Documents and information you'll bring to the DPS office
To renew your Texas driver's license, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You do not need all of these as separate documents — one document can satisfy multiple requirements, which is why knowing what counts matters before you go.
Bring your current Texas driver's license or ID card. If you do not have it, bring a passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate. You will also need to prove you live in Texas: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days works. If your name has changed since your last license, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
You will need to provide your Social Security number. The DPS will verify it with the Social Security Administration. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still renew, but the process is different and takes longer — ask the DPS office what documents they need in that case.
Key Takeaways
- Bring your current Texas driver's license or ID, proof you live in Texas (a recent utility bill or bank statement), and be ready to provide your Social Security number.
- If your name has changed, bring the legal document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
- You can renew in person at any DPS office, by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked, or online if you meet certain conditions.
- The DPS charges a renewal fee that varies by license type and how many years you are renewing for — check the DPS website for the exact amount before you go.
- Processing times vary: in-person renewals are usually done the same day, mail renewals take two to three weeks, and online renewals take one to two weeks.
When you can renew by mail instead of going to an office
You can renew by mail if your license is not suspended, revoked, or cancelled, and if you are not renewing for the first time after turning 18. You also cannot renew by mail if you need to update your address, change your name, or correct information on your license. If any of those explore, you must go to a DPS office in person.
To renew by mail, fill out Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License) or Form DL-43 (Renewal process for Texas Driver License). You can get these forms from the DPS website or from a DPS office. Mail the form, your current license, and the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. The DPS will mail your new license back to you in two to three weeks.
Mail renewal is slower than in-person renewal, but it saves you a trip to the office. If your current license expires before the new one arrives, you can print a temporary license from the DPS website to carry with you.
Online renewal and who is not allowed to use it
Texas allows online renewal through the DPS website for some drivers. You can renew online if your license is not suspended or revoked, you are renewing for the first time since turning 18, and your license is not expired by more than two years. You also cannot renew online if you need to change your address, name, or any other information on your license.
Online renewal costs less than in-person or mail renewal and takes one to two weeks. You will receive your new license by mail. The DPS charges a lower fee for online renewal because you are not using office staff or paper mail.
If you do not meet the conditions for online renewal, you must renew in person at a DPS office. The DPS website has a tool that tells you whether you are allowed to renew online before you start the process.
The renewal fee and how long it takes
The DPS charges different fees depending on how you renew and how many years you are renewing for. In-person renewal costs more than online renewal. A four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. The DPS website lists the exact fee for your situation before you pay.
In-person renewal at a DPS office usually takes the same day. You will receive your license before you leave the office. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the day the DPS receives your process. Online renewal takes one to two weeks. If you are in a hurry, in-person renewal is the fastest option.
If your license expires before your new one arrives, you can print a temporary license from the DPS website. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and counts as a legal ID while you wait for your permanent license.
Finding a DPS office near you and what to expect
The DPS has offices in most Texas cities and counties. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website by entering your city or zip code. Some offices are busier than others — offices in large cities often have longer wait times than offices in smaller towns.
You do not need an appointment at most DPS offices, but some offices now offer online appointment scheduling. Scheduling an appointment usually cuts your wait time in half. Check the DPS website for your local office to see if appointments are available.
Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get separated. Arrive early in the day if you can — wait times are usually shorter in the morning. Bring a pen to fill out any forms the office gives you. The DPS office will take a new photo for your license, so dress as you normally would.
What happens if your name or address changed
If your name has changed since your last license, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring the legal document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption decree. The DPS will not process a name change by mail or online.
If your address has changed, you can update it during renewal. If you are renewing in person, tell the DPS office your new address and they will print it on your new license. If you are renewing by mail or online, you cannot change your address at the same time — you must go to a DPS office to update your address separately.
If you move to a different state, your Texas license is still valid until it expires. You do not have to get a new license in your new state until your Texas license expires, though most states require you to get a new license within a certain number of days of moving.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must first clear the suspension or revocation with the DPS. Suspensions and revocations happen for reasons like unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, or driving without insurance. The DPS website has a tool that tells you whether your license is suspended or revoked and what you need to do to clear it.
Once you have cleared the suspension or revocation, you can renew your license through the normal process. If you are not sure why your license is suspended, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6884 and they will tell you what you need to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than two years ago?
You can renew by mail or in person if your license expired more than two years ago, but you cannot renew online. If you renew in person, the DPS may require you to take a new written test or vision test. Call your local DPS office to ask what they need before you go.
Do I need to take a new photo for my renewal?
Yes, if you renew in person at a DPS office. The office will take a new photo for your license. If you renew by mail or online, the DPS will use your photo from your current license.
What if I lost my current license and cannot find it?
You can still renew. Bring a passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate instead of your current license. Tell the DPS office that you lost your license, and they will note it in their system. You may be charged a small fee for a replacement license in addition to the renewal fee.
How long is my new license valid after I renew?
Texas driver's licenses are valid for four or eight years, depending on which you choose. You can renew for four years or eight years each time. An eight-year license costs more upfront but costs less per year.
Can someone else pick up my renewed license for me?
If you renew by mail or online, the DPS will mail your license to the address on your process. If you renew in person, you receive your license the same day. You cannot have someone else pick it up at the office — you must be present to receive it.