What documents to bring to the Texas DPS office
Texas requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current driver's license to renew in person. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) accepts a specific list of documents for each category — bringing something that looks official but is not on that list will delay your renewal.
For proof of identity, you can use your current Texas driver's license, a U.S. passport, a military ID, or a certified birth certificate. If you are renewing after your license expired, your expired license still counts as proof of identity. A passport card works; a passport book works. A school ID or work badge does not.
For proof of residency, DPS accepts a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, or a government document showing your current address. The document must be dated within the last 90 days. A cell phone bill counts if it shows your address. A credit card statement does not. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from them confirming you live there, plus the bill.
Bring your current license itself — even if it is expired, it speeds up the process. If your license was lost or stolen, bring a police report instead.
Key Takeaways
- You need your current license, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), and proof of residency dated within 90 days to renew in person at a DPS office.
- Proof of residency must show your current address and can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy.
- You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name, address, or medical conditions since your last renewal.
- The DPS charges a renewal fee that varies by license type and validity period — standard renewals cost between $16 and $27 depending on whether you choose a four-year or eight-year license.
- Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after you submit your process, and your temporary license is valid when ready.
When you can renew by mail instead of visiting an office
If your license has not expired yet and your situation has not changed, you can renew by mail without going to a DPS office. This applies only if you have not changed your name, address, or medical conditions since your last renewal, and you do not need to update your photo.
To renew by mail, you fill out Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License), include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail both to the DPS address listed on the form. You do not need to include copies of your documents — the DPS already has them on file. Mail renewal takes longer than in-person renewal, typically 2 to 3 weeks from the time DPS receives your envelope.
If you are unsure whether you may have access to for mail renewal, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 before you mail anything. Sending in an process that does not meet the requirements just delays your renewal.
How to handle a name change or address change
If you have changed your name since your last renewal — through marriage, divorce, or legal petition — you must renew in person and bring proof of the name change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order changing your name all work. You cannot do this by mail.
If you have moved to a new address in Texas, you can renew in person or by mail, but you must update your address. In-person renewal updates your address on the spot. If you renew by mail, include your new address on the form and bring proof of residency at that new address. If you moved out of state, you cannot renew your Texas license — you must get a license in your new state instead.
What the renewal fee covers and how to pay
The Texas DPS charges a renewal fee based on how long you want your new license to be valid. A four-year renewal costs $16. An eight-year renewal costs $27. These prices do not change based on your age or driving record. You pay the same amount whether you renew in person or by mail.
At a DPS office, you can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card. By mail, you must send a check or money order — the DPS does not accept credit cards through the mail. Write your driver's license number on the check. Do not send cash by mail.
If you are over 85 years old, your renewal is free, but you must renew in person and bring proof of age (your current license works). Military members on active duty can renew for free as well, but must bring military ID and proof of active duty status.
What happens after you submit your renewal
When you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while the DPS processes your permanent license. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready — you do not have to wait for the permanent one to arrive. The permanent license is mailed to the address you provided and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
If you renew by mail, you do not receive a temporary license. Your current license remains valid during processing. Once the DPS receives your process, processing takes 2 to 3 weeks, and your new license is mailed to you.
If your new license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 with your driver's license number and the date you applied. They can tell you whether it has been mailed and provide a tracking status.
Renewing if your license is expired
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew — you must explore for a new license instead, which requires taking a written test and a driving test. If your license expired within the last two years, you can still renew without retesting, but you must do it in person at a DPS office. Bring your expired license as proof of identity.
Texas does not extend expired licenses or give grace periods. The moment your license expires, it is no longer valid for driving. If you are caught driving on an expired license, you can be cited, even if you applied to renew before it expired.
Special situations: medical conditions, vision changes, and restrictions
If you have a medical condition that affects your driving — such as a seizure disorder, diabetes, or heart condition — you must renew in person and may need to provide a medical report from your doctor. The DPS will tell you what documentation is required when you call or visit. You cannot handle this by mail.
If your vision has changed since your last renewal and you now need corrective lenses, or if your vision has improved and you no longer need them, you must renew in person. The DPS will test your vision at the office. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, bring them with you.
If your current license has restrictions — such as "corrective lenses required" or "automatic transmission only" — those restrictions carry over to your renewed license unless you change them. If you want to remove a restriction, you must pass the relevant test in person (vision test for corrective lenses, driving test for transmission restrictions).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license online?
No. Texas does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and your information has not changed, or in person at any DPS office. There is no online option.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
Bring a police report of the loss to a DPS office along with your proof of identity and residency. The DPS will treat it as a renewal rather than a new process, so you do not have to retake tests. Processing is the same as a standard renewal.
How long is a renewed Texas license valid?
You choose when you renew: four years for $16 or eight years for $27. Most people choose the eight-year option because the cost per year is lower. Your choice does not affect how quickly you can renew again — you can renew early if you want.
Do I have to renew in person if I am out of state?
If your license has not expired and nothing has changed, you can renew by mail from anywhere. If you need to renew in person or your situation has changed, you must visit a DPS office in Texas. Some military members stationed overseas can renew by mail; call 1-888-589-6789 to ask.
What if the DPS office is closed or has a long wait?
DPS offices have different hours by location. Check the office locator on the Texas DPS website to find hours and wait times. If your license is not expired, renewing by mail avoids the wait entirely. If you need to renew in person, visiting early in the day or on weekdays typically means shorter waits than evenings or weekends.