Where to renew and what documents you 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 three routes work for every person. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're under 85, your license hasn't been suspended or revoked, and you haven't changed your name or address since your last renewal. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit. In-person renewal at a DPS office is necessary if you need a new photo, have a medical condition that affects your driving, or don't meet the online requirements.
Before you choose your route, gather your current Texas driver's license and proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days. 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. You'll also need your Social Security number and a valid phone number.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the DPS website takes about 7 to 10 business days and costs less than in-person renewal, but only works if your license is valid, you're under 85, and nothing on your record has changed.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your current license and a completed form to DPS, takes 4 to 6 weeks, and works for most people whose licenses are not suspended or revoked.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is the only option if you need a new photo, have changed your name, or your license is suspended, revoked, or expired for more than two years.
- Texas driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration or up to two years after expiration without penalty.
- Renewal fees vary by license type and renewal method — online and mail renewal are cheaper than in-person renewal.
Online renewal through the DPS website
Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option if you meet the requirements. Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Driver License" and then "Renew Online," and answer the security questions based on information from your driving record. The system will ask for your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You'll pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card — currently $25 for a standard eight-year license, though this amount can change.
After you complete the online form, DPS will mail your new license to the address on file. The process takes about 7 to 10 business days from the time you submit. You'll receive a confirmation number when ready; save this for your records. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to drive legally during the wait.
Online renewal is not available if your license is expired by more than two years, if you're 85 or older, if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you've changed your name or address, or if you have a medical condition that requires DPS review. If any of these explore, you must renew in person or by mail.
Mail renewal by sending your license to DPS
Mail renewal works for most people and requires no office visit. read the "process for Texas Driver License" form (Form DL-43) from the DPS website or pick one up at any DPS office. Fill in the renewal section, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and proof of residency to the DPS address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — do not send cash. Mail the package to the address on the form; it typically goes to a DPS processing center, not a local office.
Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time DPS receives your package. Your current license remains valid during this time. DPS will mail your new license to the address you provided on the form. If you don't receive your new license within eight weeks, contact the DPS customer service line at 1-888-589-6789 to check the status.
Mail renewal is not available if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you're renewing after more than two years of expiration, or if you need a new photo or have changed your name. You also cannot renew by mail if you have a medical condition that requires DPS to review your fitness to drive.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
In-person renewal is required if you need a new photo, have changed your name, or your license is suspended, revoked, or expired for more than two years. Visit any Texas DPS office during business hours. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and any documents showing a name change. You'll take a new photo at the office, answer questions about your health and driving record, and pay the renewal fee — currently $33 for a standard eight-year license in person, though this varies.
Processing at the office is usually when ready. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while DPS mails your permanent license. Your new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, the temporary license is valid for all driving purposes.
DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, and some locations have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check wait times and make an appointment online through the DPS website, which can significantly reduce your time in the office. Appointments are not required but are strongly recommended, especially during peak times.
What happens if your license is expired or suspended
If your license is expired by less than two years, you can renew online or by mail using the standard process. If it's expired by more than two years, you must renew in person at a DPS office — the online and mail routes are not available. Bring the same documents: your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. Instead, you must resolve the suspension or revocation first. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a DWI conviction. Contact DPS or the agency that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew through any available route. If you're unsure whether your license is suspended, call DPS customer service at 1-888-589-6789 or check your status online through the DPS website.
Renewal fees and what they cover
Texas driver's license renewal fees depend on the method and license type. Online renewal costs $25 for a standard eight-year license. Mail renewal also costs $25. In-person renewal costs $33 for a standard eight-year license. These amounts are current as of 2024 but can change; check the DPS website for the most recent fees before you pay.
The fee covers the eight-year license itself and the processing cost. It does not cover any additional services, such as a duplicate license, a corrected license, or a commercial driver's license upgrade. If you need any of these, you'll pay a separate fee. Payments must be made by credit card, debit card, check, or money order — DPS does not accept cash by mail, and cash at an office location is accepted only at some locations. Ask before you go.
Timeline and what to expect after renewal
The timeline for receiving your new license depends on your renewal method. Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license when ready and a permanent license within 7 to 10 business days. "Business days" means Monday through Friday, excluding state holidays; weekends and holidays do not count.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with DPS. If you've moved recently, update your address before you renew, or your new license will go to your old address. You can update your address online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. If your new license is mailed to the wrong address and you don't receive it within the expected timeframe, contact DPS customer service to request a replacement or to verify the address on file.
Once you receive your new license, destroy your old one or keep it for your records — there's no requirement to return it. Your new license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. You can renew again up to one year before expiration or up to two years after expiration without any penalty or additional requirements, as long as your license hasn't been suspended or revoked in the meantime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's been expired for more than two years?
No, not by mail or online. You must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The process is the same as a standard in-person renewal, but the office staff will verify that your expired status doesn't indicate a suspension or revocation.
What if I've moved since my last license and need to update my address?
Update your address before you renew, so your new license is mailed to the correct location. You can update your address online through the DPS website, by mail using Form DL-43, or in person at any DPS office. If you renew before updating your address, your new license will be mailed to your old address.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person at a DPS office?
Appointments are not required but are strongly recommended. You can make an appointment online through the DPS website, which reduces wait time significantly. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait several hours depending on the office and time of day.
What if I don't receive my new license within the expected timeframe?
Contact DPS customer service at 1-888-589-6789 or check your renewal status online through the DPS website. Provide your confirmation number or license number. DPS can verify whether your license was mailed and to which address, and can issue a replacement if needed.
Can I renew my license if it's been suspended or revoked?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first by paying outstanding fines, resolving child support issues, or completing other requirements. Contact DPS or the agency that issued the suspension to find out what steps are needed. Once it's lifted, you can renew through any available method.