online or by mail only if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions that changed, and your address hasn't changed since your last license was issued. If any of those conditions explore to you, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the DPS website takes 10 minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days for $16 to $32 depending on the license length you choose.
- You can renew online only if your license is not suspended, you have no new medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last license.
- Mail renewal costs the same as online but takes 4 to 6 weeks, so use it only if you have time and prefer not to go online.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license is suspended, your address changed, or you have new medical restrictions, and you'll receive a temporary license the same day.
Renewing online through the DPS website
Go to the Texas DPS website and select "Renew Your Driver License" under the Driver License section. You'll need your current Texas driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will pull up your record and ask you to confirm your address and emergency contact information. You then choose your license length (four or eight years) and pay by debit card or credit card.
After you submit your payment, you'll receive a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need to check the status of your license after you've applied, you can use that confirmation number on the DPS website to track it.
Online renewal is not available if you're under 18, if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you have medical restrictions that need updating, or if you've moved since your last license was issued. In any of those cases, you must renew in person.
Renewing by mail
Request a renewal process by calling the DPS at 1-888-589-6900 or by visiting a DPS office in person. You can also read the process form from the DPS website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for $16 (four-year license) or $32 (eight-year license) to the address listed on the form.
Mail your process at least 6 weeks before your license expires to give the DPS time to process it and mail your new license back to you. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the day the DPS receives your envelope. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive, as long as it hasn't expired yet.
Like online renewal, mail renewal is not available if your license is suspended, if you have new medical restrictions, or if your address has changed. You also cannot renew by mail if you're under 18 or if your license has been lost or stolen.
Renewing in person at a DPS office
Visit any DPS office in Texas with your current driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and payment in cash, check, or card. You'll fill out an process, have your photo taken, and pass a vision test. The DPS will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot that's valid for 45 days while your permanent license is being printed and mailed to you.
In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have medical restrictions that need to be updated or removed, if your address has changed, or if your license was lost or stolen. You must also renew in person if you're under 18, if you want to change your name, or if you want to add or remove a restriction (such as corrective lenses).
Wait times at DPS offices vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less crowded early in the morning on weekdays. You can check the wait time at your nearest office on the DPS website before you go. Some offices allow you to make an appointment online, which can save you time.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This means you'll need to take the written test and the driving test again, not just the vision test. If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can still renew it using any of the three methods above.
If your license expired recently but you haven't renewed yet, you cannot legally drive. Driving on an expired license can result in a traffic ticket and a fine. If you're pulled over, tell the officer that you're in the process of renewing and show them your confirmation number from your online or mail process if you have one.
Changing information on your license during renewal
If you want to change your name, add or remove a medical restriction, or update your address, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring the documents that support the change you're making: a marriage certificate or court order for a name change, a letter from your doctor for a medical restriction change, or a proof of address for an address change.
If you're renewing online or by mail and your address has changed since your last license was issued, you'll be told that you must renew in person instead. The DPS requires an in-person visit to verify your new address before issuing a new license.
Cost and payment methods
A four-year Texas driver's license costs $16. An eight-year license costs $32. These are the only two options available for renewal. You cannot renew for a shorter period. If you renew online, you can pay by debit card or credit card. If you renew by mail, you can pay by check or money order. If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, or card.
There are no additional fees for renewal unless you're adding a restriction, removing a restriction, or changing your name. Those changes may have separate costs, which the DPS office will explain when you explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before my license expires should I renew?
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. If you're renewing by mail, start the process at least 6 weeks before your expiration date to make sure your new license arrives in time. If you're renewing online, you can wait until closer to the expiration date since you'll receive your license within 7 to 10 business days.
What if I moved and my address on my license is wrong?
You must renew in person at a DPS office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days. You cannot renew online or by mail if your address has changed since your last license was issued.
Can I renew my license if it's suspended?
No. You must clear the suspension first by paying any outstanding fines, completing a required course, or meeting other conditions set by the court or DPS. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew online, by mail, or in person. Contact the DPS to find out what you need to do to clear your suspension.
What if I lost my license before I renewed it?
You must explore for a replacement license in person at a DPS office. Bring your proof of identity and proof of address. You'll pay a replacement fee (separate from the renewal fee) and receive a temporary license on the spot. This is treated as a replacement, not a renewal, so the process is slightly different.
Do I need an appointment to renew at a DPS office?
Appointments are not required, but some DPS offices allow you to schedule one online to reduce your wait time. Check the DPS website for your nearest office to see if appointments are available in your area. Walk-ins are always accepted, though you may wait longer during busy times.