How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License Online or by Mail

Texas lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person — and online is the fastest route if you're may be able to access

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) offers three ways to renew: through the online portal at texas.gov/dps, by mail using a renewal form, or by visiting a DPS office in person. Online renewal takes minutes and costs less than in-person renewal. Mail renewal takes longer but works if you cannot access a computer or prefer paper. In-person renewal is required only if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your address, or if you have certain medical conditions that require a new photo.

Your may be able to access for each method depends on how long your license has been expired, whether you need a new photo, and whether your personal information has changed. Most people renewing before or shortly after expiration can use online or mail renewal. If you're renewing after a longer gap or need to update your address, you'll need to go to a DPS office.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through texas.gov/dps is available if your license expired within the last two years and you do not need a new photo or address change.
Mail renewal requires a completed DL-44 form, a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks from the time DPS receives it.
In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your address, or if you have certain medical conditions.
Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal because you avoid the DPS office fee, though the license itself costs the same either way.
You can check your renewal may be able to access on the DPS website before starting the process.

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website

To renew online, go to texas.gov/dps and select the renewal option. You'll need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The system will verify your identity and show you whether you're may be able to access to renew online. If you are, you can complete the entire process in one session, pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card, and receive a confirmation number.

Online renewal does not issue a new physical license when ready. Instead, DPS mails your renewed license to the address on file, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your confirmation number as proof of renewal if you need to drive before the new license arrives. Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your address, or if you need a new photo for medical reasons.

Mail renewal using the DL-44 form

To renew by mail, read or request the DL-44 form from the DPS website or pick one up at any DPS office. Complete the form with your current information, sign it, and mail it along with a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current driver's license or a government-issued ID if your license has been expired for more than one year.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal because DPS must receive your form, process it, and mail your new license back to you. The entire process typically takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your envelope. Keep a copy of your form and payment confirmation for your records. If your renewal is not processed within four weeks, contact the DPS customer service line to check the status.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your address, or if you have a medical condition that requires a new photo. Bring your current driver's license or government-issued ID, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment by cash, check, or card. DPS offices do not accept money orders for in-person payments.

In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is. You'll have your photo taken and receive a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 45 days while DPS produces your permanent license. Your permanent license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. Visit texas.gov/dps to find the office nearest you and check current wait times before you go.

Address changes and other updates

If you need to change your address during renewal, you cannot use online or mail renewal — you must go to a DPS office in person. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. The DPS office will update your address in the system and issue your renewed license with the new address printed on it.

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you'll need to bring a certified copy of the document proving the change along with your ID and proof of residency. Name changes also require in-person renewal. Address and name changes cannot be made online or by mail.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Texas driver's license renewal fees vary based on the type of license and how long it is valid for. A standard five-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. Online and mail renewal accept credit cards, debit cards, checks, and money orders. In-person renewal accepts cash, checks, and cards but not money orders. The fee is the same regardless of which method you choose, but in-person renewal includes an additional office processing fee that online and mail renewal do not charge.

If you renew online or by mail, you pay only the license fee. If you renew in person, you pay the license fee plus the DPS office fee, making in-person renewal more expensive. Check the current fee amounts on the DPS website, as they can change.

What to do if you've been expired for more than two years

If your license has been expired for more than two years, online and mail renewal are not available. You must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your expired license, government-issued ID, proof of residency, and payment. You'll have your photo taken and receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you have a renewal process pending. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show your temporary paper license or confirmation number as proof that you have started the renewal process, but this does not may provide you will avoid a citation. Renew as soon as possible to avoid driving with an expired license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license online if it expired more than a year ago?

Online renewal is available only if your license expired within the last two years and you do not need a new photo or address change. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Mail renewal is also not available for licenses expired more than two years.

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

After you complete online renewal, DPS mails your new license to the address on file. It typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You receive a confirmation number when ready that you can use as proof of renewal if you need to drive before the physical license arrives.

What if I need to change my address when I renew?

Address changes require in-person renewal at a DPS office. You cannot change your address online or by mail. Bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill or lease, along with your ID and payment.

Do I have to pay more if I renew in person instead of online?

Yes. In-person renewal includes an additional DPS office processing fee on top of the license renewal fee. Online and mail renewal cost less because they do not include this office fee. The license fee itself is the same regardless of method.

Can I use my confirmation number to drive if my renewed license hasn't arrived yet?

Yes. If you renew online or in person, you receive a confirmation number or temporary paper license that serves as proof of renewal. Law enforcement may accept this as proof that your renewal is pending, though it does not may provide you will avoid a citation if stopped while your license is technically expired.

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.