The fastest way to renew in Texas
You can renew your Texas driver's license online through the Department of Public Safety website if your license is not expired more than two years, you have no medical conditions that need review, and your address hasn't changed. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license. You'll receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If you don't meet the online requirements — your license is more than two years expired, you have a medical flag on your record, or you need to update your address — you must renew in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety office. In-person renewal takes 15 to 30 minutes and costs the same as online renewal.
Texas also offers a mail-in option for certain situations, though it's slower than online renewal. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks and requires you to send documents by post.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website works if your license expired less than two years ago and you have no medical restrictions.
- You'll need your Texas ID number or driver's license number to start an online renewal.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license expired more than two years ago or if your address changed.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to any in-person renewal appointment.
- A new license arrives by mail 7 to 10 business days after online renewal, or the same day if you renew in person and pay for a temporary license.
Online renewal step by step
Go to the Texas Department of Public Safety website and select "Renew Your Driver License Online." You'll need your Texas ID number or driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity using these details.
Review your current information on file — name, address, and physical description. If any of this is wrong, you cannot complete the online renewal and must go to a DPS office instead. If everything matches, you'll answer questions about medical conditions and traffic violations since your last renewal.
Choose your license type (standard, commercial, or motorcycle endorsement) and pay the renewal fee by debit card or credit card. You'll receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
Find your nearest Texas DPS office on the department's website. You can schedule an appointment online, which usually reduces your wait time to 15 to 30 minutes. Walk-ins are accepted but may have longer waits, especially in urban areas.
Bring your current driver's license or ID card, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current Texas address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). If your address has changed since your last license, the proof of residency is required even if you're otherwise may be able to access for online renewal.
At the office, a staff member will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your payment. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card. If you pay an extra $15 fee, you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot that's valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed.
When you must renew in person
Your license expired more than two years ago. The online system only works for licenses expired 24 months or less. If you've been driving on an expired license beyond that window, you must visit a DPS office.
Your address changed and you need to update it. Online renewal cannot change your address on file. You must go in person and bring proof of your new address.
You have medical restrictions or a flag on your record. The DPS may need to review your medical history or vision test results before issuing a new license. A DPS staff member will determine whether you need a new vision test or medical evaluation.
You're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL) or adding an endorsement. CDL renewals always require an in-person visit and a written knowledge test. Standard license renewals do not require a test.
Mail renewal for specific situations
Mail renewal is available if you're a Texas resident living outside the United States, a member of the military stationed overseas, or unable to visit a DPS office due to a disability. You cannot use mail renewal if your license is expired more than two years or if your address changed.
Request a mail renewal form from the Texas DPS website or call 1-888-589-6789. Fill out the form, include a copy of your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Mail everything to the address listed on the form.
Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DPS receives your packet. You won't know if there's a problem with your process until the DPS contacts you, which can delay the process further. For this reason, mail renewal is slower than online or in-person options.
What happens if your license expires while you're waiting
If you've started an online renewal and your license expires before the new one arrives, you can show the confirmation email from your renewal as proof that you've begun the process. Texas law allows you to drive on an expired license for a short grace period if you can show documentation that renewal is in progress.
If you're renewing in person and want to drive when ready, pay the $15 temporary license fee at the DPS office. The temporary license is printed on the spot and is valid for 45 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If you're using mail renewal and your license expires before it arrives, you should not drive. Mail renewal has no temporary license option, so plan ahead if your license is close to expiration.
Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)
Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must visit a Texas DPS office in person. Bring your current CDL, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
At the office, you'll take a written knowledge test covering the rules of the road and any endorsements you hold (hazmat, tanker, passenger, etc.). The test takes 30 to 45 minutes. If you pass, you'll pay the renewal fee and receive a temporary license. Your permanent CDL arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If you fail the knowledge test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no additional fee to retake the test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's been expired for more than two years?
No, the online system only works for licenses expired 24 months or less. If your license has been expired longer than that, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You may also need a new vision test.
How much does it cost to renew a Texas driver's license?
A five-year license costs $25 and an eight-year license costs $50. Both prices are the same whether you renew online or in person. If you want a temporary paper license while waiting for your permanent one, add $15 to the total cost.
What if I moved to a different address since my last renewal?
You cannot update your address online. You must go to a DPS office in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days. Your new license will show the updated address.
How long does it take to get my renewed license after I explore online?
Your new license arrives by mail 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online renewal. If you renew in person and pay for a temporary license, you can drive on the temporary license when ready while your permanent license is mailed.
Do I need to take a vision test to renew my license?
Online renewal does not include a vision test. If you renew in person, a DPS staff member will check your vision as part of the renewal process. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to visit an eye doctor and provide a vision report before your license is issued.