Documents and information you'll need before you renew
Texas requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current driver's license or ID card to renew in person. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) accepts a limited set of documents for each category — bringing something that looks official but isn't on their list will delay your renewal.
For proof of identity, you can use your current Texas driver's license, a U.S. passport, a military ID, or a certified birth certificate. If you're renewing after your license expired, your expired license still counts. If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.
For proof of residency, DPS accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 90 days. A bank statement, insurance bill, or government mail also works. The document must show your current Texas address and your name. A PO box does not count as residency.
Key Takeaways
- You need your current license, one form of identity proof, and one document showing your Texas address from the last 90 days.
- You can renew online if you meet age and medical requirements, but you must still renew in person if your license is expired by more than two years or if you've had a name change.
- Texas charges a renewal fee that varies by license type and how many years you're renewing for — typically $16 to $48 for a standard five-year renewal.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last moment.
- If you've moved, changed your name, or need a corrected address, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
When you can renew online versus in person
Texas allows online renewal through the DPS website if your license is still valid and you meet specific conditions. You must be between 18 and 84 years old, have no medical restrictions on your license, and not have had any address or name changes since your last renewal. You also cannot have any outstanding traffic violations or warrants.
If any of those conditions don't explore to you, you must renew in person at a DPS office. The same rule applies if your license has been expired for more than two years — DPS requires an in-person visit to verify your identity and current information. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as in-person renewal.
Even if you renew online, your new license will be mailed to you, not issued when ready. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, you must renew in person and request a temporary paper license on the spot.
Renewal fees and how long your new license lasts
Texas driver's licenses are valid for five years, and the renewal fee is $16 for a five-year standard license. If you're over 85, your license is valid for three years and costs $12. Commercial driver's licenses cost more — $48 for five years — and have different renewal rules.
You can renew up to one year before your license expires. If you renew early, your new expiration date will be five years from the date you renew, not five years from your old expiration date. This means renewing too early can shorten the total time your license is valid.
Payment is accepted in cash, debit card, or credit card at DPS offices. Online renewals require a credit or debit card. No personal checks are accepted.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license has been expired for less than two years, you can renew it by mail or online if you meet the other requirements. You'll need to mail your current license along with a completed DL-44 form (the renewal process) and a check or money order to the DPS address listed on their website.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a DPS office in person, bring all required documents, and complete the renewal process there. DPS treats this as a new license rather than a renewal, which can take longer.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you've submitted a renewal process. You should not drive until your new license arrives or you receive a temporary paper license from the DPS office.
How to renew in person at a DPS office
Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website and check their hours before you go. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. Many offices use an online appointment system, and scheduling ahead can reduce your wait time significantly.
Bring your current license, your proof of identity, your proof of residency, and any documents related to name changes if applicable. Fill out form DL-44 before you arrive — you can read it from the DPS website or fill it out at the office. Have your Social Security number ready.
At the office, you'll provide your documents, answer questions about your health and driving record, and have your photo taken. The staff will give you a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days, but processing can take longer during peak times.
Renewing online through the DPS website
Go to the Texas DPS online renewal portal and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will verify your identity and pull up your current license information. Review your address, name, and other details for accuracy.
If any information is wrong or has changed, you cannot complete the online renewal — you must go to a DPS office instead. If everything is correct, you'll pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card and submit your process.
You'll receive a confirmation number and an email receipt. Your new license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your current license to drive until the new one arrives.
Special situations: name changes, address changes, and medical restrictions
If you've changed your name since your last license, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and the legal document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. DPS will issue a new license with your updated name.
If you've moved to a new address in Texas, you can update your address during renewal. If you're renewing online, your address must not have changed. If you've moved, you must renew in person and bring proof of your new address. Out-of-state moves require a new license process, not a renewal.
If your license has medical restrictions — such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only — and those restrictions have changed, you must renew in person. You may need to provide updated medical documentation depending on the restriction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license if I'm out of state?
You can renew online if you meet all other requirements, even if you're temporarily out of state. However, your new license will be mailed to the Texas address on file. If you've moved out of Texas permanently, you cannot renew a Texas license — you must obtain a license from your new state.
What if I lost my current license?
You cannot renew online if you don't have your current license. You must go to a DPS office in person and bring proof of identity and proof of residency. DPS will issue a replacement license, which counts as a renewal if your license hasn't expired.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
Standard processing and mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. During busy periods — typically after holidays or at the end of the month — it can take longer. If you received a temporary paper license at the DPS office, it's valid for 45 days while you wait.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
Many DPS offices use an online appointment system, and scheduling ahead is strongly recommended to reduce wait times. Some offices accept walk-ins, but wait times can be several hours. Check your local office's website to see if appointments are required or available.
What if my renewal process is rejected?
DPS will contact you by mail if your process is incomplete or if information doesn't match their records. The letter will explain what's missing or incorrect and how to fix it. You'll have a set time to respond before your process is denied.