How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your Texas driver's license at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail, or online through the DPS website — but not all renewal types work through every method. The fastest route depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you've changed your address, and how long you want your new license to last.

Before you go anywhere, gather these documents: your current driver's license, proof of Texas residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If you've 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're renewing by mail, you'll also need a check or money order; online and in-person renewals take debit or credit cards.

Key Takeaways

Texas lets you renew online if your license is valid, you haven't changed your address, and you're renewing for the standard eight-year term — this is the fastest option and costs less than renewing in person.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and works only if your license is still valid and you haven't moved; you'll need to send your current license and a check to the DPS address on the renewal form.
In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license is expired, you've changed your address, or you want a Real ID-compliant license; bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
Texas driver's licenses are valid for eight years, but you can renew for a shorter period if you're not yet a permanent resident or if your visa expires sooner.
The DPS mails your new license to the address on file, which usually takes five to seven business days after your renewal is processed.

Renewing online through the DPS website

Online renewal is the cheapest and fastest option if you meet the requirements. You can renew online only if your current license is valid (not expired), you haven't changed your address since you got it, and you want to renew for the standard eight-year term. You'll also need a valid email address and a debit or credit card.

Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Driver License" and then "Renew Online," and follow the prompts. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against DPS records. If everything matches, you'll pay the renewal fee (currently $33 for an eight-year license, though this may change), and you're done. The DPS will mail your new license to the address on file within five to seven business days.

Online renewal does not work if your license has expired, if you've moved to a new address, or if you want to add a Real ID star to your license. If any of those explore to you, use mail or in-person renewal instead.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but doesn't require a trip to a DPS office. You can renew by mail only if your license is still valid and you haven't changed your address. The DPS will send you a renewal form in the mail about 90 days before your license expires — watch for it and don't throw it away.

Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it back with your current driver's license and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Include a copy of your proof of residency if the DPS requests it (they'll note this on the form). Mail everything to the address shown on the renewal form. Processing takes two to three weeks after the DPS receives your envelope, and your new license will arrive by mail five to seven business days after that.

If you don't receive a renewal form in the mail, you can request one by calling the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 or by visiting a DPS office in person. Do not mail your current license without a renewal form — the DPS needs it to match your process to your record.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, if you've changed your address, or if you want to add Real ID status to your license. You'll also need to renew in person if you're not a U.S. citizen or if your visa expires before the standard eight-year renewal period ends.

Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website and check its hours — many offices close for lunch or on certain days. Bring your current driver's license, proof of Texas residency (dated within 90 days), and proof of your Social Security number. Proof of Social Security can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a birth certificate. If you've changed your name, bring the certified document showing the change.

At the office, you'll fill out an process, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. The DPS will process your process on the spot and mail your new license to the address you provide. You'll receive it within five to seven business days. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, ask the DPS office for a temporary paper license — they can issue one when ready.

Real ID and what it means for renewal

A Real ID is a driver's license with a gold star in the top right corner. Starting May 7, 2025, you'll need a Real ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your current license doesn't have the star, you can add it during renewal.

To get a Real ID, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your current license, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of citizenship or lawful presence. Proof of citizenship can be a U.S. passport, a birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, or a permanent resident card. The renewal fee is the same whether you add Real ID or not.

If you renew online or by mail, your new license will not have Real ID status. You can add it later by visiting a DPS office and paying a small fee, or you can wait and add it the next time you renew.

What happens after you renew

Once your renewal is processed, the DPS mails your new license to the address on file. This takes five to seven business days. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can keep using it to drive.

If you don't receive your new license within two weeks, contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6789. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready. The DPS can check the status of your renewal and remail it if needed.

Your new license will have the same number as your old one and will be valid for eight years from the date of renewal (or a shorter period if you renewed for less than eight years). The expiration date will be printed on the front of the card.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The renewal fee for a standard eight-year Texas driver's license is currently $33, though this amount can change. If you renew for a shorter period — for example, if you're not yet a permanent resident — the fee is lower and is calculated based on the number of years you're renewing for.

Online and in-person renewals accept debit and credit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. Do not send cash by mail. Make checks payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety." If you're paying by mail and your check is returned for insufficient funds, the DPS will contact you and may charge an additional fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license is expired. You must visit a DPS office in person. Bring your expired license along with your other documents — the DPS will still accept it as proof of identity.

What if I've moved to a new address since my last license?

You cannot renew online or by mail if you've changed your address. You must go to a DPS office in person and provide proof of your new Texas address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days. The DPS will update your address during renewal.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

The DPS mails your new license within five to seven business days after your renewal is processed. Processing time varies: online renewal is when ready, mail renewal takes two to three weeks, and in-person renewal is processed the same day. Add mail delivery time on top of processing time.

Can I drive with my old license while I wait for my new one?

Yes, your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. If you need to drive before your new license comes in the mail and you renewed in person, ask the DPS office for a temporary paper license — they can issue one when ready at no extra cost.

What if I want to change my name during renewal?

You must renew in person at a DPS office and bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS will update your name and issue a new license with the correct name.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.