Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Texas driver license in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail, or online depending on your situation. The fastest route is online through the Texas DPS website if you meet the requirements — no appointment needed, no office visit, and you get your new license by mail in about two weeks. By mail takes three to four weeks. In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the location is.

Before you go or submit anything, gather your current Texas driver license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing because your license is damaged or lost, you will need to report that to DPS and may pay a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option if your license is not expired by more than two years and you have not had certain violations or medical suspensions.
  • Mail renewal requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and takes three to four weeks from the time DPS receives your materials.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office is necessary if your license is expired by more than two years, you need a name change, or you do not meet online renewal requirements.
  • The renewal fee in Texas is $61 for a four-year license or $97 for a six-year license; you choose the term when you renew.
  • You must renew before your license expires to avoid driving with an expired license, which is a traffic violation.

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website

Online renewal is open to drivers whose license is not expired by more than two years, who have no active medical suspensions, and who have not had certain violations or restrictions on their record. You go to the Texas DPS website, enter your driver license number and date of birth, answer security questions, and review your information. You then pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. DPS mails your new license to the address on file, and you should receive it within 10 to 14 business days.

The main limitation is that online renewal does not allow you to change your address, name, or other personal information. If any of those details are wrong on your current license, you must renew in person or by mail and include the corrected information. You also cannot renew online if you have a commercial driver license (CDL), a motorcycle endorsement, or certain medical restrictions that require a vision test or medical review.

Mail renewal for drivers who cannot go in person

To renew by mail, print the process form from the Texas DPS website (Form DL-44 for a standard renewal) or request one by phone at 1-844-DPS-TXDL (1-844-377-8935). Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it with your current license, proof of residency, and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Do not send cash. Mail your packet to the DPS address listed on the form — there is a different address depending on whether you are renewing a standard license or a CDL.

Processing takes three to four weeks from the date DPS receives your materials, not from the date you mail it. To track your renewal, call the same number or check the DPS website with your driver license number. If DPS rejects your process because a document is missing or illegible, they will mail you a notice explaining what you need to send. You then have 60 days to resubmit the missing items, or your process is closed and you must start over.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

You must renew in person if your license is expired by more than two years, if you need to change your name or address, if you have a CDL or motorcycle endorsement, or if you do not meet the requirements for online or mail renewal. Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website and check its hours — many offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some have different schedules. You do not need an appointment for a standard license renewal, though some offices allow you to reserve a time slot online to reduce wait time.

Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. If you are changing your name, bring the certified document that shows the change. The DPS officer will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your payment. You will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your new license should arrive within two to three weeks.

What happens if your license is already expired

Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation in Texas, even if you have already started the renewal process. If you are pulled over, you can show the officer your temporary paper license or a receipt from DPS showing that you have applied for renewal, and that may reduce the likelihood of a citation — but it does not may provide one. The safest approach is to renew before your expiration date.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must go to a DPS office in person. You will also need to pass a vision test and may need to retake the written test depending on how long it has been expired and whether you have had any violations. Call your local DPS office before you go to ask what to bring and whether you need to schedule a time.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The renewal fee for a standard four-year Texas driver license is $61. A six-year license costs $97. You choose which term you want when you renew. If you are renewing online or by mail, you pay by credit card, debit card, or check or money order (mail only). At a DPS office, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Some offices also accept electronic transfer, so call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods.

If your license was suspended, revoked, or cancelled, you may owe reinstatement fees in addition to the renewal fee. Those fees vary depending on the reason for the suspension. Contact your local DPS office or call 1-844-DPS-TXDL to find out whether you owe any outstanding fees before you attempt to renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver license if I live out of state?

Yes. You can renew by mail or online if you meet the requirements. If you must renew in person, you will need to visit a DPS office in Texas. Some people who have moved out of state but still have a Texas address on file choose to renew by mail to avoid traveling back to Texas.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your proof of residency and Social Security number. You will pay a replacement fee (usually $11) in addition to the renewal fee. DPS will issue a temporary paper license and mail your permanent license within two to three weeks.

How long does my temporary paper license last?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days from the date it is issued. Your permanent license should arrive by mail before that time expires. If it does not, contact DPS to check the status of your renewal.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

If you renew online or by mail, DPS uses your photo from your current license. If you renew in person, DPS takes a new photo. You cannot request a new photo if you renew by mail or online.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You must renew in person or by mail and include a certified copy of the document showing the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Online renewal does not allow name changes. Bring the certified document with you or mail it with your process.