The fastest way to renew depends on whether your license is expired and how soon you need it
Texas offers three renewal paths: online through the Department of Public Safety website, by mail, or in person at a driver license office. Online renewal takes about 10 business days and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks. In-person renewal is same-day if you go early in the day, though wait times vary by location.
You can renew online or by mail only if your license is not expired, you have not had any address changes, and you do not need a new photo. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person. If you are over 79, you must renew in person every year.
Your current license must be valid or expired no more than two years for online or mail renewal. If it expired longer ago, or if you need a new photo, address change, or name change, you will need to visit a driver license office in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website takes 10 business days, costs $16 or $32 depending on license length, and works only if your license is not expired and you need no photo or address change.
- Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks and uses the same may be able to access rules as online renewal — no expiration, no address change, no new photo.
- In-person renewal at a driver license office is required if your license expired more than two years ago, if you are over 79, or if you need a new photo or address change.
- You will need your current license, proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of Social Security number to renew in any method.
- Texas driver license offices are busiest mid-morning and mid-week; arriving early or on a Tuesday through Thursday typically means shorter waits.
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website
Go to the Texas Department of Public Safety website and select "Renew Your Driver License" under the Driver License section. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and ask whether you want a four-year or eight-year license.
After you pay the fee online ($16 for four years, $32 for eight years), your new license will be mailed to the address on your current license. The process takes about 10 business days from the time you submit. You can use your old license until the new one arrives, even after the expiration date printed on it.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you have moved and need an address change, if you need a new photo, or if you are renewing for the first time after turning 79. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.
Mail renewal by sending your license to the DPS
Print the mail renewal form from the Texas DPS website (Form DL-44) or request one by calling 1-888-589-6789. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and payment to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $16 (four-year license) or $32 (eight-year license). Do not send cash.
Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time the DPS receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your current license. You can continue to drive using your old license during this time. Keep a copy of the form and payment receipt for your records in case the mail is lost.
Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: your license cannot have been expired for more than two years, you cannot have an address change, and you cannot need a new photo. If any of these explore, renew in person instead.
In-person renewal at a Texas driver license office
Locate your nearest driver license office using the office locator on the Texas DPS website. Bring your current license, proof of Texas residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). Arrive with these documents ready.
At the office, tell the clerk you are renewing. You will have your photo taken, answer questions about your address and any name changes, and pay the fee. Same-day renewal is standard; you will receive your new license before you leave. Bring cash or a debit card, as not all offices accept checks.
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago, if you are over 79, if you have moved and need an address change, if you have changed your name, or if you need a new photo. It is also the only option if you have any medical conditions that affect your driving or if you want to add or remove restrictions.
What documents you need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Time to Receive | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license, last 4 SSN digits, date of birth | 10 business days | $16 or $32 |
| Current license, Form DL-44, payment | 4 to 6 weeks | $16 or $32 | |
| In Person | Current license, proof of residency, proof of SSN | Same day | $16 or $32 |
When you must renew in person instead of online or by mail
In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than two years. The DPS system cannot verify your identity through online or mail channels if your license has been lapsed that long, so you must appear in person to confirm who you are.
You also must renew in person if you are 79 or older. Texas law requires drivers over 79 to renew every year and to do so in person so the DPS can assess whether any medical conditions or medications affect your ability to drive safely.
Address changes, name changes, and new photos all require in-person renewal. If you have moved since your last license was issued, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must visit an office and provide proof of your new Texas address. The same applies if you have changed your name through marriage, divorce, or legal petition.
How to find your nearest driver license office and avoid long waits
Use the office locator on the Texas DPS website to find the address, hours, and phone number of your nearest driver license office. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. Call ahead if you want to know the current wait time, though wait times change throughout the day.
Arrive early — most offices are least busy between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. when they open. Mid-morning (10 a.m. to noon) and mid-afternoon (2 p.m. to 4 p.m.) tend to be busier. Tuesday through Thursday are typically slower than Monday and Friday. Avoid the last hour before closing, when staff may not have time to process new applications.
Bring all required documents in a folder or envelope so you do not have to search for them at the counter. Have your payment method ready — cash or debit card is fastest. If you arrive without all required documents, the office will turn you away and you will have to return another day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver license if it expired more than two years ago?
No, not online or by mail. You must renew in person at a driver license office. The DPS cannot verify your identity through online or mail channels if your license has been expired that long. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to an office near you.
How long does it take to get my new license if I renew online?
About 10 business days from the time you submit your process. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your current license. You can continue to drive using your old license during this time, even after the expiration date printed on it.
What if I moved and need to change my address on my license?
You must renew in person at a driver license office. Bring your current license, proof of your new Texas address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and proof of Social Security number. Address changes cannot be done online or by mail.
Do I need a new photo when I renew my Texas driver license?
Not if you renew online or by mail — your old photo will be used. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a driver license office. In-person renewal always includes a new photo taken at the office.
What happens if I let my Texas driver license expire?
You cannot legally drive. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited for driving with an expired license. If your license expired less than two years ago, you can renew online, by mail, or in person. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person.